Volunteering at Jimmy's

 

1. Who can volunteer at Jimmy's?

People from many different sections of the community become volunteers at Jimmy’s; some are students, some are employed, others may be unwaged or retired. We do, however, request that all volunteers are at least 18 years old.

2. How do I get involved as a volunteer?

 Potential volunteers should contact the co-ordinator of volunteers to arrange an initial/induction meeting to look around the shelter, hear about the work of Jimmy’s and discuss volunteering possibilities.

3. What are the times of the volunteer shifts?

There are three shifts each day:

Morning      7.30 - 10am
Evening       6.30 - 10pm
Overnight    10pm - 7am

4. What will I be asked to do on my volunteer shift?

The night shelter volunteers generally work in small teams, assisting the project staff and helping to ensure that guests receive friendly and courteous service. Tasks may involve some food preparation, serving and clearing meals, doing light domestic cleaning duties, bed making, chatting with guests and playing scrabble, chess, etc. Tasks will be explained at the meeting with the co-ordinator of volunteers and during your first shift, and there is a list of jobs on the kitchen notice board that you can refer to. If you work the overnight shift, you will normally be able to get some sleep after the jobs are done.

5. What kind of back-up support is offered?

Project workers are responsible for the smooth running of each shift, and therefore have a duty to support and oversee the volunteer teams who are assisting them.

The co-ordinator of volunteers is also responsible for the well-being of those who come in to help at Jimmy’s. If you want to talk to someone about your shift, or wish to cancel or swap any shift you may have booked, please contact the co-ordinator.

The project manager is responsible for the overall management of the night shelter, supporting project workers and volunteers, ensuring that all necessary equipment is provided, and that relevant insurance and health and safety mechanisms are in place.

6. How often will I be asked to do a shift?

The usual commitment is for one shift a fortnight, but some volunteers prefer to be on the standby list and therefore help less frequently.

7. Is there any training offered?

A programme of training sessions, dealing with topics allied to homelessness and the work of the night shelter, are arranged each year and volunteers are encouraged to take advantage of these events. All sessions are led by professionals in the relevant fields.

In addition, volunteers are invited to attend a basic course of First Aid training which takes place every couple of months.

8. Can I claim my travel expenses ?

 Volunteers may reclaim any expenses they incur whilst volunteering, e.g. parking or bus fares. We appreciate your help and don’t want you to be out of pocket. Simply complete a brief form (available on the volunteers’ notice board) and the project staff will reimburse you immediately.

9. Can I ask for a reference for my volunteering work?

If you require references or other qualifying documentation, the co-ordinator of volunteers will provide this at your request.

10. Do I have to commit to a regular shift?

If you prefer to help us on an occasional basis, rather than have a regular shift every two weeks, you may choose to have your name on the standby list. Then, if there are cancellations on the rota, you may be asked to fill the gap, (sometimes several days in advance, sometimes at short notice), and you have the option of accepting or refusing the offered slot.

11. Can I volunteer at other times from the regular shifts?

The majority of our volunteers help within the regular shift times. Just occasionally there may be a need for daytime help with simple office tasks or DIY jobs, but these opportunities are very infrequent.