Heritage Engagement Volunteer

Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s Church is a vibrant venue for community, arts, and culture, housed in a beautiful Grade I listed building run by Paddington Development Trust. We offer a wide-ranging programme that includes health and wellbeing classes for the community, after-school clubs for children, family arts and theatre, a heritage programme of talks, tours and exhibitions and a collaborative programme of music, arts and performance.

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join us for an exciting new heritage project that brings the history of our building and local area to life in fresh, engaging ways. As a Heritage Engagement Volunteer, you will receive training in interpretation skills and work closely with our team and local community to research and develop new walking tours and digital content. This project will involve exploring the stories of St Mary Magdalene’s Church and the surrounding area, with a focus on incorporating voices from the local community. We will be using innovative digital tools alongside physical interpretation to bring the stories of our building to life to create a more engaging and inclusive experience for all.

Where?

St Mary Magdalene’s, Rowington Close, Paddington W2 5TF

Some aspects of this role can be carried out remotely.

When?

This project will run from October 2024-July 2025.

We recommend a commitment of around 3 hours per week, with flexibility to fit your schedule. This includes a monthly group meeting.

What will the role involve?

Working under the supervision of Grand Junction staff, the Heritage Engagement Volunteer will:

• Research and collect information on the history of our Grade I listed building and the North Paddington area.
• Engage with local people, organisations, and community groups to collect stories and ensure community voices are reflected in the project.
• Contribute creative ideas for new ways to interpret and present the building’s history, both digitally and physically.
• Work with other Heritage Engagement Volunteers to share, interpret, edit, and curate research findings for use in tours and digital content.
• Participate in a monthly meeting to discuss progress, share insights, and contribute to the development of new interpretive materials.
• Help to create engaging content based on historical research
• Help to identify opportunities to spread the word about Grand Junction’s heritage programme.
• Attend training and development sessions to build expertise in interpretation, digital tools, and heritage storytelling.

Who are we looking for?

This role is suited to people who:

• Have an interest in history, architecture, or community storytelling
• Have an interest researching and discovering the past, with a curiosity for local history and heritage, or a willingness to learn more
• Have an interest in creating engaging content to bring history to life for the public.
• Are clear and confident communicators.
• Are organised and methodical
• Are comfortable working independently but also enjoy collaborating with others to share ideas and research.
• Are looking to develop new skills and gain experience, while making a positive impact in the local community.

Our commitment to you

We value the contribution that volunteers make to our work. Volunteers in this role will:

• Receive ongoing training, including a detailed volunteer induction and training specific to the role
• Receive travel expenses (up to £10 per shift), in accordance with the PDT volunteer policy
• Receive ongoing support from Grand Junction’s Volunteer Manager, and other Grand Junction staff
• Be supported to use their volunteering to access employment-focused opportunities, such as advice and signposting, where relevant
• Be invited to regular volunteer social gatherings, community events, and talks.

What you’ll gain

This role is a great opportunity to:

• Develop hands-on experience in heritage research, digital content creation, and community engagement.
• Learn how to use innovative digital tools, such as QR codes and augmented reality, to create interactive and accessible heritage experiences.
• Build skills in curation, storytelling, and interpretation.
• Develop new skills and confidence
• Play a key role in reinterpreting heritage in fresh, inclusive ways.
• Meet like-minded people and make friends!

Additional information

• Volunteers will at times require computer and internet access at home to undertake this role. If this is a problem, please contact us to discuss ways in which we may be able to support with this.
• Volunteers must be prepared to undertake pre-offer checks, including references.

Interested?

Great! We look forward to receiving your application. To apply, please complete our short application form and tell us why you’re interested in joining our diverse volunteering team. For more information, please contact: volunteering@grandjunction.org.uk.

The next meeting will be on Friday 17 January, 14.00 – 16.00

Marketing and Social Media Volunteer

Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene is a new venue for community, arts and culture based at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, run by Paddington Development Trust. Our mission is to create, foster and present an eclectic, collaborative programme of music, arts and performance for young people, families, and adults in our three amazing spaces. Volunteers enable us to do so much more at Grand Junction. We’re looking for passionate, enthusiastic and engaging Marketing and Communications Volunteers to support with the promotion of our community activities and events programme.

