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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
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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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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| Training | Supervision
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