Doorway Volunteers

"At other centres guests arrive and get their food, then take it to their tables. At (this homelessness project) staff and volunteers sit down with guests at the table and take time to listen and support them. It may seem a small difference. But the guests really appreciate it and the effect is to build trust and openness and friendliness. I think these are the key elements to (the drop-in)."

Volunteer who also supports homeless people in Bristol and Bath

Doorway currently has 30 highly trained and dedicated volunteers who bring a wide variety of life experience and skills to the task and have created the welcoming, positive atmosphere at the drop-in.

We have an excellent record for recruiting and retaining volunteers.

Without our volunteers we have no future.

The following quotes are from volunteers who have been with Doorway since the start of the North Wiltshire Homelessness Pilot Project in 2004:-

"I am a volunteer helping to cook and serve breakfasts...on a Monday morning... As I look back I feel there is a change with the guests, they are a lot more talkative and they are happier, but what I like to see is how they help and encourage each other and have more pride in themselves... All the hard work is worth it when you are greeted with a lovely smile and a look of surprise when you tell them you have missed them if they have missed a week or two."

And:

"There were times when working at the centre seemed boring and run-of-the-mill and I wondered why I was there. Then someone would tell you something they hadn't been able to share with anyone before. And then it all made sense - that's what makes everything worthwhile - that's why I'm there!"

The following is a quote from a volunteer who has recently joined Doorway:-

"I have been overwhelmed by both volunteers and guests alike into an extraordinary environment - professionally run, but non-intimidating and user-friendly" Jackie November 2006

Volunteer Profile

For advice on what to expect as a Doorway volunteer, who better to talk to than Sue, who has been with us since day one.

"First, you need to make a committment" she says. "We need really reliable people. Second, it helps to be non-judgemental. It's hard work, but we all find it totally worthwhile.

Most volunteers knew nothing about homelessness before they started, but they found themselves building real friendships with the guests. When I first read about the project starting, something told me I had to become involved. I'm very glad I did."

Would you like to find out more about joining the Doorway team?

You will be well trained, and made to feel very welcome.

We're looking for volunteers to cook and serve food, befriend guests, or help with activities.