Health and safety
Health and safety for volunteers
This policy sets out the health and safety responsibilities and procedures for volunteers working at Pippa's Community Café and in the wider community supporting vulnerable young adults.
Our commitment
Introduction
Enhancing Young Adults' Independence (EYAI) is committed to providing a safe, inclusive and supportive environment for all Trustees, volunteers, and the clients and customers we serve. This policy applies to all volunteers operating within the café and during community activities.
General responsibilities
- All volunteers must take reasonable care for their own health and safety and for the safety of others, particularly the vulnerable young adults they support.
- Any hazards, unsafe conditions or incidents must be reported promptly to the café manager or designated health and safety lead.
- Volunteers are responsible for maintaining a tidy and safe environment, ensuring that walkways and exits are clear at all times.
- Volunteers working with clients, whether in Pippa's Community Café or out in the community, must make sure they have read and are following the appropriate risk assessments.
In an emergency
Fire safety at Stone Village Hall
If a fire breaks out at the café, follow these steps:
Raise the alarm
If you discover a fire, immediately sound the alarm and alert others in the hall.
Call 999
Call the Fire Brigade, speaking slowly and clearly. Give your name, the café's address (Stone Village Hall, 50 Oxford Road, Aylesbury, Bucks, HP17 8PB) and the nature of the emergency.
Extinguishers
Only use a fire extinguisher if you are trained to do so and it is safe. Never put yourself or others at risk.
Evacuate
Leave the premises using the nearest safe exit. Remain calm, avoid running, and assist vulnerable young adults and customers. Use the buddy system where possible to support those who need additional help.
Assembly point
Proceed directly to the designated assembly point for roll call. Never return to the building until the Fire Brigade has confirmed it is safe.
Tell the caretakers
Contact Keith and Kathleen, the Village Hall caretakers, on 01296 748279.
Risk assessment
- Risk assessments are conducted regularly to identify potential hazards in the café and during community activities for volunteers, clients and café customers.
- Control measures are put in place to minimise risks, and these are reviewed and updated as necessary.
- All volunteers must participate in risk assessments relevant to their activities and follow documented safety procedures at all times.
Communication and training
- All volunteers receive initial and ongoing training in health and safety, fire safety, and supporting vulnerable individuals where necessary.
- Clear, accessible information about emergency procedures is provided, and volunteers are encouraged to ask questions if unsure.
- Open communication is encouraged. If in doubt, ask!
Review and updates
This policy is reviewed annually, or sooner if there are significant changes to activities, premises or legislation. Feedback from volunteers is welcomed and considered in future updates to ensure the policy remains effective and relevant.
By following this policy, all volunteers at Pippa's Community Café and in the community help ensure a safe, welcoming environment for everyone, especially the vulnerable young adults we support.
The full policy
Download the full health and safety policy (PDF)
Includes the volunteer sign-off sheet to print, sign and return.
Questions about health and safety? Speak to the café manager, or team@eyai.co.uk.
Ready to volunteer with us?
Mentors, café helpers and skill-sharers make EYAI work. We will make sure you are trained, supported and safe.