Volunteering at Spires

Volunteers are a vital source of support for the staff and those who use Spires. The centre currently
has over 100 volunteers, who help with a range of activities including informally supporting centre
users, serving tea, coffee and meals, sorting and distributing clothing, leading our client activity
groups, fund-raising and administration.

"The sheer diversity and volume of human emotion that I encounter on any given day of the week
at Spires is totally unmeasurable. This for me is all part of the rewards and, at times, the pain
that you receive by just listening to what other human beings have to say about their lives."

Mary, Spires Volunteer

Benefits of volunteering

Our volunteers find their role at Spires very rewarding. The centre's relaxed and informal atmosphere provides opportunities for volunteers from all walks of life to play a part in
helping us meet our clients' needs. Spires is a place where you can give your time and
energy to others whilst receiving plenty in return – new experiences, meeting new
people, gaining new skills. Other benefits include:

• Getting involved in your community
• Supporting homeless and disadvantaged people
• Meeting like minded people
• Gaining a qualification
• Starting on the road back to work
• Having an enjoyable time
• Putting back some structure in your week

Training for volunteers

All volunteers are given our volunteer handbook, full of useful information that will help you
understand the role of a volunteer at Spires and how your contribution fits into the whole
organisation. Newer volunteers are invited to an induction session where policies,
procedures and other important information contained in the handbook are
looked at in detail. Regular training sessions are also offered to volunteers.

(STAR) Spires Training and Restart is an accredited training programme for volunteers who want
to enhance their practical volunteering experience at Spires, with some theory, knowledge
and skills training.

This course is currently being re-written and re-validated and will be ready to run again in
September 2007. Please keep in touch for start dates.

Volunteer supervision

Volunteers are supervised by the volunteer co-ordinator who is always available to discuss any
issues or problems you face while volunteering.

If you require further support on any particular issue relating to volunteering then this can be
more formally arranged with the volunteer co-ordinator.

Frequently asked questions

I don't have much time to spare, can I still volunteer?
Terms of volunteering at Spires are extremely flexible and negotiated to suit you. To ensure we
have enough cover, volunteers are asked to give three hours a month as a minimum from
Sunday - Thursday when the centre runs an open access drop-in service. We run a
women-only session on Fridays.

I've never worked with homeless people before, what can I expect?
The services provided by Spires are used by a variety of people, not just those who are homeless.
These include those who are vulnerably housed, people living in hostels, those who experience
mental health issues and female sex workers. Our clients use Spires for a huge variety of
reasons - from helping to support them in gaining secure housing to providing a hot,
healthy meal in welcoming surroundings.

What's the atmosphere at the centre like?
The centre is a hive of activity throughout the week, particularly during our open access drop-in
sessions. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive.

How do the staff at Spires help to prevent any trouble?
Spires has very clear policies relating to key issues such as safety, drug and alcohol use and
appropriate behaviour. These will be clearly outlined to you as a volunteer and are posted
up around the centre for clients to read as well. Staff are trained to deal with any
difficulties which may arise.

Will I be expected to deal with difficult situations?
Volunteers are asked not to intervene in problems arising in the centre. No volunteer is
ever expected to deal with any situation they are not comfortable with and support
is always available.

What work goes on in the centre?
Spires provides clients with access to a huge range of services including health services,
substance misuse advice, emergency housing and resettlement advice, and work with
women. We also run adult learning sessions, and creative groups. For full details of
the range of services we provide, see our timetable.

What support will be available while I'm volunteering?
Volunteers always work alongside staff members who are there to provide support when needed.
The volunteer co-ordinator is the main person who will support you during your time at Spires.

Find out more

A potential volunteer is invited to have an informal interview with the volunteer recruitment officer,
during which an application form is completed, two referees will be asked for and a CRB (Criminal
Records Bureau) form will be given to you to complete. On receipt of two satisfactory references
the volunteer recruitment officer will arrange your induction session at the Centre, during
which a suitable start date will be agreed.