Ipswich Winter Night Shelter
IPSWICH
WINTER
NIGHT SHELTER
Volunteer Handbook
November 2011
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Ipswich Winter Night Shelter
Contents Page
GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEERS………………………...3
LISTENING SKILLS................................................................5
COMMUNITY CODE...............................................................7
TIMETABLE OF SHIFTS.....…………………………….......9
GUIDELINES FOR CHURCH COORDINATORS…..........10
HEALTH & SAFETY STATEMENT…………………….....13
FOOD HYGIENE & KITCHEN SAFETY……………….....14
FIRE INSTRUCTIONS……………………………………....15
PROCEDURES FOR PREVENTION OF VIOLENCE…....15
PERSONAL SAFETY…………………………………….......16
DRUG & ALCOHOL PROCEDURES………………….…...17
CHURCH VENUES…………………………………………...18
CONTACT DETAILS………………………………………....18
VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT AND CHARTER...................19
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GUIDELINES FOR VOLUNTEERS
Background
The mission of IWNS is to offer shelter and hospitality during the winter months to people
who would otherwise be sleeping rough. Many of you will be aware that the issue of
homelessness could affect any one of us, and is certainly a very real issue in our Town
today. As Churches in Ipswich we believe that God has called us to reach out to the poor
and to serve our neighbours.
Based on a model already well established by the Christian charity Housing Justice, we will
be offering a rolling shelter for the homeless around seven Churches in Ipswich. Similar
projects have been running in London, High Wycombe, Canterbury, Luton, and many other
Towns and Cities. This year we will be running a pilot scheme for just two months in order
to learn from and plan how the scheme could run in future years, linking in with other
established and developing services for the homeless.
Thank you for volunteering to work in one of the venues of IWNS! Although several
venues are involved on rotation, please regard them as being one shelter in one work. We
are there to provide hospitality and hope to those who would otherwise be sleeping rough.
Please take some time to read and digest these notes, and take part in the training sessions
that we offer. There will be a detailed policy and procedure file in each venue which should
be read. We hope that your experience of volunteering this winter will be rewarding and
that all our venues will be safe and welcoming for those who use them, whether as guests,
volunteers or visitors.
Context
It is good to recognise that some of the guests who use the shelter will have very complex
problems, which this scheme and its volunteers are not set up to deal with. Although we
may want to, we cannot solve people’s problems. We are here to provide basic facilities
and hospitality. The most valuable thing we can do is to simply listen.
Where possible, guests will be helped to get in touch with the right agencies and
organisations that can help them to sort out their problems on a longer-term basis. So
please do not try to take on too much. If you feel that you are getting into conversations
that you cannot deal with, please let the Team Leader or Church Coordinator know. Under
no circumstances should you feel obligated to do anything asked of you by a guest, nor
should you put yourself in a situation where you are agreeing to keep secrets. You should
avoid being alone with a guest, and do not arrange to meet with a guest outside of the
shelter.
The policies and procedures of IWNS are intended to encompass the safeguarding of both
volunteers and guests.
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General
The Shelter will operate between December 5th 2012 and March 3rd 2013, unless severe
weather calls for an “extension”. Seven Churches are contributing to the scheme with
resources, volunteers and venues on different nights of the week, providing food and a
place to sleep for 12 guests. Many other Churches, people in the local community, and
local organisations, are also supporting us in many different ways.
The Shelter is not a drop in where anybody can just turn up. Our Project Manager will
operate a booking system in liaison with local agencies. So anybody wishing to book a bed
will need to make contact via one telephone number. The Project Manager will, where
possible, arrange to meet with the person and complete a simple assessment and risk
assessment. A guest agreement will then be completed with the person before they come to
the shelter for their first night. This is for the health and safety of all of our guests and
volunteers. After their first night the guest can book another night, and after 7 nights there
will be a review. Through liaison with appropriate agencies, and giving space and
encouragement, we hope that guests can be supported to move on where possible.
Each of the seven Churches has one Church Co-ordinator who oversees the smooth running
of the shelter for their night and liaises with the other Churches and Management
Committee. We also have a Prayer Co-ordinator; this project is grounded in prayer, and we
want to ensure this continues throughout the period of the shelter.
Each Church venue has a team of volunteers led by a Church Co-ordinator and shift Team
Leaders. Volunteers are drawn from Churches and the local community, including local
professionals. Volunteers are not required to be Christian in order to volunteer.
