Volunteer

“Spires is an extremely pleasant place to work. The staff and people are very friendly. My whole experience there has left me talking to people about how much I loved volunteering here.”

Without a doubt Spires would not be all that it is without the incredible enthusiasm, skills, and dedication of all our volunteers who all make a significant contribution in helping deliver our services. Whatever your background or skills, you’ll find that volunteering for Spires is a rewarding and enjoyable experience.

By volunteering for Spires, you could help to make a difference to the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

Centre Volunteer

Volunteers are needed during our day centre sessions with roles are assigned daily depending on what is required at that time. Volunteering at our centre is ideal for those who want face to face work with people in a lively setting as part of a vibrant and knowledgeable team.

Tasks will be a mixture of:

  • Helping serve food & drinks during breakfast

  • Helping our staff pick up collections & donations

  • Helping clients complete forms while interacting with them

  • Helping in the kitchen, preparing meals and washing up

Outreach volunteer (women only)

Spires outreach work helps meet the complex health, social, psychological and emotional needs of women who are sex working throughout Lambeth and surrounding areas. Outreach is carried out in the Spires vehicle around Lambeth on: Monday, Thursday, Friday nights at 9:30pm – 1:30am & Monday mornings at 5am-8am.

There will be a mixture of:

  • Befriending and listening to women

  • Providing information and advice

  • Distributing health & safety kits

Please note that all volunteers interested in outreach work must first complete a minimum of one month volunteering in the Spires day centre and then an induction to outreach. *

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

  • 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 Mondays to Fridays.

  • 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 or individuals experiencing physical & mental issues. 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.

  • The centre is a hive of activity throughout the week, particularly during our breakfast hours. The atmosphere is relaxed and supportive with our staff always on hand to help.

  • 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. Our staff are trained to deal with any difficulties which may arise.

  • Volunteers are asked not to intervene in difficult situations in the centre. No volunteer is ever expected to deal with any situation they are not comfortable with, and support is always available.

  • Spires provides clients with access to a huge range of services. This includes providing food & drink and visits from an on-site nurse. Our staff will hold discussions with clients, providing advice and referral to see how we can cater for their needs.

  • 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.

For more information or any questions you may have, please contact info@spires.org.uk.