Winter Night Shelter

We provide a healthy home cooked meal, good company, and a warm place to stay, whilst our guests participate on a programme with the West London Day Centre to get them back into housing.

Our guests are from all walks of life – some are British people who have hit a run of bad luck, others are asylum seekers and refugees for whom this project is their only lifeline. We always have a great atmosphere, playing games and talking. We also make and share excellent food.

To volunteer for this initiative, please contact Nic Schlagman, Head of Social Action, 020 7535 0273.

There are opportunities to join our team in a number of different ways, providing services on and throughout the night, including:

Set-up and hosting (3 volunteers): Arriving at 6pm to meet the coordinator and set up the space, including blowing up the air beds, and preparing the dining area; greeting the guests, and hosting them when we open the doors at 7.30pm; eating with the guests, and helping sort out any small needs. This shift finishes at around 10pm.

Cooking (3 volunteers): One lead cook prepares the menu, and a team prepares a meal for around 25 people and cleans up afterwards. The team arrives at 5pm, and washing up is normally over by 10pm. There is less interaction with the guests, although you all eat together. There is also the option to sign up to be a lead cook. We have a healthy budget for food, and produce a delicious meal each week. No serious catering experience needed, as training and support can be given.

Overnight (1-2 volunteers): Arriving at 9.30pm to spend the night at the shelter. Night volunteers sleep in a separate room, and we have two WLS security staff on reception all night. The guests go to sleep almost immediately after dinner. We wake up at 6.15am to waken our guests, prepare a small breakfast, and send the guests on their way at 7.30am, following which we do a quick clean up.

Breakfast (1 volunteer): Arrive at 6.15am to waken guests, prepare a small breakfast, and send the guests on their way at 7.30am, then do a quick clean up.

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