At Branches we recognise that everyone will need help from others at some point in their lives.
When you volunteer at Branches you will have the opportunity to help some of the most vulnerable people in our community. You can help people turnaround their lives, regain lost skills or learn new ones, and above all, you will be helping people get their confidence back in their abilities and themselves.
We need volunteers to make our work possible and help to make our service users’ journey as rewarding as possible. We know how much our service users value and appreciate the support and effort that our volunteers dedicate to Branches.
Volunteering can be a very fulfilling and rewarding experience, where you can meet like-minded people who are contributing to a shared purpose.
We welcome people from all backgrounds – all you need is enthusiasm and a desire to make a difference, and if you have any skills or qualifications that you’d like to bring to your volunteering role, we’d love to hear about them.
We think volunteers are awesomely amazing people, so please take a look around and see if volunteering at Branches is something that you’d like to do.
Why are we looking for volunteers?
We are developing a Monday to Friday programme of activities, interests, advice sessions, courses etc. for the people we support. We can’t do this alone. We are always looking for volunteers to complement and enhance the existing services we provide. Through volunteering at Branches Hostel you will bring additional (life) skills, experience and knowledge which will help the single homeless people we support. In return, we offer a chance to volunteer with people who are striving to turn around their lives, some coming from very difficult backgrounds; and an opportunity to have new experiences (and some fun thrown in!) that come from volunteering with us.
Can anyone volunteer?
We welcome volunteers who are aged 18 to 100! The reason that we cannot accept volunteers under 18 is that you would be volunteering with vulnerable adults who have been homeless or rough sleeping and may have substance use or mental health support needs.
What is the time commitment?
We understand that time is a precious commodity for everyone and welcome volunteers who are able to offer one-off sessions as well as those that can commit to providing sessions over a longer period. Each of the volunteering sessions runs from one to two hours, except for events volunteering, which we are asking for a two-to-four-hour commitment.
How will I learn about the organisation?
You will receive a full induction to Branches Hostel including the services we provide; the organisations we work with; an overview of the support needs of service users both current and former residents (depending on your volunteering role); health and safety; safeguarding; and volunteering within our confidentiality and data protection requirements.
How will I know what is expected of me in my volunteering role?
Depending on the volunteering role you apply for we will provide a description listing your volunteering duties. We also have a volunteering contract that outlines our commitment to you as a volunteer and our expectations of you while you are volunteering with us.
Will I be paid?
Not for the volunteering work you do. We will pay reasonable travel expenses where these are supported by proof of the cost of travel.
I don’t have an up-to-date DBS certificate – can I still apply as a volunteer?
Yes. Not all volunteering roles require that you have a DBS certificate, but where you are working one-on-one with residents you will be required to have one.
I’ve never volunteered before – can I apply?
Absolutely! If you have a skill that we are looking for or just a willingness to commit some of your time, then we would love to hear from you.
What will I get out of this?
Volunteering is a two-way connection. We want volunteers to get something in return from their volunteering experience with us. Some of our volunteers say that they have gained new life skills, and others find that it’s a rewarding experience, feeling that they are helping to make someone’s day better whilst giving back to the community. Every individual is unique in what they give and what they receive!
If you would like to find out more, please get in touch, or email volunteering@wfcbranches.org.uk directly.
We have provided an application form for volunteering below. It would be great to hear from you!
We asked our volunteers, “What has been your favourite thing about volunteering with Branches?”
Volunteering here doesn’t feel like volunteering because I get so much back in return. The highlight is definitely the people I work with and the chance to get to know the residents. It’s a privilege to be part of such a wonderful community.
The satisfaction, confidence and self-esteem shown in clients after they walk away from an activity.