Description

Help to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, as well as malnutrition amongst older people by becoming a Volunteer Cook. You do not need to be a Jamie or Nigella to get involved – just the ability to prepare an extra portion of your meal once a week to drop off with an older neighbour and have a light hearted blether with them.

The role is fun, flexible and can be done at a time that suits you! You will be paired with one of our older Diners who lives in your area and will regularly prepare an extra portion of your meal (usually once a week but this is flexible and can be fortnightly depending on availability) to deliver to them and have a friendly chat.

After each visit, you will then complete our simple, online Meal Share Report so we can keep any eye on how your pairing is going and provide any support needed. Volunteers should also inform staff of any accidents, incidents or complaints. Meal Makers would also expect volunteers to maintain confidentiality and keep within the boundaries of the role.

Organisation aims and objectives

Our aim is to support older people to live independently at home by helping to reduce food poverty and malnutrition, improve diets and combat social isolation by breaking down the barriers that lead to loneliness. We are also hoping that the project will help to strengthen connections within communities and provide a flexible way for people to volunteer their time and skills locally in a way which suits them.

Restrictions

There are no restrictions on who can be a cook, although if the cook is under 18, parental permission and supervision is required.
Experience required: No formal cooking qualifications are required, but volunteers must have, at the very least, basic home cooking skills. Cooks must complete an online food hygiene questionnaire and a PVG check before being accepted as a Meal Maker.
Travel details: Volunter meal makers will be matched with someone in their local area.

Support

Taster available: Yes
Support: Named Contact For Volunteer