This week, 27 November – 1 December, Mayor of London Sadiq Khan activated the Severe Weather Emergency Protocol (SWEP) for the first time this winter, instructing councils across the capital to provide extra shelter for people sleeping rough. This decision comes as temperatures dropped below zero degrees, posing increased risks to those sleeping rough on the streets.

In response, our outreach teams have been actively working to ensure that everyone has a place to stay away from the freezing temperatures. 

“We encourage members of the public to make referrals of anyone they see sleeping rough to Streetlink, who contact our outreach teams directly and quickly. During SWEP we put out additional outreach shifts, so that anticipated increased demand can be met.”  

– Thames Reach Director of Services

As we navigate through the winter, we will continue to find the fastest routes away from the streets for the people we support, prioritising safety during extreme weather conditions. 

It is important to recognise that, while SWEP provides a vital immediate response to help those sleeping rough, it does not address the root causes of rough sleeping. A more comprehensive approach is required, involving tailored support and assistance to address the complex issues individuals sleeping on the street face. 

Learn more about the projects and services run by Thames Reach helping to end rough sleeping in London: https://thamesreach.org.uk/what-we-do/ 

ROLE PROFILE

Role Title: Peer Mentor

Location: Croydon

About Thames Reach

Thames Reach is a charity based in London, specialising in helping people with complex and multiple needs, including those associated with poor mental health and substance misuse. We manage a range of services, including street outreach, frontline hostels, day services, specialist supported housing and employment and skills schemes. Last year we helped more than 10,000 people.

Purpose of the role

Croydon Housing First helps people with a history of sleeping rough to settle into their own accommodation, offering immediate, specialist support to make sure people don’t return to the streets, and instead move effectively towards recovery and independent living.

The project provides 20 people with their own flat, all supported by a Thames Reach key worker who helps the tenant to access the right services to meet their needs, be it related to health, skills, benefits or employment.

Thames Reach staff also help tenants to source furniture, organise bills, and create a home environment in which they feel secure and comfortable.

What you will be doing

In this role, you will be supporting us with the following tasks:

• To provide information, support and encouragement to a mentee, leading and guiding by example in a one-to-one or group environment
• Adopt a person-centered holistic approach to enable your mentee to express their needs and aspirations and support them formulate a suitable action plan to enable them to achieve those
• Develop and maintain an up to date knowledge of local services to enable you to advise and signpost mentees
• Assist the mentee in their educational and employment aspirations and acquiring new skills
• Update mentee records including new action agreed and achievements
• Provide some feedback on your observations on progresses made (provide affirmation) and areas they may need to develop further to their achieve goals.
• Review and celebrate all achievements throughout relationship

When would you be needed and where would you be based

We expect volunteers to commit for at least six months with the requirement of 1-2 days a week. Once we have received your application, we will meet with you informally and give you more information on the location and time you will need to commit to the role.

What you can gain from this volunteering role

• Be able to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Professional references after 3 months volunteering
• Mentoring and support from our Employment and Skills team
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

Training and support offered

• A role specific induction so that you understand the role well
• Regular support and supervision from the team to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you
• Online or face-to-face instructor led training and e-learning modules to prepare you for your voluntary role
• Access to a range of additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development
• Support from staff and peer support from fellow volunteers
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

What we are looking for

• Good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and motivation
• Ability to listen and be empathetic to build rapport with clients
• Good verbal and written communication skills
• Willingness to learn and develop within the role
• Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people
• The physical ability to work on the streets (there can be a lot of walking involved)
• Awareness and understanding of the need for professional boundaries and confidentiality
• To have the ability to follow Health and Safety regulations, Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy.
• We specifically need people with lived experience of homelessness.

Minimum age: 18

Safer recruitment

Thames Reach undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. We take measures to make volunteering at Thames Reach a positive and safe experience.

Are references required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives).

Is there criminal record check required: Yes

How can I apply? Complete our online application form or contact us at volunteer@thamesreach.org.uk.

Apply today

Thames Reach Group (Thames Reach Charity and Thames Reach Housing) are looking for new members of our two Boards of Trustees. As well as a commitment to ending street homelessness, and the ability to provide strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Services for people affected by rough sleeping
• Health
• Housing association compliance

This is an opportunity to be part of an organisation with an excellent reputation for delivering high quality services, and which is serious about working to end street homelessness.

Stephen Howard, Chair of the Thames Reach Board of Trustees, says: ‘Thames Reach is an organisation making a real and practical difference to people affected by homelessness. By joining as a Trustee, you can use your skills and experience to bring us closer to a society where street homelessness is ended and nobody need sleep rough on the streets.’

To speak to us about becoming a Thames Reach Trustee, please contact boardmembership@thamesreach.org.uk

For more information about the roles, please visit our list of current volunteering opportunities.

