Today’s volunteer case study is inspired by Hazel, an organiser at Square 1 Café in New Malden. They saw the advertisement and signed up, running the Café for two Saturday’s a month. Hazel has since completed a First Aid Course, learnt how organise events, earned food hygiene certificates and made heaps of new friends and memories through volunteering.
Volunteer Role and Organisation
Organiser at Square 1 Café in New Malden
How did you find out about the volunteering role?
I saw the advert for Square 1 Café and I thought what a lovely idea. I had volunteered during covid for vaccinations and I enjoyed that very much. Square 1 seemed like a wonderful place to meet and help people through chatting and playing games in a friendly atmosphere.
Tell us about your volunteering role(s). Brief synopsis of the role, what you do/did day to day. What training did you receive/are you receiving? What are you enjoying/did you enjoy most about your volunteering role?
I am an Organiser for Square 1 Café and I set up and run the café on two Saturdays per month. This includes shopping for the sandwiches we make, and setting up the venue ready for customers who arrive at 12pm. We have around three of us that help on the day and we al share making tea and coffee, sandwiches and chatting and playing board games with the regular customers we have. I have since started to organise the rota.
I was trained by Tony Williams who started the café. I had an online induction and also a Saturday where I shadowed him and he taught everything I needed to do. I have since done a First Aid Course and there was also online training including food hygiene certificates.
I absolutely enjoy every moment of the café we run and I know three customers very well now and it is such a lovely friendly place where people come and enjoy chatting, playing board games, sitting in the garden and eating a healthy sandwich and cakes which are donated by supermarkets.
What has been the best thing about your volunteering experience?
I think every Saturday seeing friendly faces and to see how happy it makes people and also to chat to everyone.
Can you sum up your experience in three words?
Fun, Fulfilling, Rewarding
A massive thank you to Hazel for completing our volunteer survey. Keep up with our social media channels for more opportunities. Check out our website, Facebook, and BlueSky.
Fancy getting involved in volunteering? Not sure where to start? Check out our resource page here.