Van Driver / Van Crew
Changing Lives
| Name: | Van Driver / Van Crew |
| Organisation: | Changing Lives |
| Location: | Changing Lives Charity, Unit 2a Kimberley Road, Clevedon, BS21 6QJ |
| Type: |
Part Time
We are looking for people who are able to commit to a full 7.5 hour shift on a regular day or days.
|
Description
Are you fit and healthy and enjoy being on the move? Do you have a good sense of direction? If so, then we may have a volunteering opportunity right up your street!
We are a local, Clevedon-based charity, which works alongside people who have experienced trauma in their lives and supports them to overcome any barriers they may face, with a view to returning to work (or even entering employment for the first time).
We are currently looking for volunteers to help us on our small van fleet, collecting donations and ‘bulky waste’ items, and delivering sold goods, across North Somerset
This role operates from our Clevedon Community ‘Hub’ and consists of the following activities:
• Loading and unloading vans, using the tailgate lift, security straps etc.
• Moving stock into and around the warehouse and shops
• Helping to plan efficient van routes
• Delivering items into, and collecting from, customers’ homes
• Speaking to customers over the phone to notify them of estimated times of arrival
• Quality controlling donated items to decide which are acceptable for re-sale and which items may need to be disposed of
• Helping to carry out van checks and ensuring they are kept clean and tidy
You will receive:
• Manual handling training to ensure items are moved safely (including taking responsibility to ensure all PPE - Personal Protective Equipment - is worn).
• Banksman training to assist driver with safe manoeuvring of vans.
This list is not exhaustive and is subject to change depending on current staffing and volunteering levels
Request Organisation Contact Details
Organisation Description
Changing Lives Charity (CLC) is a North Somerset-based, Christian organisation, formed in 2015. Its aim is to help those who find themselves in need because of poverty, addiction, poor education, leaving care or the criminal justice system.
The vision of CLC is to assist individuals in changing their lives and helping them to prepare for a more fulfilled and purposeful future. It is a non-discriminatory organisation and works with people of all faiths or no faith.
We provide community support through our network of shops, retail warehouse and services provision to North Somerset Council (NSC), which offers affordable second-hand furniture and household items to those of limited means.
Changing Lives require volunteers to help as Retail Assistants, Driver’s Mates and Upcycling Assistants. Volunteers are a mixture of long-term unemployed people who need to increase their confidence and CV, and those who support the charity by giving some of their extra time to help in the shops.
One of the functions of volunteering with Changing Lives is that it acts as a supportive ‘stepping-stone,’ for those who have been long-term unemployed, towards a more settled and purposeful future consisting of paid employment and independent living.
CLC secures funding for Andrew House in Clevedon, which provides supported living for up to 11 men in recovery from chemical/substance addiction. Surplus income from Changing Lives shops goes towards running Andrew House.
When
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Cause / Interests
- Drugs and Addictions
- Homeless and Housing
- Mental Health
- Poverty and Debt
- Prisoners and Ex-Offenders
Types of Activity
- Retail and Charity Shops
Skills and Qualifications
Requirements
Possession of a full, relevant and clean driving licence is a pre-requisite if you are interested in the driving role, but is not required for van crew members.
The ability to safely lift and manoeuvre large, bulky items of furniture – sometimes up and down flights of stairs – is essential.
We are looking for friendly, approachable, open-minded people with a positive outlook, bags of enthusiasm and a good sense of humour. Good communication and teamwork skills, a willingness to learn and the ability to remain calm under pressure would also stand you in good stead for a volunteering role here at Changing Lives!
Benefits
A volunteering role with us would mean that you are playing a part in helping to transform the lives of the people who we support through our Charity, and the Volunteer Plus programme that is an integral part of our work.
As well as something highly desirable to put on your CV, and potential source of a reference, volunteering with us is a great opportunity to meet and make new friends in a fun, friendly (and sometimes frantic) environment, whilst doing something worthwhile, in the knowledge that you are helping others to get their lives back on track.
Additional/Specific Suitabilities
| Minimum Age: | 18 | |
| Maximum Age: | NA | |
| Disabled Access: | No | |
| Wheelchair Access: | No | |
| Expenses: | Travel expenses reimbursed and food/drink allowance offered, subject to qualifying criteria being met (e.g. minimum of 5 hour shift; in receipt of state benefits etc.) | |
| Restrictions: | Applicants for the van driver role must possess a full, clean driving licence. | |
| Induction: | Yes | |
| Insurance Cover: | Yes | |
| Special Needs: | We support a number of volunteers with a variety of Special Needs | |
| Offer: | Yes – dependent on availability of staff/volunteers to support the individual | |
| Training: | Full induction for all, and training given to support the volunteer in their specific role | |
| Other: | NA |
Recruitment Method
Application form, Informal discussion, References