Volunteering
Volunteering at CAN Community Support
We have a broad range of volunteering opportunities here at CCS, and we’re here to help you find a position that you love!
Our team of more than 80 volunteers is vital to the success of the programs that we run, and we are always looking to expand our community. Whether you’re passionate about education, food security, administration or community building, we can help you find your perfect fit.
Details about what each of our programs and hours of operation is available here (insert link Our Programs – Your Not for Profit )
Opportunities come and go throughout the year, so keep an eye on this page for updates.
At CAN Community Support we are privileged to work with people from all over the world, and from all walks of life. Our volunteers are expected to uphold our values of justice, inclusion, dignity and hospitality in all interactions with staff, fellow volunteers and members of the public.
All volunteers must have Working With Children’s Check. It’s free to apply here.
Please complete a volunteer registration form here:
Volunteering Opportunities available at CAN Community Support:
Community Food Pantry
Our Emergency Relief Assistants ensure a safe and positive experience for people accessing food relief.
As a volunteer ER assistant, you are responsible for greeting service users, ensuring they follow guidelines, and maintaining a tidy and clean environment. Other duties include shopping for the pantry, collecting and emptying bins, and communicating in the volunteer log.
To volunteer you must have a flexible disposition and a passion for ensuring people have access to the food they need.
Free Fresh Food Market
Food Market volunteers organise and prepare the rescued food for the weekly market.
Tasks involve setting up tables, driving a van to pick up donated food, unloading vans, sorting and bagging fruits and vegetables, and helping with clean-up.
Volunteers roles are available Wednesday’s 1 pm to 3 pm, or Thursdays 7:30 am to 10:30 am.
Family Learning Program
Volunteer tutors to provide 1:1 tutoring to primary and/or secondary aged students. Tutors will support students either with homework allocated at school or with set literacy or maths tasks available through the program.
Tutors at FLP must have solid competency in both written and spoken English, skills in connecting with children and young people, and an energetic and positive disposition.
As part of their training all volunteers are to complete an online Child Safe module in line with the CAN Community Support ChildSafe policy.
Wednesday Community Lunch
Community Lunch volunteers love to help and/or host. You can cook for up to 40 guests nominating as many weeks as you feel able. Or you can take up a spot helping to prep food, set-up the dining room, welcome guests and serve food or help with the clean up at the end.
Drop-in
We are always on the lookout for kind, considerate and justice-minded volunteers who want to cultivate a supportive, positive and welcoming environment for drop-in visitors. You might be serving tea and coffee, playing a board game with someone, having a yarn or welcoming someone in for the first time.
No experience is necessary – just the right attitude and passion and a love of people.
First Stop Form-Filling and Advocacy Program
Our Form-filling and advocacy volunteers are available for local residents to drop in and get support completing forms, accessing utility relief assistance, and assistance with matters such as police checks, working with children’s checks, accessing identity documents etc. Volunteers must have a sold grasp of verbal and written English, a willingness to work through complex forms and navigate complex systems, and a supportive and empathic approach towards clients experiencing disadvantage.
Volunteering FAQs
Why should I volunteer for CAN Community Support?
We are a vibrant community that is committed to caring for those in our neighbourhood. You will make new friends and connect with others. Some volunteers go on to to use their volunteering experiences to further their career opportunities. Most importantly, we are making a difference and we have fun doing it!
What is the process for becoming a volunteer?
Please complete the volunteer application form here . Once we have received your form it will be directed to the right area and someone will be in contact to arrange a time for an informal chat to help you understand our programs better and to explore the volunteer opportunity that fits you best! You will then be offered some training and a trial period to determine whether this is the best fit for you.
What type of training will I receive?
Your induction and training as a volunteer will depend on the program that you choose to work in. All FLP volunteers will need to undertake Child Safety training which is a free online module. To ensure a smooth transition into volunteering we offer a month long trial period to ensure we can accommodate each other’s needs.
Do I need a WWCC?
It is a requirement that all volunteers have applied for a Working With Children Check before they start volunteering at CAN Community Support. WWCCs are free for volunteers, and we are happy to give you a hand if you need help completing this step.
Am I expected to show up for every shift?
As part of your induction you will discuss your availability with the leader of your program. Once you have committed to your shifts there is an expectation that you show up on time, as other staff and clients are relying on you to help our programs run smoothly. We understand that life happens, but please do your best to give us 24-hours’ notice if you can’t make it.
Will I be compensated for my time?
Helping us run our programs as a volunteer means that you won’t be paid for your time, but there are a lot of ways that you will benefit. Studies show that volunteering can improve mental wellbeing and self-esteem, reduce stress and help you to make new friends! You are also always welcome to join us for Community Lunch every Wednesday at 12pm.
How long do I have to commit for?
The length of commitment will depend upon which program you would like to volunteer for. The Family Learning Program takes on new tutors for the duration of every school term, but there are spaces available in other programs for short-term volunteering. Most shifts are between 1 to 3 hours.
What is the minimum age for volunteering?
All our volunteers must be over 18 years old by the time they start work with us.
Do I need to be a Christian to volunteer here?
No, we welcome people from all faiths and cultural backgrounds to work with us! Please let us know if we can accommodate any aspects of your faith that might prevent you from volunteering (time for prayer, restrictions around working with different genders etc).