Volunteer in Chatham, Ashford or Ramsgate Shop
We are looking for volunteers to help in our community shops in Chatham, Ashford and Ramsgate. If you enjoy practical tasks, being around people, and doing something positive for your local area, this role could be a good fit.
SE Kitchen: a community shop for everyone
SE Kitchen is open to everyone in the community. Our shops sell a wide range of good-quality food and everyday essentials, including:
- Fresh fruit and vegetables
- Chilled and frozen food
- Cupboard staples
- Hygiene and household items
The shops help reduce food waste and make shopping more affordable for local people. They are friendly, welcoming spaces, supported by a small staff team and a larger group of volunteers.
What you’ll be doing
As a General Shop Support Volunteer, you will help the shop run day to day. Tasks may include:
- Helping keep the shop organised and running smoothly
- Receiving and putting away stock deliveries
- Pricing items and preparing them for sale
- Checking dates and rotating stock
- Filling shelves and keeping displays tidy
- Repacking food items when needed
- Cleaning the shop and equipment
- Helping make sure customers feel welcome
Optional tasks (if you’d like to do more)
- Chatting with customers and helping with simple questions
- Pointing people towards other local support or SEK services
- Learning to use the till
- Helping collect stock donations (if you drive and have a vehicle)
You can choose what you feel comfortable doing. There is no pressure to take on everything.
Who can volunteer?
You do not need any special skills or experience.
This role suits people who:
- Are friendly and reliable
- Like practical, hands-on tasks
- Are happy working as part of a team
- Want to do something useful in their community
You will meet people from many different backgrounds. Some customers may be dealing with difficult life situations, such as money worries, loneliness, or poor mental health. Support is always available, and you will not be expected to deal with anything on your own.
The shop can be busy at times, but there are also quieter periods. Let us know what you prefer.
What you’ll get from volunteering
Volunteering at SE Kitchen can help you:
- Build confidence
- Gain retail and customer service experience
- Learn new skills and try something different
- Meet new people and feel part of a team
- Get experience that can support job applications
- Make a real difference in your local community
All volunteers receive training, an induction, and ongoing support. Once you are trained, there may also be opportunities to volunteer in other Social Enterprise Kent projects if you wish.
Training and support
You will receive:
- A full induction and volunteer training
- Shop-specific training (including till training if relevant)
- Ongoing support from shop managers and the Volunteer Coordinator
- Advice and guidance whenever you need it
What our volunteers say
"I love volunteering at SE Kitchen because of the other volunteers, staff and customers. It is nice to know you are making a difference to your community and impacting on food going to waste. When I am feeling low or lonely, I know I have people at the SE Kitchen"
"I love the people you get to work alongside. Also, the general public that use the place are really lovely. Real community feel. People are happy to chat and happy to be there"
"Meeting people and helping them with their problems. I find it very gratifying to be able to help people"
Working in partnership with
