Volunteering with Open Door

Volunteers have always been at the heart of Open Door, especially in preparing and serving meals. Volunteers also give our service-users valuable informal social contact, and are intrinsic to their well-being while they stay at Open Door.  We are working to extend the opportunities for volunteering over the coming months.

There are many benefits to working as a volunteer at Open Door including:

• the opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to helping disadvantaged people in the local community
• valuable work experience within a friendly supportive environment
• the opportunity for personal and professional development
• the chance to meet other volunteers and staff at social events
• regular communication via newsletters to keep you informed of homeless and housing issues and matters affecting Open Door 
• we can provide references for both existing and former volunteers

Induction training is provided for all new volunteers.  Further training is organised during the year and is often held at weekends to enable volunteers who work during the week to attend. Support is always available for volunteers from members of staff and the Volunteers’ Co-ordinator. The range of volunteering opportunities available with Open Door is diverse; we aim to match an individual’s preference and skills with the opportunities on offer.

All volunteers are offered reimbursement for their travel expenses; claim forms are available from the Volunteers’ Co-ordinator. 

Once your Application Form has been received, the Volunteers’ Co-ordinator will contact you to arrange an informal interview. This will give you the opportunity to look around Open Door, answer any questions you may have, and give us the opportunity to meet you.

If you would like to support Open Door through volunteering then please contact the Volunteers' Coordinator. 

What our service users say:

"The volunteers are cool and friendly - not many people would give up their evenings to come and cook for a bunch of homeless guys."

"Thank you for all the help and kindness you gave us."

"The... volunteers are exceptional people who all go the extra mile."

"Were it not for a facility like Open Door, I dread to think where I would have ended up and what would have happened on the way. To be treated with respect as a human being and not be judged in that situation restored self esteem and self worth in an instant."