Volunteering
Join our friendly Sutton Community Project family and make huge change happen in the London Borough of Sutton.
Take a look at our volunteering opportunities below to see what roles suits you best.
Volunteer with Us
We all want to help and make difference to the life of our local community, but sometimes we don't know where to start. There are various ways that you can help at the Thomas Wall Centre on Tuesdays or other days of the week if it suits you better. Please see below to find out which volunteer roles suit you. We would love to invite you to join our friendly Sutton Community Project Volunteer family!
Food Collection Team (Sun-Mon)
The Food Collection Team gathers surplus food from local supermarkets and other locations across Sutton, North Cheam, Morden, Mitcham, and Banstead. Volunteers collect items at scheduled times provided by Neighbourly and deliver them to the Thomas Wall Centre where the Set-Up Team checks, cleans, and stores the food safely for distribution.
A valid driving licence is required, as volunteers will be driving between collection points and the Centre. Strong communication skills are also essential, as volunteers liaise directly with supermarket staff / managers to coordinate collections. This role is perfect for organised individuals who enjoy reducing food waste and supporting the community.
The Admin & Communication (Mon)
The Admin & Communication Team helps keep our food distribution running smoothly. Volunteers send friendly reminders a day in advance to reserve boxes and confirm pick-up times with Neighbours via WhatsApp, SMS, or Messenger. You’ll also update the Neighbours list on our spreadsheet, recording names and attendance ensuring the Set-Up Team can prepare the correct number of boxes for Tuesday’s distribution. This role is perfect for organised, proactive communicators who are comfortable using messaging apps and enjoy supporting both our Neighbours and front desk volunteers with accurate record-keeping.
Set-up Team (Tuesday, from 12pm)
The Set-Up Team plays a vital role in preparing for the day’s food distribution. Volunteers help unload food from the Food Collection team’s cars and delivery vans, carry out light cleaning to ensure the highest hygiene standards across the Big Hall, Small Hall, kitchen, and Community Café, and sort fresh fruit and vegetables. The team also sets up tables with dry goods and tinned items, making sure everything is organised and ready for our Neighbours.
This is an active, practical role that’s perfect for those who enjoy working as part of a team and helping things run smoothly behind the scenes.
Food Distribution Team (Tuesday between 2-5pm)
The afternoon team prepares approximately 120–150 food boxes ahead of distribution, which begins at 3pm, ensuring all boxes and additional essentials are ready for collection by our Neighbours (service users). Volunteers support Neighbours with packing food into their bags and help ensure boxes are collected in a respectful and orderly way. We aim to make sure everyone receives an equal share and that no one goes home without food. This is a welcoming, hands-on role and a great opportunity to volunteer alongside a friend, make new connections, and get to know people in your local community.
Community Cafe (Tuesday, from 12pm)
Free tea, fresh coffee and snacks are served every Tuesday from 2pm for both volunteers and Neighbours. Our Café volunteers help create a welcoming space for everyone at our Community Café. Volunteers support weekly café operations by greeting guests, serving food and drinks, assisting with setup and cleanup, and offering friendly conversation. This role is perfect for people who enjoy working with others, giving back to the community, and making a positive difference in a warm, inclusive environment.
Receptionist at Front desk (Tuesday, from 1pm)
Our Front Desk volunteers warmly welcome visitors, assist with check-ins, answer general enquiries, and help direct our service users (whom we call “Neighbours”). This role is ideal for friendly, organised individuals who enjoy supporting others and being the first point of contact in a compassionate, community-focused environment.
From time to time, local organisations such as the Citizens Advice Bureau or other charities and food banks may refer people who are in urgent need and have not registered in advance. In these cases, we are pleased to offer a free food box to ensure no one goes home hungry.
Set Down & Cleaning (4:30-5:30pm)
Help us leave the venue sparkling and ready for the next community group! Volunteers tidy and clean the Big Hall, Small Hall, and kitchen, wash cups and plates, pack away the roller banner, dispose of cardboard boxes, and put tables and chairs back in place.
This role is perfect for those who enjoy hands-on, practical work and want to help maintain a welcoming, organised space for everyone.
Spread the Word
Help us raise awareness about food sharing, reducing food waste, sustainable living, and creating a safe, welcoming space for our community! Volunteers who love using social media can share our campaigns on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and more, or help by distributing leaflets in the local area.