If you are interested in becoming a Thames Reach board member, contact us at boardmembership@thamesreach.org.uk to find out more.

Thames Reach is a leading London-based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets. As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment. We work across London and in Surrey.

Thames Reach is a strong organisation that is growing in response to need. Our services are rooted in our understanding of the issues surrounding street homelessness, and we use this understanding to influence decision making at a local, regional, and national level. We have an excellent reputation for effective service delivery, working with people who may have very high levels of need, and using our experience of delivering services to develop and improve our approach. The majority of our services are delivered to local and regional authorities on a contract basis and we understand that our continued effectiveness requires us to sustain and develop our financial viability; and to retain and grow our excellent employees and volunteers.

We have just over 400 employees and around 200 volunteers, and our organisational turnover is around £25 million per annum.

We have an effective and long-standing non-executive Board with a wealth of relevant experience in both the public and commercial sectors. They provide valuable support to the Executive team, as well as attending around five Board meetings every year, sitting on one of the three Board sub-committees (Finance, Audit and Fundraising; Services; Governance and People) that meet around four times a year. Board members are also asked to participate in an annual away day, usually in the autumn, with separate preparatory visits to our services.

We are now looking for up to two new members. As well as an interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a Board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

Legal knowledge

We are looking for candidates with up to date knowledge of the law and its application in our context.  As well as the delivery of our services, this could include knowledge of property or employment law, or charity and contract law as it applies to our commitments.

Governance/Company Secretary knowledge

We are also looking for board members with an interest in and knowledge of charity governance, to support the board to understand and comply with our regulatory commitments.

Thames Reach is committed to achieving a diversity that reflects the communities we serve. We value, respect, and celebrate diversity. We welcome and encourage applicants from all sections of the community regardless of their history of homelessness, sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, or religious belief. We particularly welcome applicants who may have experience of homelessness and/or of using services that support people with complex support needs.

If you are interested in becoming a Thames Reach Board member and think that you might have the skills that we need, contact us at boardmembership@thamesreach.org.uk to find out more.

Closing date: Sunday 15 October 2023

Location: Across London

Purpose of the role

Information, Advice and Guidance (IAG) volunteer advisors provide support to vulnerable adults who want to access training, volunteering or employment opportunities. We provide friendly and expert-led support for vulnerable adults of all ages and backgrounds, creating better work opportunities for everyone in our community

What you will be doing

In this role, you will be supporting us with the following tasks:

– Work with clients 1:1 to identify their individual goals

– Support clients in accessing the knowledge and skills required to achieve their
specific goals

– Record client work on our InForm database to ensure efficient joint working
and delivery of the service

– Liaise with external services including prospective employers and training providers
as required

–  Signpost or refer clients to relevant internal services and external agencies.

– Work as part of IAG team and maintain regular communication with clients and
colleagues

– Provide a professional and effective service to clients in line with Thames Reach
policies

When would you be needed and where would you be based

We expect volunteers to commit for 2 days per week for at least six months. Our volunteering hours are Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.

Once we have received your application, we will meet with you informally and give you more
information on the location and time you will need to commit to the role.

What you can gain from this volunteering role

– Be able to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others

– Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

– Professional references after 3 months volunteering

– Mentoring and support from out Employment and Skills team

– Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

Training and support offered

– A role specific induction and trial shift so that you understand the role well

– Regular support and supervision from the Rapid Response team to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you

– Online or face-to-face instructor led training and e-learning modules to prepare you for your voluntary role

– Access to a range of additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and   professional development

– Support from staff and peer support from fellow volunteers

– Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

What we are looking for

– A friendly personality, good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and motivation

– Ability to listen and be empathetic to build rapport with clients

– Good verbal and written communication skills

– Willingness to learn and develop within the role

– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people

– The physical ability to work on the streets (there can be a lot of walking involved)

– Awareness and understanding of the need for professional boundaries and confidentiality

– To have the ability to follow Health and Safety regulations, Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy.

Minimum age: 18

Are references required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives).

Is there criminal record check required: Yes

How can I apply? Complete our online application form or contact us at volunteer@thamesreach.org.uk.

Apply today

Role Title: Keeping in Touch (KIT) Volunteer Support Worker

Location: Across London

Purpose of the role

Keeping in Touch (KIT) is a telephone support and welfare service for people we support who live in London. KIT volunteers assist people we work with and help with our aim of supporting people to manage their tenancy and avoid a return to homelessness

What you will be doing

In this role, you will be supporting us with the following tasks:

• Make telephone welfare checks and provide tailored support to help clients sustain their tenancy and support them to be part of, and connect with, their local community
• Research information about local community groups, advice/support services, and other resources that can assist the people we support to resolve a problem or query
• Keep written records of the contact and conversation we have with people on an IT system, and ensure notes are well written and can be easily understood by others.
• Inform Thames Reach Staff of urgent concerns where someone may need additional support in person (from a staff member)
• Provide a professional and effective service to clients in line with Thames Reach policies.

