Founded by Meg Grimes in 1986
Volunteering
Overnight shifts at a glance
Our overnight volunteers stay on-site while our guests sleep. You'll be here to provide reassurance, respond if anyone needs support and help ensure everyone has a safe and restful night.
9:30am-7:30am shifts run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.
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2 volunteers each night.
Provide overnight support, do the laundry and provide breakfast.
Create a safe, respectful and friendly environment.
Be the reason someone sleeps safely tonight.
It's more than just a bed.
It's warmth. It's safety. It's dignity.
It's the chance to rest without fear.
What happens during an overnight shift?
Arrive and sign in
Sign in and receive a handover from the evening supervisor before settling into the shelter with your fellow overnight volunteer. You'll check in with our 12 overnight guests, help them settle in for the night and offer to collect any laundry.
Take turns working
Volunteers take turns sleeping, ensuring one volunteer is always awake throughout the night. When you're on duty, you'll have time to relax while keeping an eye on the guests and doing practical tasks such as washing and drying bedding and towels.
Provide breakfast
From around 7:00am, you'll help wake guests, prepare and serve breakfast and hot drinks, and ensure everyone has what they need before leaving for the day.
Finish and tidy up
After guests have left, you'll tidy the overnight accommodation, complete a handover for the day team and finish your shift at around 7:30am, knowing you've helped provide a safe night's sleep for up to 12 people.
Ready to Get Involved?
Before joining our overnight team, we ask that all prospective volunteers fill in our application form and attend a mandatory introduction session. These one-hour sessions are held at 6:30pm and provide an overview of our shelter operations, along with guidance on how you can make the most of your volunteering experience. You can view and select one of our upcoming induction sessions directly on the sign-up form.
After completing the session, you’ll be ready to choose your first shift. You’ll be supported by experienced team members and have the chance to ask any questions you may have along the way.
Commonly Asked Questions
Who can volunteer?
Anyone aged 18 or over is welcome. We welcome people from all backgrounds and walks of life, and we're committed to creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for everyone.
Can I pick what night I volunteer and how often?
You can choose the night that works best for you. We simply ask overnight volunteers to commit to one overnight shift each month, helping us provide a reliable service for our guests while fitting around your own schedule.
Will I be lone working?
Overnight volunteers always work in pairs. You'll take turns sleeping with both volunteers remaining in a secure, volunteer-only area throughout the night. If you ever need assistance, you can simply wake your fellow volunteer.
Do I need experience?
Not at all. Many of our volunteers have never volunteered before. All you need is a positive attitude and a willingness to help - we'll show you everything else.
How long does the application process take?
The application process can take as little as one week. Simply complete our online application form, attend a short induction, and once we've completed your reference checks, you'll be ready for your first shift.
Will I have my own private place to sleep?
Yes. We have a dedicated volunteer bedroom where you can rest during your turn sleeping.
What training is provided?
Every new volunteer starts with an induction and is supported by experienced supervisors. We provide training in several key areas helping you feel confident, prepared and supported from your very first shift.
Can I volunteer with friends or family?
Absolutely. Many people volunteer together with friends, partners, colleagues or relatives.
Do I still make a difference if guests are asleep?
Yes. The fact that you're there is what makes the overnight service possible. Without overnight volunteers, we couldn't offer guests a safe place to sleep.
Why Do We Need You?
Our shelter is currently open only four nights a week, which means some guests have to improvise and sometimes sleep rough. This is a real impediment to them as they try to rebuild their lives. The biggest thing stopping us from opening an extra night? A shortage of overnight volunteers. We need around 10 more volunteers before we can consistently open that extra night.