The charity has no staff. Everything that happens here is done by people who decided to give up an evening.
What volunteers actually do
Sorting and checking
Going through what has come in, checking condition, matching sizes, spotting the things we cannot pass on. This is most of the work and it is where we are most often short.
Laundry
Washing at home, in your own time, a bag at a time. Good if you cannot commit to a fixed slot.
Packing
Making up a bundle against a referral. Satisfying work — it is the point at which a pile of donations turns into something a family can use.
Driving
Collections and deliveries around [AREA]. You need a car, insurance that covers voluntary work, and a clean licence. We cover fuel.
Behind the scenes
Fundraising, grant applications, social media, keeping the stock list honest. If you have done any of this in a job, it is worth more to us than you think.
What we ask
- Turn up when you said you would, or tell us you cannot
- Keep what you see to yourself — you will handle referrals with families’ names on them
- [X HOURS] a [WEEK / FORTNIGHT / MONTH], though we would rather have two reliable hours than a vague promise of ten
You do not need experience with babies, a car, or any qualification at all. Several of our most useful volunteers have never changed a nappy in their lives.
Checks
Most roles need no check at all, because most volunteers never meet a family. [CONFIRM WHICH ROLES REQUIRE DBS — typically drivers delivering to homes and anyone handling referral data.] Where a check is needed we arrange it and we pay for it.
How to start
Email chair@avonvalleybabybank.org.uk and say roughly when you are free and what you fancy doing. There is no form and no interview. Come along once and see whether you like it.