Where?

St Mary Magdalene’s, Rowington Close, Paddington W2 5TF This role can also be carried out remotely.

When?

We ask for a commitment of 3 hours per week, with a level of flexibility.

What will the role involve?

Working under the supervision of Grand Junction staff, the Marketing and Communications Volunteer will have the opportunity to be involved in:

Social Media

• Create engaging content to promote our work on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
• Schedule posts across all channels using Hootsuite.
• Help develop and maintain a coherent brand voice online.
• Identify content opportunities, suggest ideas, and plan posts and stories.
• Update the shared content calendar, schedule posts, and manage and respond to messages and comments on our social media channels.
• Use social media analytics tools to monitor performance to make sure we are best utilising our platforms.

Content Creation

• Edit videos and design graphics that adhere to our branding, to be shared online including on our social media channels and website.
• Photograph and film our stunning Grade I listed building and Grand Junction workshops and activities, ensuring all photos and videos comply to consent guidelines.
• Look out for opportunities for engaging stories which could inspire our visitors and make a great social media post or press release.
• Create and upload copy and images for the Grand Junction website.
• Help prepare and distribute the monthly newsletter for our mailing list subscribers.
• Update promotional content for digital screens.
• Attend our events and concerts and capture live content to share on our social media and stories.

Press and Outreach

• Help to spot press opportunities and draft press releases to promote our events

• Monitor media mentions of Grand Junction and its activities.
• Build digital relationships with local supporters and organisations.
• Write news blogs for the Grand Junction and Paddington Development Trust websites.
• Conduct research to identify opportunities for promoting Grand Junction and its work.
• Research new online media opportunities, including blogs and social platforms.

General Marketing Support

• Organise and manage photo and video archives on our system.
• Support the efforts to grow Grand Junction’s mailing list and social media audience.
• Add mailing list opt-ins to our Mailchimp.
• Collect and analyse audience feedback and analytics to help improve our promotional strategies.
• Design and update digital and print promotional materials, such as posters and flyers.
• Distribute flyers locally to promote Grand Junction activities
• Add and update Grand Junction events to listings websites such as Eventbrite and on our website.
• Keep up to date with current digital trends.

If you’re interested in specialising in a specific area(s) of marketing mentioned above, or contributing across the board, we’d love to hear from you. If you have examples of marketing work you have done before – whether professional, personal, or as a volunteer, we would love to see it.

Who are we looking for?

This role is suited to people who: • Are friendly and approachable, and enjoy talking to people • Are clear and confident communicators, with an interest in marketing and communications • Have experience using social media, and creating engaging content • Are organised and methodical • Enjoy working independently and as part of a team • Want to gain new skills and experience, whilst making a real difference in their local community

Our commitment to you

We value the contribution that volunteers make to our work. Volunteers in this role will: • Receive ongoing training, including a detailed volunteer induction and training specific to the role • Receive reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, in accordance with the PDT volunteer policy • Receive ongoing support from Grand Junction’s Volunteer Manager, and other Grand Junction staff • Be supported to use their volunteering to access employment-focused opportunities, such as advice and signposting, where relevant • Be invited to regular volunteer social gatherings, community events, and talks

What you’ll gain

This role is a great opportunity to: • Gain on-the-ground experience of using various marketing channels to promote a programme of community activities and events, and increase community engagement • Develop new skills and confidence • Contribute to the development and delivery of cultural activities for the local community and feel fulfilment in ‘giving back’ • Meet like-minded people, and make friends!

Additional information

• Volunteers must be prepared to undertake pre-offer checks, including references.

Interested?

Great! We look forward to receiving your application. To apply, please complete our short application form and tell us why you’re interested in joining our diverse volunteering team. You will hear back from us within 5 working days. To find out more about Grand Junction, please visit www.grandjunction.org.uk For more information, please contact: volunteering@grandjunction.org.uk. Grand Junction is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities.

