Role Purpose: This role is based around meeting and interacting with the residents of one of YMCA Downslink Group’s residences over a meal where we look to build relationship and foster community in a non-judgemental setting. The staff work to help the young people gain independent skills to live on their own or move to a lower support housing scheme.

Our values: we welcome, we support, we inspire

Responsibilities: Cook a meal a few times a month on a set day, the set day depends on which location you will be at, for approximately 10 people (staff, residents, and chaplains). You will need to help foster community with residents and encourage and support them in their various interests by sign posting them to various faith organisations or to the staff team at the residence.

Volunteer Person Specification: Experience working with vulnerable young people. Trauma informed approach to community engagement. Experience cooking for large groups of people. A friendly, approachable, and non-judgemental disposition.

Commitment and Expectations: A completed DBS check will be required for the role. An interview will also be required if your application is successful. If you cannot attend a chaplaincy session, please give at least a week notice so that we can find cover for your session. You are asked to commit to at least a year of volunteering, so that residents have some continuity. All volunteers are asked to complete some YMCA DLG mandatory training when they commence their role. We also offer a variety of additional training opportunities and encourage our volunteers to utilise the courses available.

Contact: Elly.McKay-Smith@ymcadlg.org (East Sussex and Guildford), Danielle.Fray@ymcadlg.org (West Sussex), or Isaac.Watson@ymcadlg.org (Brighton and Hove).