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LISTENING SKILLS
In 2008, Jay Flynn reflected on his experience of Hackney Winter Night Shelter. He described
how he’d been homeless for nearly nine months, sleeping on public transport. During that time he
hadn’t had a single conversation. When he turned up at HWNS he was welcomed, given a hot
meal, a hot shower and a change of clothes. ‘But’, he wrote, ‘the best thing was that I was normal.
I wasn’t a homeless man, I was just a guy having conversations.’ For Jay, the best thing was being
listened to. That’s something we might all want to bear in mind. It’s easy for us to think that what
really matters is preparing meals and beds, both of which require a lot of work. But let’s not lose
sight of the equally important task of listening to our guests. Start by thinking about how you’d
like someone to feel when they’re talking to you. Many volunteers might say they’d like guests to
feel relaxed, safe and accepted. Listening well allows our guests to feel they have been met or
known as people in their own right.
Before starting a conversation:
Think about time and place. Put yourself in our guests’ shoes. Would you enjoy a conversation if
you were brushing your teeth? Probably not. Would you enjoy a conversation if you were soaked
through and hungry? Probably not, except to say how wet and hungry you were. On the other
hand, our guests will spend a fair part of their time with us waiting: waiting to get into the shelter,
waiting for dinner, waiting to go to bed. Those can be good times to talk. Starting a conversation
with a guest who’s standing up might be easier than with someone sitting, because it’s easier for
our guests and for us to end conversations if we’re standing rather than sitting, so people are less
likely to feel trapped. Our guests have little to call their own, but they do have the space around
them. Try not to trespass by getting too close to them physically. Try not to stand or sit directly in
front of someone; instead, stand or sit at an angle, so you’re not forcing eye contact.
How to start a conversation:
Many of us find it difficult to start conversations with other people, and all the more so with
people whose life experience might be very different from our own. But most of our guests aren’t
really so different from ourselves - we all experience joys and disappointments, success and
sadness. Bear in mind that our guests have not always been homeless, and God willing they will
not remain homeless for too much longer, so we may have more in common than is obvious at
first. Try to begin a conversation with an open-ended question. If you ask ‘Are you very cold?’ the
obvious answer is ‘yes’ or ‘no’, neither of which helps the conversation to get going. If you ask
‘How are you finding the weather?’ you’re leaving the door open for all sorts of possible answers,
and those answers open the way for further questions.
Think about how you ask a question:
If someone in a call centre asks you ‘How are you this morning?’ you’re unlikely to answer
anything other than ‘fine’ because you know they’re not really too concerned about you. It’s quite
possible to start a conversation with a guest by asking ‘How are you?’ in a tone that shows the
answer matters to you. For that, body language is important – think what it might mean for your
posture to be relaxed and open. All of our guests are unique. If you notice something that looks
like it might have a story behind it, you can start a conversation by remarking on it along the lines
of ‘I like your nose ring’ ‘That looks like a really useful shopping trolley’ ‘You’re carrying a dog
lead. That makes me wonder if you’ve had a dog’.
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How to help someone feel heard:
It can be helpful to summarise what someone has just said. If you say ‘So your landlord doubled
the rent and you felt really angry’, the speaker will know you were paying attention and can use
your summary to take the conversation forward.
What not to ask:
Beware of your own curiosity. You’re there to support and assist our guests, not the other way
round. The question most volunteers want to ask is ‘How did you become homeless?’ Don’t. It’s
none of your business. Like it or not, as a volunteer you’re in a position of power. Bear that in
mind, and don’t use it to pry. Nor are you there to judge people. Instead, go gently, and so long as
you go gently you’re unlikely to go too far wrong. Sometimes guests will volunteer very personal
information. If they do, don’t feel you need to do anything other than listen. Don’t feel obliged to
cheer them up, as that can feel like a denial of how they’re feeling.
How to end a conversation:
We’ve all had the experience of being button-holed by guests who won’t stop talking. If you need
to end a conversation, put down a marker: ‘I’m going to need to go in a minute’ allows them to get
used to the idea. Then you could thank a guest for taking the time to speak with you or offer the
possibility of a further conversation next week. Be firm but polite.
(Hackney Winter Night Shelter)
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COMMUNITY CODE
We keep the rules to a minimum, but for everyone’s comfort and safety please note the following.
