Volunteering
Volunteers are often referred to as the backbone of our charity. With their help, we can achieve so much more for the disadvantaged young adults we support. If you would like to donate some of your time by helping us, please explore the booking options below.
Please note: All first-time volunteers will require a DBS check which must come back clean. We will ask you for some details which will be used strictly to carry out this check. Please do not complete this check yourself as it will be not be valid for our charity farm. Once you have booked your first volunteering session with us, please send two forms of photo ID and a recent utlity bill (last 3 months) to info@chillicharity.org.uk with the subject line: First Time Volunteer DBS Check.
Corporate volunteering
We can accommodate larger groups of volunteers with advance notice. Please email us at info@chillicharity.org.uk to discuss opportunities.
“Volunteering at Uncle Paul's Chili Farm was a great way to spend the day, working as part of a team to make a tangible difference that will be a good benefit to others.”
- Aitkins Realis volunteer
VOLUNTEERING FAQs
What type of work will I be doing?
There is always something to do at our farm! Depending on the season, we may ask you to be involved with projects which require digging and plant bed preparation, harvesting fruits and vegetables, painting furniture & structures, clearance of overgrown areas, product labelling and more. Much of the work is physical.
I have limited mobility, can I still volunteer?
Being a farm, our land if uneven, undulating and, in wetter weather, muddy. At present, our natural environment is not wheelchair accessible. However, we often have tasks which can be undertaken whilst seated.
How long does the volunteering day last?
You can book sessions on our website which advise the time we would be grateful for. We understand and respect that you are volunteering of your own volition and you are free to leave at any time. However, we appreciate it if you can remain for the duration of your booking.
What clothing will I need?
Much of our work is carried out in the great outdoors. We strongly suggest that you check the weather prior to your arrival and dress accordingly. Layers of old clothing which you do not mind getting dirty or wet is suggested along with good, waterproof boots or wellies. We will provide any extra PPE such as gloves although you are welcome to bring your own. In extreme weather conditions, we do have dry spaces to work such as our polytunnels.
Do I need to bring lunch?
We do not provide lunch for individual volunteers and suggest a suitable packed lunch. We do have limited heating facilities such as a microwave or kettle should you wish to warm anything. For corporate/groups of volunteers, we can offer a buffest lunch for £10 per head based on a minimum of six people. We encourage all volunteers to bring reusable water bottles and we have drinking water taps around the farm. We also provide tea or coffee.