Local people are being encouraged to help tackle homelessness in Basingstoke and Deane as a new campaign launches ahead of World Homeless Day on Saturday (10 October).

 

Volunteer for Real Change is the newest initiative by the Basingstoke and Deane Social Inclusion Partnership, which brings together local organisations including Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council to take joined-up action on homelessness.

 

Part of the partnership's Real Change Not Loose Change campaign, the initiative highlights the many ways local people can support those who are rough sleeping or at risk of homelessness, while helping vital services recruit the volunteers they need.

 

Volunteer opportunities are available across a range of organisations supporting some of the borough's most vulnerable residents, from helping people access advice and practical support to welcoming guests at emergency accommodation services.

 

The Night Light Winter Shelter, which provides emergency accommodation for people sleeping rough during the coldest months of the year, relies on volunteers to operate.

 

Volunteers welcome guests, serve food and eat with them on evening shifts, while others stay overnight or come in early to serve breakfast and pack down. The overnight and early morning shifts are the hardest to fill. Without enough volunteers, the shelter cannot open.

 

Suzi, who volunteers at the shelter, said: “I volunteer because it makes a difference to people's lives. Marginalised, neglected, feeling rejected and feeling unwanted people, all searching for whatever their purpose is, to be seen and feel loved. For me, volunteering gives me the opportunity to save lives, by showing love and kindness to those who otherwise would have nothing.”

 

Alongside the shelter, Suzi volunteers at the Camrose Centre, a drop-in centre in Basingstoke for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed, as well as Basingstoke Foodbank and The Dwelling Place, a supported house for men recovering from addiction or rough sleeping.

 

The shelter is one of several local homelessness support services that are looking for help.

 

At the Camrose Centre, volunteers help to serve hot meals, make up food packs and shower kits, and offer a friendly welcome to everyone who comes through the door. No special skills are needed, and the centre is also keen to hear from people who could help behind the scenes with administration and the running of the centre.

 

Citizens Advice Basingstoke plays a vital part in helping people keep a roof over their heads, giving advice on housing, benefits, debt and employment problems before they reach crisis point. It is looking for volunteer advisers, receptionists, administrators and fundraisers, with free training given at a pace that suits each volunteer.

 

For anyone unsure where they would fit, Basingstoke Voluntary Action (BVA), the volunteering hub for the borough, is the first port of call. BVA is always looking for volunteers and can talk through what people enjoy and how much time they have to give, then match them with the right role. It can also help local businesses that want to offer volunteering to their staff.

 

Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Residents' Services and Housing Cllr Laura James said: "World Homeless Day is a reminder that behind every statistic is a person who needs somewhere safe to sleep and someone who cares.

 

“Local services do remarkable work, from the winter shelter and the Camrose Centre to the advice that helps people keep their homes in the first place, and they all rely on volunteers. There really is a role for everyone, whether you can cook, listen, give advice or spare one evening a month. I'd encourage anyone who has ever thought about volunteering to find out more."

 

Training is provided for shelter volunteers, who will need two referees.

 

Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more at RealChangeBasingstoke.org.uk/get-involved