Youth Club Volunteer

Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s is a venue for community, arts and culture based at St Mary Magdalene Church, run by Paddington Development Trust. Our mission is to create, foster and present an eclectic, collaborative programme of music, arts and performance for young people, families, and adults in our three amazing spaces.

Volunteers enable us to do so much more at Grand Junction. We’re looking for friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic volunteers to assist in delivering our weekly youth club; a new Junior’s youth club session for children aged 8-13 at Grand Junction on Wednesdays during term time (times 4.00-6.30pm).

Grand Junction is excited to announce that we have received funding from Westminster City Council to open a new creative youth club at Grand Junction, one evening per week during term time. The club is a junior’s session for children aged 8-13. The sessions will be run by experienced youth workers and will consist of different fun activities such as computer games, board games, chill out space, art activities and more. We will always feed the young people a light healthy meal.

We are seeking some volunteers to join our team and support the youth workers and the children within the weekly sessions. The project will take place on the top floor of Grand Junction – the Studio and the Nest.

Where?

St Mary Magdalene’s Church, Rowington Close, Paddington, W2 5TF

When?

The club runs on Wednesdays during term time (approx. 11 sessions per term) from 4pm – 6.30pm. You will be required to arrive 30 mins before and stay for 30 minutes after to help set up and pack away.  We ask that you commit to at least 1 term. This is for continuity for the children and young people.

Next dates: Term 1:

What will the role involve?

We may pair you with a child with additional learning needs to help them to engage with an activity. We may ask you to be in charge of an activity and show the children how to do it and guide them through – i.e. a board game or an art activity. We may ask you to help with registering the children or help to make the food.  The role will be fun and varied from week to week. You will get to know the young people and the youth workers. There may be opportunities to go on trips.

Who are we looking for?

This role is suited to people who:

• Enjoy working with children in a learning environment
• Are friendly, enthusiastic and engaging, with good interpersonal skills
• Work well as part of a team, and can competently follow instruction
• Are punctual and proactive
• Have a good level of spoken English
• Want to gain new skills and experience, whilst making a real difference in their local community
• Have an understanding of professional boundaries when working with children and young people
• Are willing to undergo some training in child protection and safeguarding.
• Must have or be willing to carry out a Criminal Records Check (Enhanced DBS).

Our commitment to you

We value the contribution that volunteers make to our work. Volunteers in this role will:

• Receive a detailed volunteer induction specific to the role
• Receive reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses, in accordance with the PDT Volunteer Policy
• Receive ongoing support from the Young People’s & Schools Manager and Senior Youth Worker.
• Be supported to use their volunteering to access employment-focused opportunities, such as advice and signposting, where relevant
• Be invited to volunteer social gatherings, community events, and talks
• To be able to shadow an experienced Senior Youth Worker.

What you’ll gain

This role is a great opportunity to:

• Contribute to the development and delivery of cultural activities for the local community
• Gain experience of working with children in a Youth Club setting
• Develop new skills and increase confidence

Additional information

• Volunteers must be prepared to undertake pre-offer checks, including references.
• Volunteers may be asked to wear branded t-shirts whilst volunteering at Grand Junction

Interested?

Great! We look forward to receiving your application.

To apply, please complete our short application form and tell us why you’re interested in joining our diverse volunteering team. You will hear back from us within 5 working days.

To find out more about Grand Junction, please visit www.grandjunction.org.uk

For more information, or for an informal chat about the role, please contact Holly Henry, Volunteer Manager, on volunteering@grandjunction.org.uk

Grand Junction is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities.

Art Party & Family Show Volunteer

Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s is a new venue for community, arts and culture based at St Mary Magdalene Church, run by Paddington Development Trust. Our mission is to create, foster and present an eclectic, collaborative programme of music, arts and performance for young people, families, and adults in our three amazing spaces. Volunteers enable us to do so much more at Grand Junction. We’re looking for friendly, welcoming and enthusiastic volunteers to assist in delivering our monthly Art Party; a creative Saturday morning club with activities and a bubble disco for the whole family. Art Party volunteers will support the facilitator to deliver activities such as Lego building, mono printing and card making in a dynamic, engaging and safe learning environment.

