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.
9:30pm-8:00am shifts run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday
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2 volunteers each night
Provide overnight support, wash the laundry and serve 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 receive a handover
9:30-10:00pm
Sign in and receive a handover from the evening supervisor. You'll settle into the shelter with your fellow overnight volunteer, introduce yourself to our 12 overnight guests and offer to collect any laundry to be washed during the night.
Be there through the night
10pm-6:15am
Once guests have settled into bed, you'll take turns sleeping, with one volunteer always awake and available should anyone need support. During your time on duty, you'll complete the guests' laundry, carry out occasional welfare and safety checks, and have plenty of time to relax.
Help guests start the day
6:15-7:30am
Prepare breakfast, wake guests in plenty of time, return their freshly washed laundry, and make sure everyone has what they need before leaving for the day.
Tidy up and head home
7:30-8:00am
After guests have left, you'll tidy the dormitory and kitchen, complete a few final checks around the shelter and finish your shift at around 8:00am. You'll head home knowing you've helped provide a safe, warm 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, such as mental health and first aid training, 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.