Homeless Service
The Brighton and Hastings Homeless
Services recruit nurse, podiatrist and general
volunteers several times a year.
All volunteers receive training on homelessness issues before
providing a service. We look for commitment and a
non-judgmental approach towards homelessness and related
issues.
What does volunteering for the service involve?
All volunteers undertake an initial training programme
including:
- homelessness awareness (which looks at the causes of
homelessness and effects on physical and mental health)
- communication skills
- infection control
- professional boundaries
- dealing with aggression
- safeguarding
- consent and mental capacity act
- first aid skills.
All team members receive annual updates in first aid,
safeguarding, infection control and moving &
handling.
As well as monthly training sessions on a range of issues,
volunteers are offered many other external training opportunities;
for example:
- drugs and alcohol
- domestic violence
- self-harm awareness.
Support volunteers (non-nurses) bring a wealth of experience and
life skills to the team. They contribute to the service
provision, through advocacy, signposting and health promotion.
Most importantly they are able to offer time to
listen, to give holistic and empathic support, promoting
clients' dignity, self-worth and emotional well-being.
St John Ambulance Homeless Service staff aim to give all
volunteers adequate support with regular newsletters, training,
supervision and other contact as needed. Every session ends with a
de-brief to ensure that team members do not leave emotionally
over-burdened after what can be a demanding session.
Commitment
The minimum commitment per month is:
- two 2-3-hour shifts (daytime or evening) and
- one 2-hour training session (evening).
Many volunteers find that committing to more frequent
shifts makes it easier for them build rapport with the clients
and to gain a better knowledge of the service.
For more information about volunteering, please contact the
co-ordinator for the service: