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

Becci volunteers with our Employment and Skills team, closely supporting the work of Lisa in the team. After being nominated for Outstanding Learner of the Year with Lambeth Adult Learning, Becci was thrilled to have won, with a prizegiving held last week.

“My role involves supporting Lisa with the work she does helping people improve their skills and access employment and volunteering opportunities. I’ve been helping out with the TRaVEL course, after attending the ‘Introduction to Volunteering’ course myself previously.

“I got involved with volunteering when I spoke to my local council about getting back into work, and I was told about the TRaVEL course, which helps people build confidence so they feel ready for work or volunteering. Now I help deliver this training, and help with other things like supporting people making job applications, when they might struggle putting pen to paper themselves. I like that the role tests my limits and allows me to help other people; I really enjoy helping people and learning new things.

“In the long run, I want to work with young people. I went through the care system myself and was a young mum, and the stigma around that is awful. I want to help people who went through similar experiences, as I believe the system can be really cruel and unfair, and having someone around who can listen and understand what you’re going through is really important. I want to use my passion for working with young people along with my skills and experience to make a difference.

“Last week I was presented with the “Award for Outstanding Learner of the Year” with Lambeth Adult Learning. I was nominated by Lisa, and when she told me I really wasn’t expecting to win, but I got the call and was so surprised to hear that I had won! It’s the first time in my life that an achievement has been recognised outside my immediate circle, so that was really nice. The students from the TRaVEL course came to celebrate with me at the ceremony, which meant a lot.”

Lisa, who nominated Becci, said: “I realised very quickly when Becci was a learner on the ‘Introduction to Volunteering’ course that she was going to make an excellent volunteer.  This observation was based on Becci’s calm and steady temperament, her enthusiasm to learn, her helpfulness towards me and other learners, and her relevant and edifying anecdotes of how she puts the classroom learning into practice in her own life.  She is willing to give anything a go adopting the “what’s the best that could happen?” approach which we covered on the course.  Where Becci is a classroom volunteer, learners appreciate her perspective on the topics covered.  She is also skilled at explaining elements in a different way, which is very helpful for me and for the learners.  She is an all-round asset!”

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

Can you introduce yourself and your professional background? 

I started as a volunteer in 2008 when I first moved to this country. I was looking for work and applying for jobs, and had a background in publications in India. During an interview, the interviewer suggested I try some volunteering to gain experience here, so I joined an organisation that helps people obtain volunteer placements, and they soon hired me for a paid position, helping people through the process I had experienced. I learned everything from scratch. Since then, I have really enjoyed working with volunteers and helping people get the placement that is best suited for them; I have developed volunteer programmes, practices, and procedures. Understanding what makes a good volunteering experience is a big learning experience, and an exciting one. 

What do you enjoy most about working with volunteers? 

One of the main reasons I love working with volunteers is that I understand that everyone has a reason for volunteering, the same way I did when I first started out. I make sure volunteers and teams alike ask themselves what it is they want to achieve. Corporate groups volunteering with us gain experience of working in a team as well as leadership skills, and empathy and compassion towards different issues and causes. It’s real life and career experience. Young people, or someone at the start of their career, can learn things that they don’t teach in schools – for example I worked with someone who was training to be a doctor, but charitable work taught essential caring skills that aren’t in textbooks. I really enjoy seeing people grow in their roles too; sometimes people will arrive with little confidence, and then build it while volunteering.  

Aside from the life and career experience you’ve just mentioned, what do you believe to be the other benefits to volunteering? 

The personal and professional development shouldn’t be underestimated. These placements provide the opportunity to integrate into the community in a way that can be difficult otherwise, especially in London. You can really feel part of something positive and develop a good understanding of culture and people in our communities. Particularly in Thames Reach roles, there is a good opportunity to empathise with people.  

Can you tell us about the volunteering roles currently available at Thames Reach? 

The most popular and always in demand are outreach roles. Thames Reach are best known for outreach across London, and these late-night shifts always need volunteers to support staff in finding and recording people sleeping rough, before helping them off the streets. People should commit to one shift per month, but are welcome to do more if they would like.  

In our Employment and Skills team, we are looking for volunteers to assist the process of guiding people through the process of getting back into work and identifying strengths and weaknesses. For these roles we require a commitment of at least three months, ideally six months, as the people we work with need consistency, and we need people who are passionate about helping others and contributing to our vision of ending street homelessness.  

