Community Volunteers Wales has always been committed to nurturing young talent and providing opportunities for personal growth and development. One of our most exciting ventures in this space is through the Snug Coffee Shop in Risca, where we have young people volunteering and gaining invaluable experiences.
Meet the team
Jess, 21
Hobbies – art and drawing
Favourite drink at the Snug – Strawberry and basil cooler
Favourite food at the Snug – Victoria sponge
Jamie, 17
Hobbies – Reading & spending money on books
Favourite drink at the Snug – Making and drinking our famous chocolate bar milkshake
Favourite food at the Snug – Smoked salmon bagel
What I love about volunteering – Putting a smile on someone’s face
Shaun, 17
Hobbies – Playing cricket & socialising with friends
Favourite drink at the Snug – Caramel iced latte
Favourite food at the Snug – Salmon and cream cheese bagel
What I love about volunteering – Contributing to help the community
Georgia, 17
Hobbies – Being broke from spending too much money on books
Favourite drink at the Snug – “Chocolate bar milkshake made my me”
Favourite food at the Snug – Cheese and onion panini with homemade coleslaw
What I love about volunteering – I love the environment and meeting new people
Louie, 17
Hobbies – Socialising & playing video games
Favourite drink from the Snug – Salted caramel latte
Favourite food from the Snug – Breakfast bap
What I love about volunteering– Speaking to the public and making people’s day
Benefits of volunteering as a young person
Volunteering at the Snug Coffee Shop is a win-win situation, benefitting both the young volunteers and the community they serve, here’s how:
- Gaining practical experience
One of the most apparent benefits of volunteering at the Snug Coffee Shop is the opportunity for young people to gain practical experience in a real-world setting. Here, they can apply the skills they learn in school or vocational training and see how they translate to the workplace. From taking orders to making coffee and serving customers, these volunteers get hands-on experience that can’t be replicated in a classroom.
- Enhancing communication skills
Effective communication is a fundamental skill that plays a crucial role in every aspect of life. Volunteering at the coffee shop provides young volunteers with a platform to enhance their communication skills. They learn to interact with a diverse range of customers, respond to their needs, and handle various situations with confidence and professionalism. These skills are not only vital for future employment but also for building strong interpersonal relationships.
- Developing teamwork
Working at a coffee shop requires strong teamwork. Our young volunteers learn how to collaborate with their peers to ensure that orders are taken accurately and efficiently, coffee is brewed to perfection, and customers receive exceptional service. Teamwork is a skill that is highly valued in the workplace, and these young volunteers get to experience its importance firsthand.
- Building time management
Balancing the demands of customers, coffee preparation, and various tasks at the Snug Coffee Shop teaches young volunteers valuable time management skills. They learn to prioritise tasks, manage their time effectively, and stay organised. These time management skills are transferable to any future career and are essential for personal success.
- Developing problem-solving skills
In the fast-paced environment of the coffee shop, young volunteers often encounter challenges and unexpected situations. These experiences provide valuable opportunities to develop problem-solving skills. Whether it’s handling a difficult customer or addressing a sudden rush of orders, volunteers learn to think on their feet and find creative solutions to ensure a positive outcome.
- Boosting confidence and self-esteem
Volunteering can significantly boost the confidence and self-esteem of young volunteers. As they successfully handle various tasks and interact with customers, they gain a sense of accomplishment and pride in their abilities. This newfound confidence can positively impact all areas of their lives, from academics to personal relationships.
- Learning responsibility and accountability
Taking on responsibilities teaches young volunteers about accountability. They understand the importance of fulfilling their duties, meeting commitments, and being reliable team members. These lessons in responsibility are valuable for building a strong work ethic that will serve them well in their future careers.
- Networking opportunities
Volunteering can also provide valuable networking opportunities. Young volunteers can interact with a wide range of customers, including potential mentors, employers, and community leaders. These connections open doors to future educational and career opportunities that they might not have encountered otherwise.
Get involved
Alongside our young volunteers at the Snug Coffee Shop, we also have some who volunteer at The Pantri! Find out more about what they do on The Pantri’s blog.
Volunteering through Community Volunteers Wales offers young people a unique opportunity for personal growth and skill development. From gaining practical experience to enhancing communication skills, building confidence, and fostering a sense of responsibility, the benefits are numerous.
This not only helps these young volunteers become more well-rounded individuals but also contributes to the betterment of the community as a whole.
We look forward to continuing to empower and support the next generation of leaders through initiatives like this one.
Want to volunteer with us? Find out more here, or contact us here!
Good worker and very friendly and kind and care good youngsters know and friendly kind to me