What our volunteers do

1. Work within a team of paid staff and volunteers offering befriending and support
2. Contribute to the identification of the needs of Guests and assist them in accessing advice and support from other agencies
3. Assist in the preparation and serving of food and with clearing up after meals
4. Help Guests access washing facilities, clean clothes and shoes
5. Engage in briefing and debriefing sessions
6. Work behind the scenes to keep services running, fundraise, maintain the centre and manage the infrastructure

Variety of Roles

Some of the following can be done on a weekly, fortnightly or monthly basis, according to the time you can spare. Others are duties to carry out occasionally or planning meetings to attend now and then. Everything is up for negotiation!

• Providing meals
• Food prep/kitchen work                       
• Befriending guests            
• Activity organiser
• Support and signposting
• Reception duties
• Shift leader
• Clothing store person
• Food collection
• Putting up and packing hall away 
• Helping with fund raising
• Helping with publicity and promotion
• Helping with admin

How to apply

Please contact us by email - This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - to arrange a visit to see what goes on and to talk things through. If you would like to give things a go, you can complete a Volunteer Application Form. Once we have received your reference(s) you can start your Volunteer Induction.

Induction Process

1. Initial visit – when you have visit a session at Devizes Opendoors you will receive your volunteer welcome pack in which you will find: a Volunteer Handbook, a Volunteer Application Form, a Confidentiality Agreement and Volunteer Agreement.
2. Application – when you have decided that you would like to commit to becoming a volunteer at Devizes Opendoors, please return the paperwork included in your welcome pack and we will process your DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) application and request references.
3. Induction – you will next be invited to an induction meeting where we discuss the volunteering roles you are likely to participate in and cover some of your obligations as a volunteer. You may be assigned a mentor or buddy at this stage who can help as you learn.
4. Shadowing – while we are processing the formalities, we will invite you to attend sessions according to your availability where you will be able to shadow, or try your hand at, some of the roles you are interested in
5. Health and Safety – During some of your early sessions, we will ask you to read our health and safety training documents. Relevant risk assessments are also available upon request.
6. Development – after your DBS and references are accepted, you will be asked your availability to be included on the Volunteer rota. You will be expected to attend various training sessions which you will find detailed in the Volunteer Development Programme.