Volunteering at Colchester Nightshelter is a rewarding experience as many of our volunteers and staff will testify. Colchester Nightshelter welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds and experiences. Whether a student, retired, working or unemployed, Volunteering greatly benefits those in need and means that you get a chance to develop new skills and interests. We offer in-house and out-sourced training in areas such as Conflict Management, Mental Health Awareness, First Aid and Housing Legislation to enable you to help our service users.

Having volunteer experience will benefit you if you are considering a career in Social Work, Nursing and other allied jobs. Even if you are not considering working in these fields we need volunteers as positive role models to encourage and motivate the people we help. Often the people we help feel rejected by society at large and you can help us encourage, listen to and sympathize with the service users.

We open every evening at 7.15pm to residents, volunteers arrive at 7.00 pm and you get a chance to meet the staff members and discuss who's doing what during the shift,. If you feel your skills are better used helping to cook the evening meal, or working in the office or just chatting to residents then we are happy to oblige.The Night Shelter staff will show you the ropes and will advise as needed.

You can volunteer for a few hours or the whole evening if you wish, any week day and especially Sunday afternoons where traditionally we have found it difficult to find volunteers. If you finish late we can refund your travelling expenses if you like (taxi bus etc). If you are interested please feel free to get in touch by phone or by Email (volunteering@colchesternightshelter.org.uk) and we can tell you more.