Where?

St Mary Magdalene’s, Rowington Close, Paddington W2 5TF

When?

Art Party takes over Grand Junction on the third Saturday of each month, from 10am-12pm. Volunteers are required to be available from 9:30am-12:30pm. We also have a number of family theatre shows and family friendly festivals that run throughout the year.

Next dates:

Art Party takes place one Saturday a month, from 10am-12pm. Volunteers are required to be available from 9:30am-12:30pm. We also have family shows and festivals on Saturdays every couple of months, times vary.

Next dates:

Saturday 9th November 13:00-17:30 – Family Festival – Family drop in with free creative activites for all ages

Saturday 23rd November 9:30-12:30 – Art Party – Family drop in

Saturday 14th December 10:30-15:30 – Family Show – Snow Play

What will the role involve?

Working under the supervision of the Young People’s & Schools Manager, Art Party Saturday Club volunteers will:

• Help to prepare Grand Junction spaces ahead of Art Party, including arranging tables and furniture, setting-up arts materials and resources, and preparing refreshments
• Greet children and parents, and offer a warm welcome to Grand Junction
• Direct visitors around the building
• Assist facilitators to deliver dynamic and engaging activities, and help to foster a friendly, fun and supportive environment
• Serve refreshments
• Collect feedback and evaluation forms from children and parents
• Help to set down and tidy after the session, including washing up, sweeping, tidying away equipment, moving furniture, and cleaning
• Help to promote Art Party in the community, including distributing leaflets and posters around the local area

Who are we looking for?

This role is suited to people who:

• Enjoy working with children in a learning environment
• Are friendly, enthusiastic and engaging, with good interpersonal skills
• Work well as part of a team, and can competently follow instruction
• Are punctual and proactive
• Have a good level of spoken English
• Want to gain new skills and experience, whilst making a real difference in their local community

Our commitment to you

We value the contribution that volunteers make to our work. Volunteers in this role will:

• Receive a detailed volunteer induction specific to the role
• Receive reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses, in accordance with the PDT Volunteer Policy
• Receive ongoing support from the Young People’s & Schools Manager, and other Grand Junction staff
• Be supported to use their volunteering to access employment-focused opportunities, such as advice and signposting, where relevant
• Be invited to volunteer social gatherings, community events, and talks

What you’ll gain

This role is a great opportunity to:

• Contribute to the development and delivery of cultural activities for the local community and feel fulfilment in ‘giving back’
• Gain experience of working with children in an arts and cultural community education setting
• Develop new skills and increase confidence

Additional information

• Volunteers must be prepared to undertake pre-offer checks, including references. Some roles may also require a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)
• Volunteers may be asked to wear branded t-shirts whilst volunteering at Grand Junction

Interested?

Great! We look forward to receiving your application. To apply, please complete our short application form and tell us why you’re interested in joining our diverse volunteering team. You will hear back from us within 5 working days. For more information, please contact: volunteering@grandjunction.org.uk.

Community Welcome Volunteer

Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene is a venue for community, arts and culture based at St Mary Magdalene’s Church, run by Paddington Development Trust.

We offer a wide-ranging programme for young people, families, and adults that includes health and wellbeing classes for the community, after-school clubs for children, family drop-in sessions, a heritage programme and a collaborative programme of music, arts and performance.

Volunteers enable us to do so much more at Grand Junction. We’re looking for friendly and approachable individuals to join our team as Community Welcome Volunteers, who will help create a welcoming environment for visitors and assist in the smooth running of our adult classes and activities.

Where?

St Mary Magdalene’s, Rowington Close, Paddington W2 5TF

When?

Community Classes at Grand Junction take place on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

We are currently looking for volunteers to cover one of the following 3-hour shifts once a week.

