Friends of Bennetts
Dunstable Town Council
Friends of Bennett’s We are looking for someone to establish the "Friends of Bennett’s" as an independent community group. Role: Recruit members, lead meetings, and create a "Community Voice" at Bennett’s Café for local issues. Impact: You’ll be shaping the café’s activities and representing residents to the Town Council. Requirements: Proactive, organised, and passionate about Dunstable. Apply: 01582 891434 / communities@dunstable.gov.uk
About the Role: We are looking for an individual (or small group) to establish the "Friends of Bennett’s" as an independent, self-sustaining community organisation. While the Town Council will provide the initial launch and a home base at Bennett’s Café, the goal is for this group to find its own voice, represent local residents, and lead its own projects. What You Will Be Doing: Group Formation: Working with the Council to define the group’s mission, recruit initial members, and eventually form a semi-independent committee. The "Community Voice": Setting up systems within Bennett’s Café such as opinion boards or suggestion boxes to gather resident feedback on local issues, from park safety to town improvements. Activity Innovation: Identifying gaps in local provision and launching your own activities, such as hobby clubs, local history talks, or coffee mornings. Acting as a formal bridge between the public and the Town Council, ensuring that the community’s ideas are heard at a high level. Who We Are Looking For: We need people with the drive to build something from nothing. You should be comfortable with public speaking, organised to run a meeting, and passionate about making a lasting impact on Dunstable
Advice, Information & Support,Art & Design,Community Work,Fundraising,Gardening,Marketing, PR & Media,Trusteeships & Committees,Environmental,Events & Stewarding,Volunteer Management,Employee & Group Volunteering,General & Helping
Creative & Design, Managing People, Negotiating, Organising & Planning
Communication: Comfortable talking to residents to gather feedback and opinions. Creativity: Ability to suggest and help plan new activities (e.g., hobby groups, talks). Organisation: Basic skills to help set up a "community voice" space or board. Community Minded: Interested in local Dunstable issues and making the town better. Self-Motivated: Able to take the lead on small projects within the café environment.
Since this role is more about community leadership and shaping a local space, the benefits are quite unique. It’s less about "doing tasks" and more about "making an impact." Here are the key benefits for a Community Hub Champion: 1. Real Influence & Creative Freedom This isn't a role where you just follow instructions. You get to bring your own ideas to the table. If you’ve ever sat in a park or café and thought, "I wish they did X here," this is your chance to actually make it happen. You have a direct line to the Town Council to pitch and launch projects. 2. Build a "Community Voice" Portfolio You will learn how to: Consult with the public and gather diverse opinions. Present feedback to official bodies (the Council). Organise and market small-scale community events. 3. Become a Local "Key Player" You’ll go from being a resident to a well-known community figure. You’ll build relationships with local business owners, council members, and various charity groups that use the hub. 4. Flexible, "Work-from-Café" Style 5. Mental Wellbeing & Social Purpose There is a massive sense of pride in seeing a "Community Opinion Board" full of notes or a new hobby group meeting for the first time because you organised it. It provides a strong sense of purpose 6. CV & Reference Support For younger volunteers or those looking to change careers, we can provide a reference that highlights your leadership, initiative, and communication skills. You aren't just a volunteer; you are a project lead.
Once a month time and day to be agreed
LU6 3DE
Bennetts Cafe & Community Hub Bennetts Recreation Ground Dunstable
Near central High St. Use Bus A, B, 34, 40 to Ashton Square Look for bull pond lane entrance or Kirby Road entrance Splash park, tennis courts and adventure play park in the recreation ground.
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