When would you be needed and where would you be based

We expect volunteers to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week for at least six months. Our volunteering hours are Monday – Friday, 10 am – 4 pm.

Once we have received your application, we will meet with you informally and give you more information on the location and time you will need to commit to the role.

What you can gain from this volunteering role

• Be able to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Professional references after 3 months volunteering
• Mentoring and support from our Employment and Skills team
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

Training and support offered

• A role specific induction and trial shift so that you understand the role well
• Regular support and supervision from the Employment and Skills team to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you
• Online or face-to-face instructor led training and e-learning modules to prepare you for your voluntary role
• Access to a range of additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development
• Support from staff and peer support from fellow volunteers
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

What we are looking for

– A friendly personality, good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and motivation

– Motivation to help people with support needs and who have lived experience of homelessness

– Good verbal and written communication skills

– Ability to listen and take a patient approach

– Ability to build trusting relationships with clients

– A problem-solving attitude

– Willingness to learn and develop within the role

– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people

– Awareness and understanding of the need for professional boundaries and confidentiality

– To have the ability to follow Health and Safety regulations, Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy.

Minimum age: 18

Are references required: Yes. We will ask for two references, and this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives).

Is there criminal record check required: Yes

How can I apply? Complete our online application form or contact us at volunteer@thamesreach.org.uk.

Apply today

Role Title: Keeping in Touch (KIT) Volunteer Support Worker

Location: Across London

Purpose of the role

Keeping in Touch (KIT) is a telephone support and welfare service for people we support who live in London. KIT volunteers assist people we work with and help with our aim of supporting people to manage their tenancy and avoid a return to homelessness

What you will be doing

In this role, you will be supporting us with the following tasks:

– Make telephone welfare checks and provide tailored support to help clients sustain their tenancy and         support them to be part of, and connect with, their local community

–  Research information about local community groups, advice/support services, and other resources            that can assist the people we support in resolving a problem or query

–   Keep written records of the contact and conversation we have with people on an IT system, and                   ensure  notes are well written and can be easily understood by others.

–  Inform Thames Reach Staff of urgent concerns where someone may need additional support in person     (from a staff member).

–  Provide a professional and effective service to clients in line with Thames Reach policies .

When would you be needed and where would you be based

We expect volunteers to commit to a minimum of 4 hours per week for at least six months. Our volunteering hours are Monday – Friday, 10am – 4pm.

Once we have received your application, we will meet with you informally and give you more information on the location and time you will need to commit to the role.

What you can gain from this volunteering role

– Be able to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others

– Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

– Professional references after 3 months volunteering

– Mentoring and support from our Employment and Skills team

– Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

Training and support offered

– A role specific induction and trial shift so that you understand the role well

– Regular support and supervision from the Employment and Skills team to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you

– Online or face-to-face instructor led training and e-learning modules to prepare you for your voluntary role

– Access to a range of additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development

– Support from staff and peer support from fellow volunteers

– Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

What we are looking for

– A friendly personality, good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and motivation

– Motivation to help people with support needs and who have lived experience of homelessness

– Good verbal and written communication skills

– Ability to listen and take a patient approach

– Ability to build trusting relationships with clients

– A problem-solving attitude

– Willingness to learn and develop within the role

– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people

– Awareness and understanding of the need for professional boundaries and confidentiality

– To have the ability to follow Health and Safety regulations, Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy.

Minimum age: 18

Are references required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives).

Is there criminal record check required: Yes

How can I apply? Complete our online application form or contact us at volunteer@thamesreach.org.uk.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Apply today

ROLE PROFILE

Role Title: IHASS Digital skills volunteer

Location: Deptford

About Thames Reach

Thames Reach is a homelessness charity based in London, specialising in helping people with complex and multiple needs, including those associated with poor mental health and substance misuse. We manage a range of services, including street outreach, frontline hostels, day services, specialist supported housing and employment and skills schemes. Last year we helped more than 10,000 people.

Purpose of the role

Intensive housing and support service (IHASS) provide floating support service in Lewisham. IHASS digital skills volunteer will provide support and assistance to individuals who wish to learn or improve their skills using new technology to bid on properties on council websites, pay bills online and be more confident on a computer.

