Volunteer Homeless Drop in Helper

Set up in 1961 - we operate every  Sunday  lunchtime providing a hot meal, drinks and a safe warm space and informal support for the street  homeless or people in insecure housing  who are struggling financially.

The main aim of the service is to alleviate hunger and provide a safe space to go when other services are closed, providing  some respite from wandering the streets all day. We offer a healthy hot meal, soup, sandwiches, drinks and   when available , donated toiletries, clothes, shoes and sleeping bags. We can offer food bank vouchers and signpost to other services. 

We need volunteers to help set up and run the service.

Main tasks and responsibilities

• Meeting and greeting guests
• Setting up the service
• Serving meals
• Clearing up after.

Benefits to the volunteer

• Meet new people and get involved in a team.
• Develop an understanding of the needs of the homeless and services available to them; which will be useful experience for a career in housing or homelessness.
• Develop skills in dealing with vulnerable people, service delivery and time management.
• Basic reference after four months regular volunteering.

Though we are also in high need for volunteers that can help with collecting surplus food from Wenzels in Ilford High St on a Saturday roughly 6.45pm and to deliver them to the centre which is roughly 10 mins walk away. 

We are also seeking for people that would like to be team leaders. These volunteers come on Sunday from 12pm and are in charge of delegating tasks and ensuring the centre is kept clean and everything is put away. 

What skills do I need?

Skills, attributes, experience and qualifications

• A friendly, outgoing non judgemental team player.  Committed to equalities as our guests and volunteers come from all backgrounds.
• Ability to empathise with the homeless and treat them with respect despite presenting challenging behaviour at times.
• Ability to keep calm under pressure and be willing to follow instructions and support the team leader if incidents occur. Able to seek help if facing challenging behaviour from guests.
• Able to work as a team member, happy mucking in with all tasks, able to follow instructions, aware of health & safety issues.
  
• Willing to do basic tasks like preparing and serving food, washing up and clearing up.  As well as chatting to our guests.
• Able to stand for a few hours.
• Own a mobile phone.
• Minimum age requirement: 18+ 

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

Volunteering takes place at The Parish Centre St peter & St Pauls Church, Ilford high rd IG1 1QP on Sundays from 12:15 pm to 2. 45 pm : each week. We are looking for a commitment of at least 2.5 hours, once a month, or more often if you want to volunteer more frequently . Occasionally there are volunteer meetings sometimes online

Where does this role take place?