Volunteering

“The kindness and support from the volunteers is beyond the call of duty – we are treated as equals”
WLCHC Guest ‘E’ March 2007

WLCHC cannot function without the dedication and commitment of our volunteers who play a vital part part in the charity – especially the night shelters and laundry service, which could not operate without them. Our teams of volunteers are essential to our services and contribute to the overall success of the night shelter project.

It can be a heart-warming and rewarding experience, sharing your time and effort with an interesting and varied group of people, both guests and fellow volunteers. Each venue has its own team of volunteers who prepare food, set up the eating area, assist on the door, serve food, chat with guests, wash dishes and tidy up before the guests bed down. At some venues volunteers also come in to help with breakfast preparation and service. Volunteers welcome the homeless people who attend as our guests and provide companionship and company.

Volunteers can give as much time as they are able to and are welcome to come just for an hour or for anything up to the whole shift. Some people prefer to come early and help with the meal preparation and the setting up of the venue. Other jobs are serving, chatting to guests or washing up. A typical evening would look like:

6:00pm – onwards (Starting times vary for each venue)
Set up tables and chairs for meals
Put on urn/kettle for tea/coffee.
Begin meal preparation.
Check toilets area for cleanliness, soap, towels, etc.

7:45pm
The Facility Co-ordinator and the Project Manager will bring the whole team together to pass on any important notices and to introduce new faces.We will also make everybody aware of any incidents, problems or concerns. Jobs will be allocated to volunteers, e.g. reception/serving drinks/food.This is also a chance to ensure that all volunteers are aware of the rules, where the fire exits are, the names of their colleagues for the evening, and to link new volunteers with experienced volunteers.

7:55pm
Teams pray before opening.

8:00pm
Open doors, serve tea, coffee, hot chocolate. Start mingling with the guests and offering companionship

8:30pm
Serve main meal, sit and eat with guests assist clearing up

10:00pm
End of shift. Overnight Team come on duty and handover with Project Manager. Lights out
If you would like to find out more about volunteering with WLCHC, please contact us at 0207 351 4948.

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