This role is perfect for enthusiastic communicators who enjoy promoting positive change and helping more people connect with and benefit from our community projects.
Open Well Set Up (Tuesday)
We’re looking for a friendly and practical volunteer to help prepare the hall for our Open Well session. We want to create a warm, welcoming space by setting up tables and chairs, arranging resource and food areas, putting up posters, wiping down tables, and preparing refreshments. It’s a practical, hands-on role that makes a big difference before guests arrive. Your support makes a big difference in ensuring everything runs smoothly and people feel at home. If you’d like to help, we’d love to hear from you!
Open Well Set Down (Tuesday)
Help us reset the hall after Open Well by washing and returning cups to the café kitchen, wiping and stacking tables and chairs, returning urns and flower verses to the cafe, sweeping the floor, emptying bins and sorting recycling, and taking down posters. You’ll also store the Open Well resources ready for next week and ensure the hall is clean, tidy, and lights are turned off before leaving.
A practical role that helps everything finish smoothly and be ready for the following week and the next community group.
Donation Collection at Tesco off A217 (Thursdays)
In partnership with DONS Local Action Group, we collect donations at the entrance of Tesco on the A217 in Sutton every Thursday. Volunteers can choose from three shifts: 9:00–11:30am, 11:30am–2:00pm, or 2:00–4:30pm—you don’t need to commit to the whole day.
If you enjoy chatting with people, supporting a great charity, or being part of a friendly volunteer team, this is the perfect role for you. And if you’re shopping at Tesco, do come by and say “Hi!”
Car Park Attendant & Welcome (Tuesdays 1-4pm)
As a Car Park Attendant & Welcome volunteer, you will be one of the first friendly faces visitors see. Your role is to help manage parking smoothly and safely while offering a warm welcome to everyone arriving. You’ll assist with directions, answer basic questions, and help create a positive and friendly atmosphere from the moment people arrive.
This role is perfect for someone who enjoys meeting new people, is happy to be outdoors, and wants to support a great cause while being part of a welcoming volunteer team.
What volunteers says about
Sutton Community Project
1) What motivated you to start volunteering with us?
As I'm recently retired, I was looking for ways to use my time wisely to be a blessing. Andy & Sayuri made me aware of the opportunities to serve at S.C.P.
2) Please describe your volunteer experience with us.
Everyone has been friendly and helpful as I've learnt how S.C.P. operates on a Tuesday and the part I can play.
3) What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project?
There is a positive and gentle atmosphere as guests & volunteers interact. It's wonderful to be part of an initiative that is more than just a food bank. It's a community of hope and relational support.
1) What motivated you to start volunteering with us?
I wanted to help people give back to the community.
2) Please describe your volunteer experience with us.
Volunteering is a part of my week - every Tuesday I know I've got commitments we help set up the kitchen, arrange food for snacks, serve teas & coffees and socialise with people.
3) What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project?
Learning more and more about God spreading the word. Giving back to Community, putting a smile on peoples faces with just a cup of tea and coffee and a cake to brighten up there day.
1) What motivated you to start volunteering with us?
I always wanted to help others who are in needs.
2) Please describe your volunteer experience with us.
I’m experiencing that how small actions can make real change for me and others.
3) What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project?
Positivity and being a part of the community and team that really cares.
1) What motivated you to start volunteering with us?
Like many Hong Kongers who have come to the UK, I wanted to give back to the community where I now live. Sutton is such a welcoming and lovely place, and I wanted to contribute to the local area by supporting those in need. I have been volunteering with Sutton Community Project since June 2022, and it has now been almost three and a half years, during which I have been grateful for the opportunity to spread care and kindness through my service.
2) Please describe your volunteer experience with us.
My volunteer experience has been very positive and meaningful. I have worked alongside people from different backgrounds, including Hong Kongers, Ukrainians, and local residents, all working together to support those in need. I am deeply impressed by the enthusiasm, teamwork, and commitment shown by everyone involved in the Food Bank.
3) What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project?
What I enjoy most is being able to help people who are going through difficult times. It is very rewarding to see their appreciation and to know that our support can bring comfort and a smile to their faces.
1) What motivated you to start volunteering with us?
