The purpose of this role is to help Rochdale Science Initiative (RSI) C.I.C. deliver a welcoming, safe and inclusive Rochdale Science Extravaganza 2026 for families, children, young people and adults. Volunteers will support the smooth running of this free public event, helping visitors enjoy a day of hands-on science, creativity and discovery at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre. The role is ideal for people who are friendly, reliable and enthusiastic about supporting their local community. Volunteers will help create a positive experience for visitors, exhibitors and partners throughout the day.
Key information
- Start Date: 26th April 2026
- End Date: 28th June 2026
- Volunteer: Monthly
- Availability: Saturday AM, Saturday PM, Saturday Evening, Sunday AM, Sunday PM, Sunday Evening
- Tasks: • Welcoming visitors: Greet families and members of the public and help create a friendly first impression.
• Wayfinding and information: Help visitors find activities, event spaces, toilets, the sensory room and other key areas.
• Supporting exhibitors and activity leaders: Provide light practical support to stallholders, workshop leaders and partners where needed.
• Managing visitor flow: Help with queues and busy areas so activities can run smoothly and safely.
• Promoting accessibility and inclusion: Help signpost visitors to accessible facilities and support spaces during the event.
• Handing out materials: Distribute programmes, activity sheets or other event information.
• Answering general questions: Share basic information about the event timetable, layout and activities.
• Supporting feedback collection: Encourage visitors to share feedback or take part in simple evaluation activities.
• Set-up and pack-down: Help with light preparation before the event starts and tidying/clearing away at the end of the day.
• Reporting issues: Raise any concerns, practical issues, or health and safety matters promptly with the event organisers. - Training: All volunteers will be invited to an initial briefing session before the event. At this session, we will go through the event in detail, explain what volunteering will involve, and answer any questions. After that, people can decide whether they would like to sign up.
Once volunteers have signed up, they will be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group so we can share updates and key information easily.
In the first week of June, all confirmed volunteers will be invited to a further planning and briefing session. At this session, we will assign everyone their role for the day and go through the logistical plans, event layout, timings, communication arrangements and other important information to help them feel confident and prepared. Volunteers will also be supported by the organising team on the day itself. - Requirements: Willing to travel by public transport or find own way to volunteering location
- Interests: Art, Children, Community, Craft, Customer Services, Education, Environment, Event, Families, Festivals, Museums, Public events, Young people
- Activities: Catering, Customer Services, Escorting, Lending a helping hand, Providing advice, Reception
- DBS Check: Yes
- Are Volunteer Expenses Reimbursed?: Yes
• Wayfinding and information: Help visitors find activities, event spaces, toilets, the sensory room and other key areas.
• Supporting exhibitors and activity leaders: Provide light practical support to stallholders, workshop leaders and partners where needed.
• Managing visitor flow: Help with queues and busy areas so activities can run smoothly and safely.
• Promoting accessibility and inclusion: Help signpost visitors to accessible facilities and support spaces during the event.
• Handing out materials: Distribute programmes, activity sheets or other event information.
• Answering general questions: Share basic information about the event timetable, layout and activities.
• Supporting feedback collection: Encourage visitors to share feedback or take part in simple evaluation activities.
• Set-up and pack-down: Help with light preparation before the event starts and tidying/clearing away at the end of the day.
• Reporting issues: Raise any concerns, practical issues, or health and safety matters promptly with the event organisers.
Once volunteers have signed up, they will be added to a dedicated WhatsApp group so we can share updates and key information easily.
In the first week of June, all confirmed volunteers will be invited to a further planning and briefing session. At this session, we will assign everyone their role for the day and go through the logistical plans, event layout, timings, communication arrangements and other important information to help them feel confident and prepared. Volunteers will also be supported by the organising team on the day itself.