Our People
Although we have a small core of paid staff, the bulk of the work within our shops is carried out by a large group of dedicated and enthusiastic volunteers.
They all have their own reasons to give up their time for free and work in what is an incredibly busy environment, sometimes for up to 5 days a week.
Our Volunteers
Our volunteers vary in age from teenagers to people in their 90s and are from a huge range of backgrounds and experiences. They might not seem to have much in common at all on the face of it. Some are retired and looking for ways to remain active or contribute to their community, others are looking for a route back into work, make friends or learn new skills. The youngest often come to us for work experience, college placements or the Duke of Edinburgh's Awards Scheme and end up enjoying it so much that they sign on as volunteers once those are completed.
Benefits of volunteering with us include a 20% discount in out shops, Christmas Dinner and Summer Tea Party (right), access to an Employee Assistance Programme and CDP certified training for skills that can be used here or elsewhere.
If you'd like to join our volunteers, please contact us on: enquiries@medwayleagueoffriends.org.uk
Our Staff
Several of our current staff started with us as volunteers and progressed with us to supervisory or management positions. They are there to support our volunteers and make sure that we meet the strict moral and legal requirements of operating a charitable food and drink business
As much as we endeavour to look after our volunteers, we do the same for our staff. They have access to all of the same benefits, but we are also a member of the Living Wage Foundation, ensuring they are paid an adequate wage set by an independent group every year. A wage that properly recognises their contribution to The Medway League of Friends.