Monday 11:15-14:15

Tuesday 10:00-13:00

Wednesday 11:15-14:15

What will the role involve?

Working under the supervision of Grand Junction staff, Visitor Experience volunteers will:

• Offer a warm welcome to visitors, providing information and directions around the building.
• Assist with setting up and packing away for adult classes, including setting up chairs, tables, and equipment.
• Take registers for classes and help new participants to register.
• Share information about Grand Junction’s events and activities with visitors.
• Support visitors in completing feedback surveys.
• Help to maintain accurate records of class participants and visitor numbers.
• Help update the ‘What’s On’ noticeboards.
• Keep leaflets stocked and well-displayed for the public.

Who are we looking for?

This role is suited to people who:

• Enjoy interacting with a diverse range of people
• Are clear and confident communicators
• Are friendly and welcoming, with good interpersonal skills
• Take pride in providing excellent customer service skills
• Enjoy working as part of a team, but also thrive when working independently
• Want to gain new skills and experience in a community arts centre

Our commitment to you

We value the contribution that volunteers make to our work. Volunteers in this role will:

• Receive ongoing training, including a detailed volunteer induction and training specific to the role
• Receive out-of-pocket travel expenses (up to £10 per shift), in accordance with the PDT volunteer policy
• Receive ongoing support from Grand Junction’s Volunteer Manager, and other Grand Junction staff
• Be supported to use their volunteering to access employment-focused opportunities, such as advice and signposting, where relevant
• Be invited to regular volunteer social gatherings, community events, and talks

What you’ll gain

This role is a great opportunity to:

• Gain on-the-ground customer service experience in a heritage and community setting
• Develop new skills and increase confidence
• Meet like-minded people and make friends!
• Contribute to the success of local cultural and community activities

Additional information

• No previous experience is required for this role. Training will be provided
• Volunteers may be asked to wear Grand Junction volunteer t-shirts/jackets/lanyards
• Volunteers must be prepared to undertake pre-offer checks, including references. Some roles may also require a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)

Interested?

Great! We look forward to receiving your application. To apply, please complete our short application form and tell us why you’re interested in joining our diverse volunteering team. You will hear back from us within 5 working days. For more information, please contact: volunteering@grandjunction.org.uk.

Language Café Volunteer

Our Language Café volunteers are friendly and confident, and will work with the facilitator in our weekly English language speaking sessions to encourage and support participants to improve their English speaking. Previous teaching experience, preferably in ESOL, is recommended but not required, but an advanced level of English language competency is a requirement.

Where?

St Mary Magdalene’s, Rowington Close, Paddington W2 5TF

When?

This is an hour long session every Monday 11:45-12:45 term time only, we ask you to attend as many sessions in a term as you are able. volunteer hours are 11:30-13:00.

What will the role involve?

• Supporting participants in the language café, answering questions and encouraging conversation in small groups.
• Supporting the facilitator with the running of the session, helping to set-up the class and tidy up at the end.
• You may also be asked to accompany the group on trips outside of Grand Junction.

Who are we looking for?

This role is suited to people who:

• Confident and friendly communicators
• Good listening skills
• Advanced English Language competency is a requirement, this could be GCSE, A-level or an English language certificate/diploma
• Knowledge of another language (e.g. Arabic, Bengali, Urdu) is preferable but not required.

Our commitment to you

We value the contribution that volunteers make to our work. Volunteers in this role will: • Receive ongoing training, including a detailed volunteer induction and training specific to the role • Receive reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, in accordance with the PDT volunteer policy • Receive ongoing support from Grand Junction’s Volunteer Manager, and other Grand Junction staff • Be supported to use their volunteering to access employment-focused opportunities, such as advice and signposting, where relevant • Be invited to regular volunteer social gatherings, community events, and talks

What you’ll gain

is role is a great opportunity to:

• Develop new skills and increase confidence
• Gain community ESOL experience
• Contribute to the development and delivery of cultural activities for the local community and feel fulfilment in ‘giving back’
• Meet like-minded people, and make friends!

