What we offer you

Support

Volunteers must consult a Trustee if they feel unsure about any matter regarding any guest, other volunteer, trustee or any procedure(s). Two trustees are always on duty and contactable.

Training

We are committed to ensuring that, as far as possible, volunteers have the knowledge and skills to enable them to make a full contribution to Open Christmas. Training opportunities are provided. You are strongly advised to take advantage of these.

We try to ensure that new volunteers work alongside experienced volunteers. Birmingham Open Christmas has policy statements on Health & Safety, Fire, Confidentiality, Alcohol, Drugs, Violence, Protection of Vulnerable Adults, Complaints and Exclusion. Volunteers must make themselves familiar with these policies before starting at Birmingham Christmas Shelter and sign to that effect.

What we ask of you

Your Role

Volunteers are invaluable to the Birmingham Christmas Shelter. The entire event is organised and run by volunteers. Everyone plays a vital role. There are a wide variety of tasks to be done. You do not have to do anything you do not want to do. You may enjoy some tasks more than others. Whatever you do we ask you to do it with good humour and in a spirit of co-operation.

Reliability

Please turn up at the times you have promised. If you are ill please let us know so that we can arrange emergency cover. Remember, if you don’t fulfil your promises the service we are providing for homeless people will suffer.

Relationships

Christmas can be a very intense time for guests and volunteers alike. It is easy to become involved with people. Pleasedo not make promises to guests. We are only here for a few days so there is a limit to what we can do and achieve. The most valuable thing we can offer is to listen to people. Where possible we put people in touch with other agencies and organisations that can help them with specific problems on a longer-term basis. Outside Birmingham Christmas Shelter volunteers won’t necessarily have access to support networks and agencies to enable them to deal with the complex problems of some of our guests. 

Volunteers are strongly advised not to hand out their personal contact details or to arrange to contact guests after Birmingham Christmas Shelter.

Do not take on too much. If you feel you are getting into a conversation / situation that you cannot handle, you must let a Trustee know. 

Do not push your personal beliefs or ideas on to guests, refer to the Protection of Vulnerable Adults Policy. 

Do not do or say anything that may damage the reputation of Birmingham Open Christmas.

Safety

Volunteers should act reasonably and not put themselves, other volunteers or guests in any danger. If you feel in danger at any time during Biringham Christmas Shelter you must tell a Trustee. Please follow what you have been asked to do.  Do not bring any valuables to Birmingmam Christmas Shelter as BCS do not accept any responsibility for lost / stolen items.

Clothes, toiletries, food, etc.

The scale of BCS means there are large amounts of food, clothing and other goods around. It may be tempting for volunteers to think they can have one or two of these items for themselves. Do not do this, the items were donated to be used for homeless people.  It is perfectly acceptable, however, for volunteers to have refreshments and to enjoy a meal after the guests have been served.

Equal Opportunities

Birmingham Open Christmas recognises that many people in society face discrimination. It operates an Equal Opportunities Policy, treating all people equally regardless of race, culture, religion, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, ability, health, status or lifestyle.

Suggestions

A suggestions box and slips are available for both Volunteers and Guests. Please use them to let us know if you have any suggestions to help us improve our service.  Questionnaires are available, please complete and return it.

Complaints

Please tell us if you think something is wrong. If you want to make a complaint, please talk to a Trustee. There is always a Trustee on duty, usually in the office. He or she will listen, and document your complaint if that is appropriate so that it may be discussed by all the Trustees.