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Why do people volunteer?
Volunteers are the key to the service we provide for young people, without them we wouldn't have a scheme. Bradford Nightstop feel privileged to have such a committed group of volunteers from a range of backgrounds with a huge range of skills and experiences who give their time to support the scheme in so many different ways.
Volunteers do so for a number of reasons including some of the following: to give something back to the community, they may have experience of homelessness themselves, for work experience, to develop new skills, to meet new people, to engage with the local community, to give something back to society, or to do something different.
We find that our volunteers feel supported in the work they carry out for our scheme and are regularly updated on the scheme through newsletters and training opportunities. Volunteers are encouraged to support each other through a network of people all over Bradford committed to challenging youth homelessness with real action that can change lives. All volunteer Hosts and TCPs are linked up with mentors, who can offer support and share their own experiences.
Feedback from Hosts:
"I've never felt unsafe and enjoy meeting such a variety of young people"
Feedback from TCPs:
Alison from Halifax has been one of our volunteers for 3 years and says "Being a TCP is a great way of volunteering without leaving your own home. I answer the phone for three hours once a fortnight and do this whilst I am studying or watching TV. There is loads of support available and there is always some one on the end of the phone if there is any problems during the shift. When a young person has been placed with a host it is rewarding to know that I have helped a young person find a safe bed for the night and they will not have to sleep on the streets."
Feedback from Volunteer Drivers:
Kelly is one of our original drivers, and been volunteering with us for approximately 18 months and says "It is a rewarding experience, as I feel I am making a difference to a young person by giving them a safe journey to a host. I feel this helps minimise the stress and anxiety a young person may be feeling at that time."