Surplus Food Collection Volunteer

We value our volunteers and seek to ensure their diverse roles are rewarding and beneficial to all. Waythrough holds the Investors in Volunteers accreditation.

The role:

We are looking for an individual who can commit to collecting surplus food from designated shops in the local area twice weekly for us to offer to those accessing our service in need of food.

Role Requirements

• Reliability and punctuality
• Ability to follow instructions and safety procedures
• Basic communication skills
• Ability to carry food containers as required (training will be provided)

Tasks may include:

• Collect surplus food from partner locations (e.g. shops, cafés, schools, events) at agreed times, these may be in Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Torquay or Paignton depending on availability.
• Transport food safely to the designated drop-off point
• Follow food safety, hygiene, and handling guidelines at all times
• Represent the organisation positively when interacting with partners and the public

Personal qualities

Skills we would like you to bring to the role:

• Driver with own transport
• Confident IT skills – aside from any IT skills required for the role, some of our mandatory training is done online through eLearning modules
• Professional, honest and committed
• Non-judgmental towards people with lived experience
• Good time keeping
• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website, and you can call a specific project to make enquiries.
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission, vision and promise of Waythrough
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

Please note: The salary listed reflects the full earning potential for this role. Starting salaries depend on experience and progression within the band. 

 

About Waythrough 

Waythrough was formed in 2024 following the merger of Humankind and Richmond Fellowship. Together, we’ve created one of the largest mental health and social support charities in England. 

 

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through nearly 200 services – and it’s all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers. 

 

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

What Volunteers can expect from us:

Volunteering with Waythrough offers people a unique chance to have a significant positive impact on people’s lives. We work both with and within diverse communities across the country and every day we see people making positive changes to turn their lives around. We also offer:

• Regular supervision and support
• Induction and access to online and face to face training
• The opportunity to learn and practice new skills
• The opportunity to be part of a team and the wider Waythrough organisation
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed with proof of journey

• Opportunities to progress and experience other areas of Waythrough's work

Our values:

Our values underpin everything we do – from how we work together through to how we design and deliver services. All our work to fulfil this vision is strengthened by our values.

• Kindness - be generous, caring and understanding.
• Courage - be bold, trust, commit.
• Respect - everyone deserves dignity.

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

 

If you need adjustments or support to apply, please email our recruitment team: recruitmentteam@waythrough.org.uk 

 

How to apply 

If you’re viewing this advert on an external platform such as Indeed, please click ‘Apply via company website’ to view the full job description and submit your application. 

 

Please note that while this role has a stated closing date, we reserve the right to close the advert early should we receive a high number of applications.

Closing date:

2026-01-30