What you will be doing

In this role, you will be supporting us with the following tasks:

– Provide basic digital support and assistance to clients so they can use smart phone, tablet, laptop, computer effectively to pay bills online

– Supporting clients to bid properties on council websites and access Universal Credit journals online

– Supporting vulnerable adults to become more digitally fluent using social Apps such as Skype, Facebook, Emails, WhatsApp’s

– Work as part of IHASS team and maintain regular communication with clients and colleagues

– Provide a professional and effective service to clients in line with Thames Reach policies

When would you be needed and where would you be based

We expect volunteers to commit for 1-2 days per week for at least six months on Thursdays and Fridays. Our volunteering hours are 10am – 4pm.

Once we have received your application, we will meet with you informally and give you more information on the tasks involved and time you will need to commit to the role.

What you can gain from this volunteering role

– Be able to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others

– Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

– Professional references after 3 months volunteering

– Mentoring and support from our Employment and Skills team

– Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

Training and support offered

– A role specific induction and trial shift so that you understand the role well

– Regular support and supervision from the team to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you

– Online or face-to-face instructor led training and e-learning modules to prepare you for your voluntary role

– Access to a range of additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development

– Support from staff and peer support from fellow volunteers

– Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

What we are looking for

– A friendly personality, good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and motivation

– Ability to listen and be empathetic to build rapport with clients

– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people

– Good verbal and written communication skills

– Willingness to learn and develop within the role

– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people

– Awareness and understanding of the need for professional boundaries and confidentiality

– To have the ability to follow Health and Safety regulations, Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy.

Minimum age: 18

 Safer recruitment

Thames Reach undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. We take measures to make volunteering at Thames Reach a positive and safe experience.

Are references required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives).

Is there criminal record check required: Yes

How can I apply? Complete our online application form or contact us at volunteer@thamesreach.org.uk.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Apply today

Role Title: Rapid Response Volunteer

Location: Across London

Purpose of the role

The Rapid Response Team works across London 365 days a year, responding to Street Link referrals.  Our team of outreach workers and volunteers find and engage rough sleepers, supporting them off the streets and into accommodation.

What you will be doing

In this role, you will be supporting us with the following tasks:

– Accompany an experienced outreach worker and together respond to referrals, searching for people rough sleeping on the streets and provide practical help in responding to their individual needs

– Refer clients to relevant internal services and external agencies where needed

– Engage with and build rapport with rough sleepers on the streets

– Making or receiving phone calls on shift

– Assist with taking notes during the shift

– Where appropriate, accompany rough sleepers into temporary accommodation

– Provide a professional and effective service to clients in line with Thames Reach policies and values

When would you be needed and where would you be based

We expect volunteers to commit for at least six months with the requirement of a one night shift per month. There are two kinds of outreach shifts, a standard, and a walking shift. Typically an outreach worker will meet you at or near your home between 9pm and 10pm and you will be dropped home by 3 am at the latest.

With a standard shift, the outreach worker will have a car, and you will drive from location to location to engage with clients.

The outreach worker will ask you to meet them somewhere mutually convenient to start the shift. For a walking shift, the outreach worker will not have a car, and will contact you on the day to arrange a meeting in the area of the shift. You will have to make your way to the location to start the walking shift yourself. You will be walking and taking public transport from client to client and will cover a much smaller area. Once the shift finishes the outreach worker can arrange a taxi home for you.

Once we have received your application, we will meet with you informally and give you more information on the location and time you will need to commit to the role.

What you can gain from this volunteering role

– Be able to use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others

– Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews

– Professional references after 3 months volunteering

– Mentoring and support from out Employment and Skills team

– Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression.

Training and support offered

– A role specific induction and trial shift so that you understand the role well

– Regular support and supervision from the Rapid Response team to discuss how your volunteering is going and what other opportunities and training may be available to you

– Online or face-to-face instructor led training and e-learning modules to prepare you for your voluntary role

– Access to a range of additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development

– Support from staff and peer support from fellow volunteers

– Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.

What we are looking for

– A friendly personality, good interpersonal skills, enthusiasm, and motivation

– Ability to listen and be empathetic to build rapport with clients

– Good verbal and written communication skills

– Willingness to learn and develop within the role

– Motivation to support disadvantaged and vulnerable people

– The physical ability to work on the streets (there can be a lot of walking involved)

– Awareness and understanding of the need for professional boundaries and confidentiality

– To have the ability to follow Health and Safety regulations, Equal Opportunities and Diversity policy.

Minimum age: 18

Are references required: Yes. We will ask for two references, this can be former employers or people that know you well (other than relatives).

Is there criminal record check required: Yes

How can I apply? Complete our online application form or contact us at volunteer@thamesreach.org.uk.

Apply today

Thank you so much for giving to our Essentials Fund. Your gift will make a real difference to people recovering from homelessness this winter. 

We look forward to keeping you updated on the impact of your kind donation. 

Thank you again.