Organisation Name:
Eimaan Culture & Community Services
Organisation's Cause(s):
Arts / Culture / Heritage / Museums
Health
Location of voluntary activity:
York Museum Gardens, Main Lawn YO1 7FR
When are volunteers needed: Volunteers will be needed for the Mela on the 17th of May 2026 10am-5pm. There are morning and afternoon volunteer shifts available.
Type of Voluntary Activity:
Event Support
Role description:
We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to support this year’s York Health and Arts Mela – a vibrant, community-led celebration bringing together partners, families and local residents from across our diverse communities.
The day will feature a lively programme of traditional music and dance performances, stalls selling authentic food and information stands offering health and wellbeing advice and support. The Mela is a welcoming, family-friendly event for all ages and ethnicities, with a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere for everyone to enjoy.
You will provide a great visitor experience and support the commissioning and decommissioning of
events/activities at the Mela as directed by the event organiser.
Key Responsibilities:
Customer Service:
• Welcome, assist, signpost and direct attendees
• Distribute event programmes to attendees
• Assist participants who have accessibility and/or mobility needs
• Support attendees who do not wish to be filmed or photographed
• Support with situations concerning lost and/or unaccompanied children and vulnerable adults
• Remain calm in the face of confrontation/aggression and request support from event and/or security
staff in such instances
Event Delivery:
• Attend event briefings and work allocated shifts as directed in the steward rota
• Assist with loading/unloading, setting up and decommissioning of stands and gazebos
• Support set up and decommissioning functions at Mela events
• Assist with directing designated vehicles on the event site and distributing parking permits
• Assist with re-fitting and sweeping the stage between performances and support performers as
required
• Support the delivery of parades and/or walkabouts
• Serve tea/coffee refreshments
• Put up signage, distribute paperwork and water to stallholders and offer cover as required to lone
workers to facilitate breaks
Health & Safety:
• Use agreed protocols for all communications, including requesting assistance and reporting incidents
to security staff
• Assist with recording attendee numbers by using people counters
• To have completed Action Counters Terrorism (ACT) awareness training (link here:
https://ct.protectuk.police.uk/) and remain vigilant at all times for any potential issues
• Be aware that there is no smoking or drinking of alcohol on the event site
• Report any potential issues and seek support from event and/or security staff
• Follow agreed procedures for reporting any accidents/incidents
• Report any suspicious activity to security staff and the events manager (who has overall health & safety
responsibility for the event
• Monitor queues for food outlets and craft activities to ensure pathways are not blocked
• Manage litter in the event area
• Manage and support crowd control to prevent any obstructions at entry points and on pathways
• Provide contact details and an emergency contact number for next of kin
Skills and behaviours needed for the role:
As a key point of contact with good communication skills and in a recognised uniform/lanyard, you will be welcoming to all and confident
interacting with members of the general public.
Will there be a DBS check? No
Driving Licence required? No
Volunteer's own vehicle required? No
Suitable for:
One-off Volunteering
What will the volunteer gain/benefit from:
Alongside the chance to meet lots of people and experience, we will provide you with water, a food
voucher for catering vendors and a cinema voucher as a thank you.
How to get involved:
If you’re able to help, please email m.janik1@nhs.net.
Web link: Click here
Closing date: 17-04-2026