So what does a Volunteer co-ordinator do? pt1

So what does a Volunteer Co-ordinator do? 

Well the simplest answer is- organises volunteers but that's not all I do! 

It needs over 100 volunteers a week to run our current services at Northampton Jesus Centre which includes a Community cafe,offering a reasonably priced menu and the opportunity for a few minutes peace and quiet away from the busy Northampton High Street; a drop in with laundry and shower facilities, drinks and snacks and a listening ear or support for those wanting to make positive changes in their lives. Then there's there's support, signposting and English conversation offered through New to Uk and Talk English services or for those looking for a more academic approach to reading and writing English to a high standard there are ESOL classes with trained tutors and classroom assistants. For the rest of the community there are a wide range of creative and social groups and groups for those who are spiritually searching. We also need cleaners, receptionists, meeters & greeters, listeners, people with administration and finance skills, people to fundraise, be involved with our publicity & promotion, lettings management, maintenance, most importantly people who love God, love people and are willing to serve in what ever ways they can. In fact I made a list the other day & counted 68 different roles that are needed and roles like the drop in and cafe volunteers, reception and meeters & greeters need many more than just one of them in order to run services. 

Currently, we're always at least 10 volunteers a week short, during our day time opening, some times more during holiday periods, even on our basic minimum requirements to open the core services (drop in, cafe, reception, front line) 

That means a lot more work for the Volunteer co-ordination team in trying to fill gaps so we can open or a lot more pressure on the staff and current volunteers who have to do more.

This blog is a way of hi-lighting the needs and also the benefits of volunteering. So if your looking for a challenge, an opportunity to grow, serve, have your love & your patience stretched, work as part of a team, learn new skills, discover your potential, a new ministry or simply share the love of Jesus with our visitors in practical ways then read on...