Larger groups such as corporates are always welcome; we see them regularly returning to get involved with projects such as gardening at our hostels.  

What are your plans for the volunteering programme? 

I will be making sure we are able to define the volunteer journey, making outcomes easier to identify and making a strong connection between the team and the volunteer so that everyone is gaining what they need from the placement. I will also be looking to increase the number of volunteers we have and look at pathways into employment from our volunteers especially those with lived experience.

I am working on making sure all application forms are digital and fully accessible, while also acknowledging that digital literacy is not a given, so there will be support available to make sure anyone who wants to volunteer with us is able to make that application.  

 I will also be working collaboratively with peers in the charity sector to raise the profile of the benefits of volunteering with us, with the ultimate aim of increasing our volunteer numbers and ensuring a positive and fulfilling experience for all involved. 

We recently hosted our annual summer event, celebrating the hard work of our volunteers in person at our Employment Academy site. Part of the event was the prizegiving of our Volunteer Awards, presented by Thames Reach Chief Executive, Bill Tidnam, and nominated by the staff who have worked with them. Here are some words from staff nominating their star volunteers, as well as some words from a few of our winners:

Samara won an award for her work in the Rapid Response outreach team. The member of staff who nominated her said:

“I’d like to nominate Samara for a volunteer award. She joined in November and since then she has been committed and reliable. She is really enthusiastic about her role and picks up 2 to 5 shifts every month and workers are really happy to be paired up with her. She shows lots of genuine interest and passion in helping people experiencing homelessness, and has inquired about extra training to improve her skills in supporting people. She has recently had database training which will be very beneficial for the shift so workers can focus on other tasks. She is good with people as well; she is kind and has a natural way of talking to people that makes them feel at ease. She is really good at communicating and is responsive, engaging through messages and e mails.

I think she deserves to win a volunteer award to show her that her work and time are much appreciated.”

Samara said: “The volunteer experience has been amazing. I loved going out to different areas and meeting people from all walks of life. Everyone’s stories and situations are different. I have had the honour to devote my time to such an amazing organisation which does so much for the community and helps people experiencing homelessness. I decided to volunteer with Thames Reach because I believe in their vision to end homelessness, and their vision aligns with my vision, and my vision is that everyone deserves a place they can call home. Not only that, but I hope to inspire the next generation to give back to the community and to help anyone that’s in need.”

Martin has been volunteering with outreach. His nominating member of staff said: “Martin has been working tirelessly since before lockdown and all through the lockdown period. He is reliable and always on time; he gives up his free time to cover 1 or sometimes 2 shifts a week and volunteers during street counts without fail. He shares his extensive knowledge of the various hidden areas of the City of London due to working in the City for many years, which has helped me & the team immensely. He has endless energy!”

Martin said: “It is truly humbling and inspirational to be able to accompany and support the Thames Reach outreach teams on shifts and see the amazing dedication, professionalism and empathetic compassion they all demonstrate when engaging with people experiencing street homelessness or those with insecure accommodation. Each individual referral is always treated with great respect and sympathetic patience, despite sometimes initial recalcitrance, and as a result one can quickly see genuine improvements in both existing clients’ & new referrals’ health and life chances. The team’s commitment through the challenges of Covid was extraordinary and clearly reflected in the encouraging decline in street count numbers; but even for those now settled in secure accommodation thanks to the team’s efforts, knowing that they can still call on their support must be a continuing great comfort and undoubtedly critical in preventing a return to the streets.”

Kelly was nominated for her work with the Croydon Housing First team. “She has worked really well with her peers, support workers and the people we work with. She has a calm and gentle persona that has helped her gain the trust of the people she works with but has also shown a great level of empathy and insight into different people’s needs and challenges they are faced with. She has co-mentored one person with her peer, and alongside him has enabled someone with multiple complex needs to feel more settled in their home. This has not only prevented them from abandoning their property, but also helped them to start feeling less isolated, take pride in their appearance and that of their flat, which she is working to make more homely. Kelly is passionate and dedicated to her learning, volunteering to shadow different teams and workers as well as dedicating her time to further training and development.”

Well done to all winners, and a huge thank you to everyone who volunteers with us. You are a vital part of our work ending street homelessness!