We are on the lookout for new volunteers to join our friendly team of helpers. Volunteering at The Winchester Beacon is an opportunity to make a positive difference to lives of people experiencing homelessness in Hampshire. By giving your time, skills and enthusiasm you can be a hands on help in ending homelessness.
Are there different volunteer roles?
We have a range of volunteering roles available. Everyday we need someone to come in 6pm-9pm to work alongside our evening member of staff. They help out with general tasks such as helping to get the tables laid for dinner.
Everyday a volunteer evening cook comes on site at 6.30pm – 8.30pm to prepare the evening meal. They may choose to cook a meal from scratch or they can opt to reheat a meal made by one of our off-site cooks.
At 9pm an overnight volunteer comes in to work alongside the evening member of staff. They help with general duties to clear up before bed and sit down and chat to residents. At around 11pm they retire to their own private bedroom to sleep, they leave at 8am the next day.
Volunteers also come on site during the daytime at weekends to help between 9am and 6pm. The weekends are very relaxed and are an opportunity to chat to residents and catch up on cleaning and other duties.
We are also always interested to hear from people with skills and talents to share. Perhaps you could run a cooking class for our residents, give a yoga class, run a music workshop or host a quiz.
How often would I need to volunteer?
We understand that people have busy lives and that their volunteering needs to fit in around other commitments. We do not ask our volunteers to help weekly or even monthly, instead we leave it in the hands of the volunteer to simply book in for a shift online when they are available. So volunteering with us is very flexible and it is possible to fit it around study, work or any other commitments.
What do I need to do to become a volunteer?
If you are interested in finding our more about becoming a volunteer at The Winchester Beacon then book on to attend one of May inductions. They are taking place on Tuesday 10th May at 10am – 11am and Thursday 12th May at 3pm – 4pm. If you would like to book on or are interested in volunteering but can’t make those dates then please email admin@winchesterbeacon.org.uk. Please note that booking is essential for the inductions and spaces are limited.
What will the inductions involve?
Our inductions are a chance for us to meet you and for you to understand more about what we do as a charity and the role of our volunteers. You will have a tour of our building, we will tell you about how we support people out of homelessness and you will have the chance to ask questions.
You will be able to complete an application form if you decide to volunteer with us. Once we have your application we will then ask you to complete a DBS application.
Please contact us with any questions and to book on to one of our upcoming inductions, admin@winchesterbeacon.org.uk.
