Ellie Rawling

Kitchen for Everyone York (KEY) is a local homeless charity helping those who are in need.

I started volunteering alongside my mum who was a team leader within the organisation when I was 6 years old for nearly 5 years.

We provided meals, supplies such as toiletries and clothing, support and much more to our service users.

I would help in the kitchen preparing food & drink, waiting on tables, sorting donations and most importantly providing a friendly face and conversation.

I gained so much knowledge in my 4 years with KEY and was nominated, and won, the York Press Child of the Year award in 2020 for my role in volunteering.

My duties also included:

• Supporting the team by demonstrating respect and willingness to help.
• Working flexible hours, covering nights, weekends and bank holidays.
• Consistently arriving on time and ready to start immediately.
• Cleaning work areas and equipment to maintain faultless hygiene standards.
• Completing customer orders with speed and accuracy.
• Delivering exceptional customer service by proactively listening to concerns and answering questions.

I did work experience through school at Little Green Rascals Nursery.

My duties included: washing up/cleaning, looking after the children, helping the children learn and preparing/serving food and drink.

I also:

• Encouraged good hygiene practices among children promoting a healthy routine.
• Ensured quality childcare by following safety regulations strictly.
• Created engaging play scenarios to encourage imaginative thinking amongst children.
• Provided care for children, ensuring their well-being at all times.
• Promoted a safe and stimulating environment by managing nursery resources effectively.
• Supported teachers with daily routines for smoother classroom operation.
• Assisted in meal preparation for nourishing the children properly.
• Enhanced children's social skills through organising group activities.
• Promoted language development through storytelling sessions nurturing communication skills.