Volunteering

Volunteers are an incredibly important part of our organisation. They play an essential part in helping us to alleviate the worst effects of poverty. We highly appreciate the time, resources and energy each of our volunteers invests.

If you would like to volunteer with us – for instance to help us achieve our mission; learn new skills; or make new friends – please have a browse through our volunteering opportunities below.

If you're interested in any of the opportunities below but lack experience, feel free to drop by a session - our volunteers and friendly staff will be happy to help you get started!

Blackhill’s Growing 🌱

Roles:

Planting seeds
Clearing the garden
Help build infrastructure for the farm
Harvesting fruits and veg

What you can expect:

Get hands-on experience in every part of the growing process
A warm welcome to the gardening gang and a chance to meet new people
A chance to take home some seasonal produce you helped grow
Learn some new gardening skills and tips

All are welcome to drop in; you can stay for as long or as little as you like. :)

Contact:

Please contact Sasha via sasha@spyf.org.uk if you are interested.

Pondy Pantry (Wednesdays) 🥗🧺
Pondy Pantry is a membership-led shop that provides access to affordable and nutritious food, as well as some household essentials. Volunteers keep the pantry running. All volunteers can be part of setting up and organising if they wish.

Roles:

Costumer assistant (2pm-5pm):

A friendly, social role where you'll welcome members and help them navigate the food selection. Great if you enjoy a chat!

Stock management assistant (11-12pm):

Perfect for those who love structure and organisation. You'll help unpack, sort, and restock keeping everything in order for the day ahead.

Food Collection Driver (10-11:30):

Collect food donations using the SPYF e-van (no personal vehicle required). An ideal role if you enjoy being on the move and helping behind the scenes to keep the pantry fully stocked.

Contact:

Please contact Sasha via sasha@spyf.org.uk if you are interested.

On Bikes 🚲🚲
On Bikes provides bike repairs, loans, and workshops for the local community — making cycling more accessible for anyone who wants to give it a go. The On Bikes team also has special adaptive cycles and support for those with mobility impairments, so you can also get involved with supporting that side

Roles:

Bike mechanic:

Love getting hands-on? Learn and improve your skills in bike repair and maintenance.

Bikeability Facilitator:

Help local school children develop their confidence and skills for cycling on roads. Training will be provided for facilitators.

Bike shop assistant:

A great role if you enjoy chatting to people. Help customers find the right bike for them, assist with fittings, and be part of the day-to-day running of the shop.

Contact:

Please contact Ricky if interested via ricky@spyf.org.uk

Community Centre 😊☕
We have many opportunities to volunteer within the community centre, from volunteering in the cafe or as a centre assistant (e.g. setting up for hires, cleaning). There is also the possibility that people would be able to volunteer with our afterschool clubs.

Roles:

Cafe Assistant:

Preparing hot drinks and light meals, serving customers, setting up and clearing down the cafe area. Food hygiene and barista training will be given.

Centre Assistant:

Greet visitors, assist with setting up for events, general admin and social media.

Facilities Assistant:

Help with general cleaning and maintenance. This is a vital role that keeps the centre clean and hygienic for everyone.

Club Support volunteer:

Many clubs take place at the centre such as:

Homework, arts and crafts, sewing and knitting, cooking, football and peer support groups.

Contact:

Please contact Debbie via debbie@spyf.org.uk if interested.

If you want to help out but are unsure how, she can give you some ideas! :)

Other opportunities at SPYF:

Free tea, coffee and soup at Mollie's Diner cafe in the community centre
Free tea and coffee at our social enterprise bike shop at Hogganfield Loch
Free bikes and bike repairs available for anyone who needs one (contact Ricky via ricky@spyf.org.uk to refer)
Weekly social cooking group on Thursday mornings at St Paul's Church (contact Sasha via sasha@spyf.org.uk)
Many social and support groups available at the community centre (see pinned post here: https://www.facebook.com/SPYFMolendinar/) e.g. sewing and knitting group, The Croft recovery peer support group, etc.
Money advice and housing advice sessions both run by Thenue, open to all
Community Meal weekly at St Paul's Church on Tuesdays 5-6pm (free, all welcome, just turn up - some people come for food and some for a chat with neighbours, and some for both!)
Summer Pizza Night (make your own pizza in the outdoor pizza oven) at St Paul’s Church on Thursdays (4:30 - 5:30pm)

Speak to the team at the Molendinar Community Centre reception for more information/updated timings. They are available in person during opening hours or can be reached via molendinar@spyf.org.uk or on 0141 276 1300.