Volunteer Barista & Café Assistant

Location: Selly Oak or St Paul’s Square (Evolve Project @ Grounded)

Organisation: Evolve – a project by Aquarius Action Projects Ltd (Charity)

About Evolve

Evolve is a social enterprise coffee shop with a mission to support local young people who have faced barriers to employment. In partnership with Aquarius, a Midlands-based recovery charity, we also work with young people overcoming challenges related to drug and alcohol substance use.

We know that moving from adversity to employment can feel overwhelming. That’s why Evolve provides tailored training, supportive work experience and a community-focused space designed to build confidence, skills and brighter futures.

At Evolve, we’re not just about coffee—we’re about community impact and meaningful change.

About the Volunteer Role

As a Volunteer Barista & Café Assistant, you’ll play a valuable role in our friendly café team. This opportunity is perfect for anyone wanting to gain experience in hospitality, customer service or social enterprise work, or simply to grow confidence and learn new skills.

What You’ll Gain

• Accredited Training & Certificates, including: Level 2 Food Safety & Hygiene Health & Safety in the Workplace Professional barista training delivered by Union Hand-Roasted Coffee Certificates awarded for all completed training
• Hands-on café experience, including: Barista skills Customer service Understanding daily café operations and processes
• Behind-the-scenes experience, such as: Learning about our suppliers .Understanding ordering and stock management
• Marketing & Creative Involvement, including: Sharing ideas for social media content, Contributing to promotional activities
• Financial Support for Travel We cover your public transport costs to and from your volunteering shifts, A supportive environment designed to help you grow, build confidence and develop transferable life and work skills.

Key Responsibilities

• Customer Service & Front of House
• Greet customers and ensure they feel welcomed
• Take orders, prepare drinks and serve food
• Maintain a positive, supportive environment

Barista & Operational Tasks

• Prepare high-quality coffee and learn barista techniques
• Assist with daily and weekly cleaning duties
• Help with stock checks, ordering, and receiving deliveries

Marketing & Community Engagement

• Offer ideas for social media posts and café promotions
• Support in sharing Evolve’s story and community mission

What We’re Looking For

• A friendly, positive and respectful attitude
• Willingness to learn and try new things
• Reliability and good communication skills
• Interest in community work, hospitality or personal development

No previous experience needed — just enthusiasm and commitment.

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 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: [email protected] 

 

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