These will have been discussed and agreed with each guest prior to coming:
1. No Anti-Social Behaviour or Offensive Language
At Ipswich Winter Night Shelter, the dignity and safety of our guests and
volunteers is very important to us.
If there are any doubts about whether a person might be violent, aggressive or
disruptive, we will not allow them into the shelter even if a bed has been
booked.
2. No Controlled Drugs
As a shelter, we operate a ‘no controlled drugs’ policy.
Drug usage or possession will result in a permanent ban.
We cannot at any time take responsibility for prescription drugs.
3. No Alcohol
Ipswich Winter Night Shelter is NOT a wet shelter.
You cannot consume alcohol within the shelter or within the immediate locality
of the shelter venues.
Drinking within or around the location of the shelter will result in an immediate
warning or ban.
4. No Smoking Inside the Church Buildings
Smoking inside the church venues is not permitted. Guests will be able to
smoke in the allocated smoking area outside.
5. No Offensive Weapons
Offensive weapons must not be brought into the shelter.
6. You must stay at the shelter if you have booked a bed.
If you leave, other than to smoke in the designated area, then your bed may be
offered to somebody else.
If you do not arrive between 7.00pm and 8.00pm your bed may be offered to
somebody else.
If you do not arrive at all for a night then you will need to re-book your bed.
7. No Pets
Pets are not allowed and cannot be left outside.
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FAILURE TO MEET THE ABOVE CONDITIONS WILL RESULT IN:
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A first warning, which may be in the form of a one night ban from the shelter.
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Two warnings or a serious incident will result in a permanent ban from the shelter in
the current year. Such action will be taken by the Church Coordinator in consultation
with the Management Committee.
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TIME TABLE OF SHIFTS
5.30pm – 10.15pm Evening Shift
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5.30pm –onwards: Cooks to Prepare and cook a hot meal.
Team to set up tables and chairs and make beds.
Check toilets for cleanliness, soap and towels.
Check the security of premises regarding doors to be locked or opened.
6.45pm – The whole team should get together for briefing. A good time to introduce new
volunteers. Check that they have read the volunteers handbook and check that everyone
knows the fire drill. Coordinator to pass on any concerns from the previous night or week.
Jobs to be allocated to volunteers. There should also be a time of prayer for those who wish
to pray.
7.00pm – Doors open – book guests in for night.
Show new guests around.
Serve tea and coffee over the course of the evening.
7.30pm – Begin to serve the meal.
No guests to come in now (unless with prior agreement).
Wash and tidy up after the meal.
Organise social activities for the guests e.g. Draughts, chess, dominoes, quiz night etc
Team Leader records any incidents in the log book and completes the log sheet
10.00pm – 6.45am Night Shift
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Complete handover with previous shift volunteers.
Secure the building after evening volunteers leave.
Make sure everyone is comfortable and settled in for the night.
11pm – Lights out. All guests should adhere to lights out and quiet.
There should be two volunteers awake at any one time throughout the night.
Team Leader to record any incidents in the log book and complete log sheet.
6.30am – 9am Morning Shift
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Complete handover with previous shift volunteers
07.00 am Tea and coffee.
Cook and serve breakfast (e.g. porridge, toast, cereal).
Clear beds and bedding away. Guests are encouraged to help.
Team Leader to check with each guest if they wish to book for next night and record
on attendance sheet.
Wash up and tidy up.
Clean Church premises and toilets.
8.30am – Ensure all guests have left the premises.
A time of prayer.
Team Leader to ensure log book has been completed and a record made of any incidents.
This and the mobile phone will need to be passed onto the next nights Co-ordinator.
Team Leader to phone Project Manager with list of those booked for the next night.
Take bedding away for laundering. Please wash at 60 degrees.
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 Secure building.
Church Coordinator Role
The Church Coordinator will be responsible for:
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Ensuring the shelter runs smoothly and safely at their venue.
Making sure there are enough volunteers to cover the sessions by drawing up a rota and
contacting them prior to shift.
Communicating information to the other Church Co-ordinators and the Management
Committee.
The Log Book
The Log Book is extremely important as it is;
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The means of communication between the seven locations, passing on details of who
arrived, who didn’t and to record any incidents.
The way we will collect statistics to evaluate the project and write a report at the end of the
Shelter. This information will be used to share learning with other agencies and for future
planning and development of the project.
Our evidence of the Shelter being run properly.
