Thank you for volunteering with Bags of Taste.

In order to make your mentor journey as smooth as possible, we have laid out the individual steps below. Completing the training on this page is part of the Initial Training.

  • You

    Initial training

    • Initial web-based training
    • Sign code of conduct
    • Provide availability
    • Onion Chopping
  • BoT

    Allocation to an area

    Based on your availability, we will allocate you to an Area Head for further training.  The AH will contact you directly.

    BoT

  • You

    Stage 2 training

    • Read course materials provided
    • Phone discussion & training with Area Head
  • BoT

    Allocation of students

    Area Head will allocate you your group of students

    BoT

  • You

    Start mentoring

    You will be in the group with an Area Head

  • BoT

    Support & advice

    The Area Head will provide support and advice

    BoT

  • You

    Graduate your students

    • Complete mentoring
    • Do exit interviews
    • Provide feedback from students to BoT

These 3 short videos (total time: 16 minutes) are the start of your training as a cooking mentor.

At the bottom of the page there is a volunteers agreement – please sign this agreement which outlines what we expect from you in your new role.  Then we will put you in touch with an Area Head who will personally take you through the next part of your training.

In the first video our CEO will introduce you to your role as a cooking mentor.  This relationship between you and our students is incredibly important to them – often more important than mentors realise initially.

It’s important when working with vulnerable people not to take challenging behaviours personally.  People are often coping with a lot and sometimes their reactions may not be what you expect or how you may behave.   This excellent video will explain why and the best way to work with people who have experienced trauma in their lives, and why it’s important to be as reliable as possible.

Finally, safeguarding is something that is the responsibility of everyone, and this video is an introduction to safeguarding for mentors.

Thank you for watching our training videos. Now, please read and agree with our Volunteers Code of Conduct below.