Thank you for your interest in joining CRuNCH Crew!
We’d love to have you onboard.
Whether you can give an hour a week, lend a hand at an event, or share your skills on a project, your time makes a real difference to the people and communities we support.
Want to know more?
Scroll down for details about what the Cook5 Programme involves as a volunteer.
Frequently Asked Questions?
👉 Getting Started
Who can volunteer?
Anyone aged 18+ who shares our passion for empowering kids to cook healthy meals.
Do I need any qualifications or experience?
There’s no specific prior skills or experience needed but being a keen home cook is a great help - to know your way around the kitchen and be able to give advice to the students.
Are you in my area yet?
Please note we are currently running sessions in Bristol, North Somerset (Weston-super-mare) and South Gloucestershire. so if we are not in your area yet, please do leave your details, sign up for our monthly newsletter, or check back in the future!
❓ How does the Cook5 with CRuNCH programme work?
The Cook5 programme takes place over one school term (6 terms per year) and involves 5 consecutive weeks of visiting a school on a fixed day each week (usually after school). You'll spend about an hour and a half cooking a healthy new recipe together with a group of teenagers. The group is chosen by the school - they may be young carers, or Year 8's from under-resourced families, for instance.
We talk about kitchen skills, food prep, hygiene and nutrition, but it’s mainly just a hands on let’s get cooking session!
Size and age of the groups?
The age range is normally around 11-14, although we do work in some 6th forms too. Class sizes vary but will be up to 24.
🕒 Training & Time Commitment
What training do I get?
Volunteers receive free induction training on kitchen hygiene, allergy awareness and safeguarding. A minimum of 2 volunteers run each session and at least one will have had prior experience in a previous term so we won't throw you in at the deep end!
How long does the training take?
The training courses are short online modules and usually take 2-3 hours in total.
Do I need an enhanced DBS?
Yes, we run an advanced DBS check as it’s required for us to work in schools. We ask you to bring this to each school you are delivering the programme in.
Do you ask for references?
Yes, we ask for two references - where possible one professional and one personal.
How much time do I have to give?
Ideally we aim for a volunteer to do a full programme; that's 3-4 hours (including travel time, set up, clean down) a week for 5 weeks arranged on a day that fits with your schedule.. This provides consistency for the students. However, we do understand that sometimes that's not always possible! We check in before each new term about volunteers availability to make a plan that fits with all our volunteers.
If the cooking part is not for you, we are also always looking out for volunteers to join our CRuNCH Crew with additional skills such as photography, social media content creation, event organisation, so do get in touch if that sounds of interest.
Can I volunteer as part of a group or workplace?
Yes, we welcome team volunteering - please get in touch here!
🧡 Support & Benefits
Will I get support?
Absolutely! You’ll have Lauren, our CRuNCH coordinator as your main contact and regular check-ins. We also run regular CRuNCH Crew get-togethers and cook alongs.
Do I need to cover any costs?
No, CRuNCH provides a cool bag and an apron and any other necessary materials. Your travel and any other expenses that you record will be reimbursed too.
What’s the best part about volunteering?
Seeing the immediate difference you make — and being part of a kind, motivated team.
Next steps?
If you think this works for you please get in touch with Lauren via the link below. We will then arrange a call or meet up to discuss some more and get you started with the onboarding!
Still have questions?
Speak to us today!
We can't wait to hear from you.