I was motivated to start volunteering with Sutton Community Project because I admire the meaningful impact the organisation has within the community and the values it upholds. I have been volunteering with the project since 2019, and during the COVID-19 pandemic I had the opportunity to support families facing unexpected challenges. That experience showed me how powerful even small acts of support can be during difficult times and inspired me to continue giving back in a more structured and lasting way. Being part of Sutton Community Project allows me to live out those values while making a positive difference locally.
2) Please describe your volunteer experience with us.
My volunteering experience with your organisation has been impactful to the Sutton community. I have had the opportunity to work closely with families, support community initiatives, and collaborate with a dedicated team that is passionate about making a difference. Through this experience, I have developed stronger communication and teamwork skills while gaining a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by the community. Being part of your organisation has reinforced my commitment to service and has been a meaningful and enriching experience overall.
3) What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project?
What I enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project is the sense of community and the opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives . It is incredibly rewarding to see how the support we provide positively impacts individuals and families, especially during challenging times. I also value how much food waste as been saved . Being part of a team that genuinely cares about helping others is what makes volunteering here so enjoyable for me.
1) What motivated you to start volunteering with us?
I started volunteering at Sutton Community Project because I think it is a very meaningful program in helping the local people who are in needs.
2) Please describe your volunteer experience with us.
After I joined the project, I feel so happy to have the opportunity to communicate with different people with different backgrounds and ethnic groups. Many of them become friends of mine which is what I enjoyed most.
3) What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project?
Sometimes when I walk on the High Street, they will say 'hello' to me and we will chat for a while which makes me feel I'm no more an immigrant from other countries.
Thank you for letting me to become one of the volunteers!
1) What motivated you to start volunteering with us?
I really want to help people in need. Giving a little attention and physical assistance to those in need is so inspiring!
2) Please describe your volunteer experience with us.
Volunteering at the Sutton Community Project isn't my first, but here I felt not just part of a team but also an important member of a large, close-knit family. And that's so important for refugees. The organizers often organize various events during the day that pay attention to everyone, and you can make new good friends—it's wonderful!
3) What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project?
I really like that the organisers were able to combine food aid with spiritual nourishment in the form of Bible study courses.
1) What motivated you to start volunteering with us?
I started volunteering because when I came to Sutton Community Project I felt an overwhelming community spirit and wanted to be apart of it.
2) Please describe your volunteer experience with us.
My experience volunteering has been very rewarding I’ve had the opportunity to meet lots of different people and help to impact their lives positively.
3) What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project?
The best thing about volunteering at Sutton Community Project for me is the Open Well sessions before the cafe opens which gives everybody even the volunteers a chance to learn new life skills.
1) What motivated you to start volunteering with us?
I started volunteering at Sutton Community Project because I wanted to give back to my community and help those in need. I’ve always believed in the importance of ensuring everyone has access to basic necessities like food, and volunteering allows me and my family to contribute to a cause that aligns with my values. Seeing the positive impact my efforts can have on individuals and families is incredibly rewarding and motivates me to keep giving my time.
2) Please describe your volunteer experience with us.
My volunteering experience with the Sutton Community Project has been incredibly rewarding and fulfilling. I've had the opportunity to assist with sorting and organising donations, packing food parcels, and distributing them to individuals and families in need. Through this work, I’ve gained a deeper understanding of the challenges many people face and have been inspired by the sense of community and teamwork among the volunteers.
3) What do you enjoy most about volunteering at Sutton Community Project?
What I enjoy most about volunteering at the SCP is the opportunity to make a tangible difference in people’s lives. Knowing that my efforts help provide meals to individuals and families in need is incredibly fulfilling. I also value the sense of community and teamwork among the volunteers and staff—it’s inspiring to work alongside others who are equally passionate about helping others. Additionally, interacting with the people we serve and seeing the gratitude on their faces makes the experience deeply rewarding.
Sutton Community Project Volunteer Handbook
In this handbook, it will explain our vision, training, expectation and policy. You can view on PDF format from here.
Volunteer Roles
In this document, you will find the various roles from morning set ups, food distribution on Tuesday to other vital roles on other days of week.
Volunteer Surplus Food Policy
We have set out our rules on surplus food distribution for our volunteers. You can find the document on PDF here.
Code of Conduct
For code of conduct for our volunteers, you can read it here.
Health & Safety
For our Health & Safety policy for our volunteers, you can read it here.
Safeguarding Policy
For our Safeguarding Policy, you can read it here.
Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Policy
For our Equity, Inclusion and Diversity Policy, you can read it here.