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Drive and host volunteer role
Christmas Cheer 2024
Join our volunteer family
Each year, our small team at Marmalade HQ are overwhelmed with how many kind people offer their time to support their community. Through our Christmas Cheer and Marmalade Companion projects, we reach out to those most at risk of loneliness, guiding them to vital support and empowering them to make new friendships and connections.
Joining us as a volunteer not only changes lives but also offers a chance to forge lasting friendships, enjoy meaningful experiences, and truly connect with your community. We are so grateful for the kindness and generosity of our volunteers, many of whom have been with us since the beginning! Marmalade volunteers say they feel supported and valued and enjoy meeting new, like-minded people.
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Volunteers are at the heart of our Marmalade family, and we could not do what we do without you!
Role outline
As a Drive and Host volunteer, you will be responsible for collecting two Marmalade Christmas project members (our service users) from their homes on Christmas Day and driving them to one of our host venues in Bristol or South Gloucestershire (typically a pub or restaurant). You will be seated at a table with two other volunteers and approximately seven members, and join in the meal. Donations towards the cost of your are meal encouraged.
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We aim to match you to members based on location and what (if any) additional support they require. You will be there to create a warm, friendly, supportive, inclusive and fun environment for our members and ensure they receive a gift hamper at the end of their meal and get them to and from the venue safely. This role is suited to volunteers who can spare several hours over lunchtime on Christmas Day, and priority is given to those volunteers also spending the day alone.
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Our members
Our Marmalade project members vary in age and ability, but all experience social isolation and/or loneliness and would otherwise be on their own on Christmas Day. Some of our members are not used to engaging with people so they will require a friendly face and supportive and reassuring volunteers around them.
Role criteria
Essential - You must:
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Be able to stay for the Christmas Day meal and eat with members and other volunteers
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Be over 18
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Ideally, live in the Bristol region
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Have access to your own transport
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Be able to give two suitable references for a reference check (if a new volunteer)
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Be able to complete an original photo ID check (for new volunteers)
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Be able to attend a training session (online via Zoom or in person)
Please note, this role will need you to:
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Be friendly and approachable – ensuring members and other volunteers feel comfortable throughout the day
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Be a good listener and communicator – to effectively liaise with and support our members, volunteers, and the venue
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Have an understanding of loneliness and the effect this can have on someone (i.e. loss of confidence in new social situations)
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Commitment required
November
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Attend an online/in-person training session to give you information on your role. This will also give you an opportunity to meet other volunteers
Late November/early December
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Receive confirmation on which members and venue you have been matched with, as well as contact details of the venue coordinator (also a volunteer)
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Call members to introduce yourself so that they feel comfortable about who they will be with on Christmas Day.
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Let us know any dietary requirements Please note, we kindly ask volunteers to contribute towards the cost of the meal. We suggest a donation of £40 but anything helps.
December
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Call members to check in with them in mid-December, confirm timings, and report any changes in health/mobility or concerns to us
Christmas Eve
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Call allocated members to remind them about the event and the transport arrangements and timings.
Christmas Day Event
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Collect member(s) at approximately 11:00/11:30 from their home (depending on location/time required to support member etc)
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Support member(s) to your car – ensuring they have locked up the house; have their house keys/mobility aid and any medications required
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Drive member(s) to the venue and support them from the car into the venue
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Enjoy a meal together, tables of 8 with 2 volunteers and 6 members per table. Help to ensure everyone is included. Assist if member(s) need to get up to use facilities
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At approximately 14:00/14:30 take your member(s) home, and settle them in
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Once you have taken your member(s) home, confirm this with the Event Coordinator or Venue Volunteer, by text message
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Your job is now complete! You can enjoy the remainder of your day happy in the knowledge that you have enabled people experiencing loneliness to have companionship and fun on Christmas Day
Between Christmas and New Year
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Call member(s) to check in and wish them a Happy New Year.​
How to apply
If you meet the essential criteria above and would like to volunteer with us, please complete the volunteer form below. If you have any queries about the roles, please contact our Volunteer Coordinator, Helen Ker-Bridges: Christmas@marmaladetrust.org | Phone: ​07942 359343. Once your application has been received, we will aim to contact you within 10 days to confirm availability and discuss your role. Your patience is appreciated as we are a small team. Thank you!
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** Please note, this role has now been filled **
Other volunteering roles
This role involves collecting two members on Christmas Day and driving them to one of our host venues. You'll enjoy a meal with other volunteers and members, and help create a warm, friendly, inclusive environment. You'll transport members back home from the venue safely.
Perfect for: Friendly, reliable people with a car, keen to spread some Christmas cheer
This role involves visiting two of our members on Christmas Day, having a chat on the doorstep and delivering a festive hamper gift. Find out how they are and bring a bit of Christmas cheer. Some of our members are unable to attend one of our events, so a doorstep visit can really make their day!
Perfect for: Friendly, reliable people keen to spread some Christmas cheer
This role involves driving one or ideally two members from their homes, driving them to one of our host venues, and driving them home again afterwards. This role is suited to volunteers who can spare approximately one hour in the morning and one hour in the afternoon on Christmas Day.
Perfect for: Friendly people with a car and around two hours to spare on Christmas Day
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Lead venue volunteer →
** This volunteer role has now been filled **
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Perfect for: Organised, friendly and reliable people who make others feel special
