At NOAH Enterprise, we are dedicated to providing practical help to those in our community who are most in need. We rely on the support of our wonderful volunteers to make a difference in the lives of the disadvantaged. If you are considering giving some of your time to help those less fortunate, we sincerely thank you for your generosity and compassion.
Volunteering with NOAH Enterprise can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Whether you choose to support rough sleepers, deliver furniture to impoverished families, or work behind the scenes, your contribution will have a meaningful impact on the lives of those in very difficult situations. We offer a range of volunteer roles across our Welfare Centre, Academy, Social Enterprise, and other areas. By joining our family of dedicated individuals, you will become part of a team that strives to make positive changes in our community.
Volunteer at our Welfare Centre
Our welfare centre, located at 141 Park Street, Luton, LU1 3HG, is at the heart of our organization. We provide primary support, such as food, to those who are homeless and in need. Additionally, we offer secondary support, including housing and benefit assistance, through our welfare services. We are always open to welcoming new volunteers who can dedicate their time to helping us support those in need.
Kitchen Assistant
Role Description: As a kitchen assistant, you will play a crucial role in preparing and serving meals to the most vulnerable members of our community. Your responsibilities will include preparing fruits and vegetables, making and serving drinks, clearing the dining room, and washing up. By supporting our chef in meal preparation and service, you will contribute to the efficient delivery of meals to those in need.
Working Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 10:00 am - 2:00 pm
- Saturday and Sunday: 11:30 am - 2:30 pm
Games/Activities Engager
Role Description: In this client-facing role, you will have the opportunity to engage with our service users through games, one-to-one conversations, and various activities. You can initiate gardening, planting, craft activities, or assist individuals in using computers. By providing social interaction and companionship, you will make a positive impact on the lives of our service users.
Working Hours:
- Monday to Friday: 9:00 am - 3:45 pm (2:00 pm on Tuesday)
- Saturday and Sunday: 10:00 am - 3:00 pm
Street Outreach Assistant
Role Description: As a street outreach assistant, you will support our outreach team in helping individuals who are sleeping rough on the streets, in car parks, bus shelters, under bridges, and in abandoned derelict buildings. Your aim will be to engage with these individuals, connect them with NOAH's services, and help them find safe accommodation.
Working Hours: Various hours and locations throughout Bedfordshire.
Volunteer at our Academy
The NOAH Academy plays a vital role in offering educational training to our service users and the wider community. Our primary focus is on building confidence and self-esteem, helping our learners reintegrate into employment through a variety of courses. We have volunteering opportunities available in Luton, Bedford, and Central Bedfordshire.
Teaching/Classroom Assistant
Role Description: We are looking for capable individuals to support the delivery of our lessons as classroom assistants. Our classes cover a range of topics, including basic IT skills, ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages), employability, and creative courses such as cookery, sewing, and crafts. As a classroom assistant, you will work directly with the teacher to create an optimal learning experience for our clients.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Interpretation
Role Description: We are constantly in need of interpreters who speak a variety of European and Asian languages, including Urdu, Punjabi, Arabic, Russian, Polish, Romanian, Spanish, and French. By getting involved in this role, you will help us better communicate with and support some of our most vulnerable learners.
Working Hours: Timing flexible/ad hoc
Mentoring
Role Description: Mentoring and support are key components of our service delivery. We are seeking skilled individuals to provide ongoing support to our learners, helping them grow in confidence, reach their potential, and ultimately re-enter the workforce. If you have the ability to speak a different language, it would be desirable for this role.
Working Hours:
- Thursday and Friday: 9:30 am - 12:30 pm
- Flexible timing/ad hoc also available
Administration
Role Description: As an administrative volunteer, you will provide support to ensure the smooth running of the Academy. This includes answering telephone calls, coordinating educational activities, and assisting with general administrative tasks.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Cleaner
Role Description: We require volunteer cleaners to help us maintain a pleasant and hygienic environment across our organization. Your assistance in keeping our buildings and facilities clean and professional will contribute to creating a welcoming space for the people we serve.
Working Hours: Monday to Friday: 4:00 pm - 5:00 pm
Volunteer in Social Enterprise
NOAH's Social Enterprise plays a vital role in supporting our community through charity shops and providing valuable life skills training to our service users. By volunteering in our social enterprise, you can make a difference in multiple ways.
Store Associate
Role Description: As a store associate, you will support our local communities by serving customers in our charity shops. Your responsibilities will include customer service, retail tasks, merchandising, and maintaining store standards. You will have the opportunity to learn about NOAH's story and help customers with their purchases.
Working Hours: Hours dependent on location
Stock Sorter
Role Description: This busy role is based in our Store Support Centre, where you will be involved in stock administration and management. Your tasks may include sorting donations, preparing store orders for delivery, answering telephone inquiries, and counting stock. You will also provide guidance on the Gift Aid process.
Working Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Associate Conveyor
Role Description: As an associate conveyor, you will play a vital role in overseeing the uplift of overstock from stores, maintaining records, and delivering weekly orders from the Support Centre to our stores. This role requires a full and clean driving license, as well as the necessary documents for identity and insurance purposes.
Working Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
E-Commerce & Marketing Associate
Role Description: In this role, you will be responsible for managing our sales platforms, utilizing social media and other resources to promote NOAH's shops. You will work closely with the Digital Marketing & Training Officer and the Retail Operations Manager to implement the retail marketing strategy. IT skills, confidence, and a creative flair are required for this role.
Working Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Lead Associate
Role Description: As a lead associate, you will have the opportunity to directly support our site managers and lead other associates. This role carries a high level of responsibility and is ideal for volunteers who have been with NOAH for an extended period. Further skills development, enhanced training, and an Enhanced NOAH SE Record of Achievement are available for those stepping into lead associate positions.
Working Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
Other Opportunities
Events Assistant/Stall Assistant
Role Description: We are always looking for volunteers to help us at local community events. Your tasks may include setting up and taking down equipment, marshaling, collecting donations, and engaging with the community to raise awareness of NOAH's services.
Working Hours: Various hours on weekdays and weekends
What Happens Next?
Once we receive your volunteer form, a member of our staff will contact you to arrange a telephone interview. During this interview, we will discuss the opportunities available at NOAH Enterprise and answer any questions you may have. Depending on the role you are applying for, we may request character references. After the interview, you will be invited to visit the project you have applied to volunteer for. During this visit, we will have an informal chat about your application, provide you with a volunteer handbook, and discuss the key competencies of the role. We will also fill out any required paperwork and discuss relevant training for your volunteering experience.
On your first day of volunteering, you will receive an induction that covers essential information, such as fire evacuation procedures and the location of amenities. You will also receive a full explanation of your role and a training plan to support your development. This plan will be reviewed every three months with your assigned mentor to ensure your ongoing growth and progress.
At NOAH Enterprise, we prioritize the safety of our clients and staff. Therefore, we conduct DBS checks and safeguarding checks as appropriate for certain roles. Please be aware that we may reject an application based on risk assessments at any stage of the process. If you have any questions or concerns at any point during the volunteering process, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Thank you for considering volunteering with NOAH Enterprise. Your dedication and support are invaluable in helping us make a positive impact on the lives of those in need. Together, we can create a stronger and more compassionate community.