Volunteer for Real Change
This winter, someone in Basingstoke and Deane will need a warm bed, a hot meal, a friendly face or good advice to keep a roof over their head. Every one of those things depends on volunteers. Could one of them be you?
Volunteer for Real Change brings together local services that support people who are homeless or at risk of losing their home. Whether you can give one evening a month or a few hours every week, whether you love to cook, chat, organise or listen, there is a role here for you.
Volunteer today, change a life tomorrow.
Why it matters
If the Night Light Winter Shelter can’t find enough volunteers, it can’t open. That would mean people who should have a safe, warm bed sleeping rough in Basingstoke through the coldest months of the year.
The Camrose Centre’s drop-in sessions, the advice at Citizens Advice Basingstoke and the food parcels at the foodbank all rely on volunteers too. The more people who get involved, the more help reaches the people who need it.
Ways to help
Night Light Winter Shelter
Give people sleeping rough a safe, warm place to stay through the winter. Evening volunteers (6pm to 10pm) welcome guests, serve food and eat together. Night volunteers (9.30pm to 6.30am) are on hand overnight, with a split shift so everyone gets some sleep. Morning volunteers (6am to 8am) serve breakfast and pack down. Night and morning shifts are where help is needed most. Full training is provided, and you’ll need two referees, one of whom should be a church leader or someone who knows you professionally.
Phone: 07867 518169
Email: [email protected]
Website: Night Light Winter Shelter
Camrose Centre
Help at Basingstoke’s drop-in centre for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed. Volunteers set up, welcome people, help serve hot meals and make up food packs and shower kits. No particular skills are needed. The centre is also looking for people to help behind the scenes with administration and the running of the centre.
Phone: 01256 320877
Email: [email protected]
Website: The Camrose Centre Basingstoke
Citizens Advice Basingstoke
Help people sort out problems with housing, benefits, debt and work before they reach crisis point. Roles include advisers, receptionists, administrators and fundraisers, with free training at a pace that suits you.
Basingstoke Foodbank
Volunteers are the driving force behind foodbanks. Whatever role you choose, you will make a real difference to someone in crisis.
Phone: 07722 673645
Email: [email protected]
Website: Basingstoke Foodbank
Alongside
Alongside, formerly Julian House, has roles to suit different skills and amounts of time, from helping at events and supporting outreach work to admin and fundraising. No experience is needed.
Phone: 01256 322791
Email: [email protected]
Website: Volunteer with Alongside
Basingstoke Voluntary Action
Not sure where you fit? Start with Basingstoke Voluntary Action.
Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA) is the volunteering hub for the borough. They’ll talk through what you enjoy and how much time you have, then help you find the right role. BVA can also help businesses that want to offer volunteering to their staff.
Website: Basingstoke Voluntary Action
Ready to make a real change?
You don’t need special skills or lots of free time. You just need to care. Get in touch with any of the services above, or contact Basingstoke Voluntary Action and they’ll help you find the right fit.