Your first shift at Christmas Care

 

Before you apply for shifts at this year’s Christmas Care project, please read these notes - we hope that it answers queries you may have. It's completely normal to have some concerns before your first shift. Here are the questions new volunteers most often ask us, with honest answers.

 

Do I need experience?  

No experience of homelessness or of working with vulnerable people is needed. We'll show you what to do. To join our kitchen teams, we are looking for some food-handling experience beyond cooking at home.  

 

Will I know anybody? Will I fit in?

Most of our volunteers come on their own, and our teams are used to welcoming new people. Our volunteers are all friendly, team-minded and mutually supportive. Your Shift Leader will introduce you, and will make sure that you find your feet during your first shift.

 

Can I be given a shift with a friend or family member?

Volunteering by yourself is absolutely fine. But particularly for your first shift, you might find it helpful if you volunteer with a friend or family member - and that's fine too. Please buddy up with just one person, rather than a group (to reduce the chance of one illness affecting a sizeable share of volunteers on that shift).  

 

Want to get a feel of the place before your shift?

Many new volunteers tell us that visiting and meeting the core team before their shift made a huge difference. It takes away much of the fear of the unknown. So do pop in on one of our Donation Days in late December (see here for details) to see the premises and we’ll be pleased to show you around. You don't have to bring a donation (though it's always welcome!).

 

How busy will I be?

Guests don't need to book, so we never know exactly how many will come. Meal times are always busy, and requests for drinks and treats usually peak in the mornings. Occasionally things go quiet, and that's a good time to get to know your teammates and/or do some tidying up or organising.

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Morning shift: Guests often arrive early, keen for the generous Full English breakfast and unlimited hot drinks that we serve. The reception desk is busy and the kitchen is at full stretch, so the shift is usually buzzing. After breakfast, the kitchen starts preparing lunch.

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Midday shift: Some guests head out after breakfast, so there's lots of coming and going at reception. Guests gather again for lunch at 1pm, which is another busy time, and afterwards some then leave for the day.

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Afternoon shift: Usually quieter, with fewer guests around. Some will be snoozing, chatting or watching a film. It's a chance to catch up on keeping things organised. We're hoping to start some games (such as Giant Jenga and Killer Pool) in the afternoons this year, so tell us if you'd like to help organise them!

 

Will I get the support I need?

Yes. Your Shift Leader has plenty of experience and wants you to enjoy your shift and finish it with a sense of achievement. They are happy to answer any questions at any time during your shift. If anything worries you, just tell your Shift Leader and they will deal with it. 

 

What should I expect concerning the guests?

Our regular guests really value the hot, home-cooked food, the seasonal treats and the friendly atmosphere, and they are grateful to the whole team providing it. Most find it a welcome time to relax.

 

Guests are as varied as any group of people. Some are charming, some are a bit abrupt. Some love a chat and others prefer their own company. And some may spend part of their time with us dozing on a sofa. New guests can be a little unsure at first but soon get the hang of things. All of that is fine.

 

Will I be safe? What if there's a problem?

Everyone’s safety matters and new volunteers are never left to deal with a difficult situation alone. Some guests are living with mental health difficulties and some need extra sensitivity. If a guest arrives clearly under the influence of alcohol or drugs, we ask them to come back once the effects have worn off. If you're ever unsure or worried about a guest, tell your Shift Leader and they will find the best way to help.

 

If a disagreement starts between guests, the Shift Leader steps in, speaks to those involved and, if necessary, asks one or both to leave. Usually everyone is keen to stay at Christmas Care, so they find a truce or keep to different parts of the room.

 

Will I cope emotionally?

Volunteers can find some guests’ situations moving, and that's natural. You're not expected to solve anyone's problems. You're there to offer a hot meal, a friendly face and a warm welcome. Some of our guests need help finding and accessing relevant local services and your Shift Leader will be able to help with that.

 

What are the organisational arrangements?

All the operational arrangements - eg parking, shift briefing, etc - will be emailed to you about a week before we open.

 

Want to talk it through with us before submitting your application?

Just drop us a message on the website, with times and details for contacting you. One of the team will get back to you as soon as they can.