Enjoy shopping, why not become a Volunteer Shopper?

Key information

We're on the look out for Volunteer Shoppers to help local people who are unable to get to the shops under present circumstances. Volunteering will normally be for just a few hours, generally on a day between Monday to Friday however, very occasionally you may be asked to ‘shop’ at a weekend or outside of your locality.  The number of hours or days you volunteer for is completely your choice.

The role itself

Volunteer Shoppers have the important task of doing the shopping for our clients.  You'll need to take the list over the phone, go to the requested or nearest supermarket, shop for the specified items and make sensible decisions when alternatives need be found, then take to the cashier.  There are two methods of payment; one using a prepaid store card or voucher (held by the office) or if you are happy to pay for the shopping we will reimburse you, directly to your account usually with a couple of hours.

Once you have paid for the shopping you should take a photograph of the receipt and the shopping and email directly to our finance department, full details will be given, so they can then either reimburse you or replenish the vouchers/store card.

You will then take the shopping to the client’s address, social distance must be observed and professional boundaries should be adhered to at all times.  Our volunteers cannot take the shopping into the property, it must be handed over on the doorstep.  If possible, take another photo of the client with the shopping – always ask first though!  We would then ask you to ring the office to let them know the task has been completed successfully.  We can then contact the client for payment.

Skills

To be a volunteer shopper you will need to be;

·         Enthusiastic

·         Friendly

·         Happy to travel in your local community

·         An excellent communicator and have good interpersonal skills

·         Patient and flexible

·         Able to undertake your role safely and effectively

·         To act in a non-judgmental way without discrimination