Additional information

• Volunteers must be prepared to undertake pre-offer checks, including references.

Interested?

Great! We look forward to receiving your application. To apply, please complete our short application form and tell us why you’re interested in joining our diverse volunteering team. You will hear back from us within 5 working days. To find out more about Grand Junction, please visit www.grandjunction.org.uk For more information, please contact: volunteering@grandjunction.org.uk. Grand Junction is committed to equal opportunities and diversity. We welcome applications from people from all backgrounds and communities.

Heritage Tour Guide Volunteer

Grand Junction at St Mary Magdalene’s is a new venue for community, arts and culture based at St Mary Magdalene Church, run by Paddington Development Trust. Our mission is to create, foster and present an eclectic, collaborative programme of music, arts and performance for young people, families, and adults in our three amazing spaces. We are looking for new Heritage Tour Guide Volunteers to deliver inspiring and engaging tours of our vibrant church and community arts venue. Our tours tell the story of the building’s rich Victorian history, and its connection to the development of the local area. This role is perfect for anyone with an interest in history and heritage who would like to develop their skills and experience through delivering tours for the public.

Where?

St Mary Magdalene’s, Rowington Close, Paddington W2 5TF

When?

Grand Junction’s free lunchtime tours run on the first Wednesday and third Saturday of every month. We ask for a commitment to deliver 1 tour per term and support 1 tour per term with the option to deliver more and with a level of flexibility. We occasionally offer extra heritage talks and tours to the public outside of these times from Monday – Saturday, both daytime and evenings.

What will the role involve?

Working under the supervision of Grand Junction staff, Heritage Tour Guide Volunteers will:

• Learn about the fascinating history of St Mary Magdalene’s Church, and the living heritage of the local area, and carry out independent research where necessary
• Deliver engaging and inspiring scripted tours of the building and immediate local area for people of all ages and backgrounds
• Offer visitors a warm welcome, and enrich their experience by supporting visitors to get the most out of their visit to Grand Junction
• Champion inclusivity, and adapt talk and tour content to suit the audience
• Keep accurate records of visitor numbers to the building
• Support visitors to complete visitor experience feedback
• Offer visitors information about our What’s On programme, and other activities and events at Grand Junction
• Promote volunteering opportunities at Grand Junction to visitors and the public
• Help to ensure that guests have a safe and enjoyable visit by monitoring health and safety considerations within and outside the building

Who are we looking for?

This role is suited to people who:

• Have a passion for, or a willingness to learn about, history, architecture and the living heritage of the local area
• Are clear and confident communicators, and enjoy engaging with the public
• Are friendly, approachable and welcoming, and champion inclusivity
• Enjoy working as part of a team, but also thrive when working independently
• Are committed to excellent customer service skills
• Want to gain new skills and experience, whilst making a real difference in their local community

Our commitment to you

We value the contribution that volunteers make to our work. Volunteers in this role will:

• Receive thorough training, including a detailed volunteer induction and training specific to delivering tours
• Receive reasonable out-of-pocket expenses, in accordance with the PDT volunteer policy
• Receive ongoing support from Grand Junction’s Volunteer Manager, and other Grand Junction staff
• Be supported to use their volunteering to access employment-focused opportunities, such as advice and signposting, where relevant
• Be invited to regular volunteer social gatherings, community events, and talks

What you’ll gain

This role is a great opportunity to:

• Gain on-the-ground experience of delivering engaging heritage talks for the public
• Develop new skills and increase confidence
• Meet like-minded people and make friends!
• Contribute to the local community and feel fulfilment in ‘giving back’

Additional information

• This role will involve being outdoors for short periods
• All volunteers will be required to wear Grand Junction volunteer t-shirts
• Volunteers must be prepared to undertake pre-offer checks, including references. Some roles may also require a Disclosure and Barring Service check (DBS)

Interested?

Great! We look forward to receiving your application. To apply, please complete our short application form and tell us why you’re interested in joining our diverse volunteering team. You will hear back from us within 5 working days. For more information, please contact: volunteering@grandjunction.org.uk.