The Oasis Project was established in 2016 to provide a safe haven for parents and carers, and the facilities for toddlers and babies to be able to grow and develop via fun and educational activities, in a relaxed and welcoming environment; supported by a team of likeminded volunteers. 
It is Whitefield Methodist Church’s vision to create a warm, comfortable meeting place throughout the week for young families who have very few places to network/socialise if they have a child/children and a buggy. With a small soft play frame, and modern comfy seating we aim to provide activities for babies and toddlers, alongside an inexpensive coffee shop with hot and cold drinks, cakes and affordable fair-trade healthy refreshments. With knowledgeable friendly staff this is the place to find gentle support at what can be a demanding and isolating time.
We are seeking volunteers for various roles and days to enable us to continue supporting this important work in our local community.
The Oasis Project is centrally located in Whitefield on the corner of Elms Street and Bury New Road (opposite the Morrisons supermarket), with good transport links and car parking.  Whitefield Metrolink station and bus stops are a short walk away. 
 
Rainbow Days volunteers (Fridays)
Purpose of the role: 
To keep all spaces safe, clean and suitable for young children and their parents and carers; engaging with the children and adults, during the craft sessions, setting up and tidying toys during the session, and cleaning and tidying away at the end of the session, and other associated tasks
Main activities and tasks:

Work with other members of the team to keep all areas including the soft play space clean and safe
Setting up the play area before the children arrive and tidying away again at the end of the session
Assist the children and adults interact with craft, story-time and musical activities as required
Delivering refreshments on trays to visitors
Keeping health and safety awareness at all times.
To undertake the Methodist Church Foundation Module for Safeguarding Training
Reporting damage, hazards and other issues to the Children's and Families Worker
Tidying pots to the kitchen & wipe down tables 
Ensure parents, carers and children have an enjoyable time

 
We are looking for someone who:

Is friendly, helpful, and active
Is comfortable with working as part of a team
Has desire to and/or experience of work with young children and their families (this does not have to be in a professional capacity)
Is willing to undertake a DBS check prior to starting.  There is no cost involved in this, but it is required and identification documents will be needed.
Has a First Aid Certificate but this is not essential as training will be given as appropriate.
Dedication to maintaining the highest standards of cleanliness

 
General information
All sessions take place in the morning, from 9.30-11.30.  Volunteers are asked to arrive close to 8.30am to set up the session and ensure a safe environment.  Putting equipment away is usually quicker ensuring that volunteers leave by 12 noon.
We are seeking volunteers who can help with one or more sessions. 

What we offer all our volunteers in return
We recognize that people volunteer for many different reasons, looking for various kinds of outcomes and rewards.  Whatever reason you volunteer with us and whatever role you take we can offer the following:
•    A friendly and supportive environment
•    A great team
•    A rewarding experience
•    A commitment to helping you to grow
All training required to undertake the role is provided free of charge.  A DBS check is essential to taking up the role and this will be arranged by Oasis once the offer of a volunteering position is taken up.

If any of these roles interest you, and you would like to learn more about us, why not pay us a visit.  Register your interest below and we can arrange a suitable time for you to come down and see what we do. 
 
Location: Oasis Centre, Whitefield Methodist Church, 1 Elms St, Whitefield, M45 8GQ