Our Team

Our friendly and passionate team, many of whom are volunteers, are keen to welcome you to enjoy the Human Kind Experience.

Our Volunteers

  • "After taking early retirement, I wanted to stay active and connected with my community. Volunteering at Human Kind Café has been the perfect fit. Every shift brings something new, whether it's meeting people from all walks of life or knowing that our work here is making a real difference. It’s inspiring to see how a simple, welcoming space like this can positively impact customers, creating connections and offering support. Volunteering here not only keeps me engaged but also fulfils my desire to give back, and I'm grateful to be part of such a meaningful cause. "

    - Tracey (Volunteer)

  • “The volunteers are at the heart of the Human Kind community. From chatting to guests, supporting front of house activities, running events, promoting Human Kind within the community and supporting behind the scenes, our team of volunteers work tirelessly to complement the core team in bringing the magic to Human Kind. Willing to share their skills, learn new ones, grow in confidence, challenge themselves and most importantly, give us their valuable time, we are hugely grateful for all they do to spread kindness in our community.”

    - Sam (Volunteer Coordinator)

  • “When I heard about Human Kind opening, I started using the café regularly to support the charitable and community aims. I found the concept so inspirational that I decided to join the team of volunteers. All the staff and volunteers are so lovely and supportive, and the café itself is a wonderful place – it is always full of laughter and energy! I find people really interesting and love meeting them – so what a fantastic opportunity for me to give and get something back too! I have really enjoyed my time to date - I have met a lot of amazing and different people, many of whom simply love the atmosphere, activities and community ethos of the café. I have also talked (and, of course, mainly listened) to many people who simply want to chat to someone about their lives and/or problems. I’ve had so much feedback from customers who have said how welcomed and comfortable they feel in the café, and how much it has meant for them to be able to talk to someone who has time for them. The volunteer rota works on an ad-hoc basis where we sign up to two-hour shifts as and when we are able to. The flexibility this gives me to make volunteering work seamlessly alongside my personal and social life is ideal – I never have to worry about letting the café down if I am away from home or on holiday – perfect! I think volunteering at Human Kind is absolutely fantastic and so worthwhile as it obviously helps people in the local community, but I also get so much out of it too – a brilliant win-win in my view.””

    - Craig (Volunteer)

  • "Back in 2022 I was looking for a volunteering opportunity in the local community. I had been struggling with anxiety and getting outside of the house for a long time. Back then Human Kind was a group that met every Wednesday morning at the Reading Rooms on the High Street. They had put a post on Facebook looking for volunteers and I got in touch straight away. I was very anxious on my first day, not knowing what to expect but from the moment I walked in I was welcomed by smiling faces and instantly felt it was the right place for me. I have been fortunate enough to watch Human Kind grow from a weekly social group to a buzzing community café and what a journey it has been. The positive impact the charity has had on the community already is clear to see. It is providing a space where everyone, from all walks of life, feels welcome and hopefully, a little less lonely. Volunteering at Human Kind has been a life changing experience for me. It has helped me re-discover who I am and enables me to do the thing I love most, helping others. I will be forever grateful for this opportunity, the people that I get to meet and I will continue to help spread kindness."

    - Rachael (Volunteer)

  • "My daughter and I have been volunteering at Humankind for a few months now. Not only is it a wonderful opportunity to do something so rewarding, together, but it gives us a chance to take some time out of our busy work/school lives and be a part of this local charity enterprise. You'll usually find me deep in conversation with guests and getting stuck in with waitressing duties. Eliza wants to work with young children when she leaves school so she's always in the play area entertaining the youngest visitors and keeping the area safe and in order. At busy times, she'll help with delivering orders and clearing tables. Its a very positive experience for us and we feel lucky to be part of such a wholesome community initiative."

    - Caroline & Eliza

  • "In March of this year I retired after working in the NHS for 43years. Even being retired I have a busy life with grandchildren and volunteering at my church. I also have time consuming hobbies , playing the ukelele and watching live cricket! However , I was walking down the High Street one day and passed Human Kind and noticed that volunteers were required. I was keen to volunteer as I love the concept of paying it forward and supporting those with food poverty and social isolation. I approached Sarah and Sam and having already done a DBS check for work I was ready to start. There were a couple of training modules to be done but nothing too onerous! I now do a two hour shift every week. This involves serving coffee and food , clearing tables, chatting to customers and promoting the cafe on the High Street . I really love helping in the cafe and I’ve had great conversations with customers and staff all of whom have been lovely. I have also had the privilege of playing with my ukelele band at a Sunday social. I have also attended a volunteer’s evening when we were all treated to delicious food and great entertainment. I have made new friends through volunteering at Human Kind and would thoroughly recommend it to anyone"

    - Janine

“Run for the Community by the Community”

Become a Volunteer

If you have some time to spare and would like to be a part of our volunteering team, please fill out the form below and we’ll be in touch!