Volunteering & Training - The Fraser Centre

Volunteering

Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do in the Fraser Centre. They are involved in a variety of roles in the centre – both in the public areas and behind the scenes. We think volunteering gives people the opportunity to learn new skills, make friends, move onwards to employment and connect people with their community. We also offer opportunities that are connected with individuals passions – be this are varied film programme or our music nights. Our volunteering opportunities are as caried as our volunteers!

“The Fraser Centre is THE best place to volunteer!

I feel like I am giving back to the local community, and I enjoy working as part of a great team. I love meeting the audience and helping them to enjoy the films. It’s also such fun!” Cinema volunteer

Current Volunteering Opportunities

Cafe volunteering

There are currently no vacancies for cafe volunteers

Cinema volunteering

Check

Other volunteering

We have other types of volunteering available that may be one off or more regular. Contact Alison our Development Officer if you would like to find out more alison@thefrasercentre.com

James’ Story

James joined us as a volunteer in the cafe from East Lothian Works in 2023. He has been a real asset to the team and has since become employed in our cafe one day a week after successfully completing a Barista Skills training course with us.

James is also now the lead on our new Friday evening Games night (6.30-8.30). This evening group is particularly for adults and young people not currently in education or employment and is a safe, and welcoming space. We are delighted that James as someone with lived experience of challenges around unemployment is running these sessions in a paid role.

‘After volunteering with us for 2 years, James has recently started working as a member of staff in our cafe. It has been wonderful to see him progress as his confidence has grown. He has become a vital member of the team! A big thank you to James for his hard work and dedication.’ Beth, Volunteer Coordinator

Erica’s Story

Erica left school in 2017 and went on to a college course. Unfortunately she didn’t enjoy the course and ended up dropping out. By the time COVID hit Erica was neither in training or working. She found the time during COVID really difficult.

In 2023 she took part in an employment skills course at Newbattle but after this finished she didn’t have further study or employment lined up. Instead she ‘floated’ about. It coincided with some personal challenges for her too. She found this time really hard and by this point was rarely leaving the house.

She started working with Duncan at East Lothian Works who encouraged her to sign up for our first Barista course. The Barista course was the first time that Erica had considered a role in hospitality. It was a small and supportive course that she enjoyed. She learnt how to make coffees on specialist equipment but more than this started to feel more confident and enjoy working in a team.

After the course Erica was encouraged to volunteer at the Fraser Centre in our cafe. This role was incredibly varied and before she knew it she was getting stuck into all sorts of tasks to help with the smooth running of the cafe including doing the dishes, serving customers and of course making coffees!

When a vacancy came up in the cafe she was encouraged to apply. Erica is now working in a paid position with us 3-4 days a week and is now an invaluable part of the team.

‘If it wasn’t for this I’d still be floating about. I’m very happy to be here. It’s been such a long time coming. I left school when I was 16 and I’m now 25! I just always wanted a job I like…..and I’ve nailed it!’

Thanks to Erica for chatting to me and sharing her story 🙂

Training

We run blocks of training throughout the year. These training sessions are fully funded and free for anyone not currently in employment or education.

In March we have a return of our popular Barista Skills course. This short block of 4 sessions is delivered by Beth our Volunteer Coordinator. These courses are very supportive and delivered to small groups with plenty of opportunity to practice using the barista machine.