Ensure entries into the Log Book are signed legibly so that incidents can be properly followed up.
Before you open:
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You should have received the phone and log book from the previous Church Coordinator.
Go through the log book at handover discussing any incidents.
Pass any important information on to your volunteer team.
Make sure volunteers are wearing name badges.
If you anticipate a problem, discuss it and agree what you will do. Everybody should know
how you will deal with it before you open.
If for any reason you do not have enough volunteers and do not feel it is safe to open, delay
your opening time – ensuring you explain to any waiting guests what is happening. You
must always have a minimum of four volunteers on shift.
Opening Up
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DO NOT let any of the guests into the shelter unless you have the correct quota of
volunteers including a Team Leader present.
Welcome each guest as they arrive.
The age limit is 18 and above. This will be declared by guests by signing their guest
agreement which refers to the guest rules.
If it is their first night in the Night Shelter, remind them of the Community Code and their
agreement.
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When you answer the door, always ask guests to give you their name and date of birth (i.e.
don’t ask ‘Are you Dave?’)
Sometimes people turn up at the door who are not booked in. Do not let them into the
shelter as you will not know their background and will be putting the other guests and
volunteers at risk. Please see referral procedure in policy and procedures.
Once things have settled down, you will be keeping an eye on things, but you should have
plenty of opportunity to chat to guests and volunteers.
Handover
Always provide a comprehensive handover for the next person taking over from you.
Team Leader Role
There will also be a person responsible for each shift. This may be the coordinator or another
volunteer appointed by the Church Coordinator and will be known as the Team Leader.
The Team Leader will be responsible for:
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Allocating tasks to volunteers.
Taking key decisions when other volunteers are unsure of the best course of action.
Supporting volunteers where necessary in responding to guests.
Ensuring all paperwork is completed and handover between Team Leaders takes place.
Each Team Leader has the responsibility for the phone and Log Book and should book guests in at
the beginning of the evening. Complete log sheet at the end of a shift, and confirm in the morning
if a guest wishes to stay the next night. This should be phoned through to the Guest Co-ordinator.
The log book and phone will need to be passed to the next Church Co-ordinator.
Please ensure that at the end of a shift you ‘check in’ with volunteers to see how they felt the shift
went and any issues they need to discuss are dealt with.
Volunteer Role
Volunteers will be required to have:
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Familiarity and ability to work within IWNS policies and guidelines, especially regarding
Health and Safety procedures.
Ability to respond calmly but quickly in an emergency.
Judgement of when to call for help.
Basic knowledge of the building, especially the location of fire exits.
Willingness to follow instructions from the Team Leader, and work as part of a team.
Knowledge of basic first aid would be useful.
A heart for the vulnerable, poor and needy.
Volunteer Guidelines:
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Try to be on time.
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Make sure you know the church layout, especially the emergency exits, and any areas that
are out of bounds.
Treat guests with respect.
Be friendly and make guests feel welcome.
Work as a team and support your Team Leader. Do not challenge their decisions in front of
other volunteers or guests.
Guests and volunteers should be known by first names only.
Please do not lend or give money to guests.
Do not give out any personal information.
Do not arrange to meet with guests outside the Shelter.
Make sure you are not left alone with a guest or leave a colleague alone.
When speaking with guests try not to make any promises. We are trying to build trust with
our guests and broken promises can undermine this work.
Do not take guests to your home.
For your safety, do not bring or wear any valuables to the Shelter.
There should be at least four volunteers in the Shelter at all times.
Confidentiality
When talking to guests, it is important not to push for information. Please acknowledge that some
guests may feel hurt or let down by some experiences and may not wish to talk about them. Others
may feel happy to share their story. Please respect guest’s confidentiality and do not allow the
information to become public knowledge amongst other guests or volunteers.
Confidentiality is important for building trust; however it is not about keeping secrets and this
should be made clear to the guests. If a conversation feels like it is becoming a burden or
uncomfortable, tell the guest that you may have to tell your Team Leader what is being said. It is
then up to the guest as to whether they continue.
If you feel that the safety of a guest or volunteer is at risk then you should tell your Team
Leader or Church Coordinator immediately.
Please ensure that you have read the confidentiality and safeguarding policy of IWNS.
Gifts
From time to time guests may wish to give gifts to volunteers. Small gifts may be accepted
particularly if they can be shared. The general rule is that gifts should be shared with the team and
guests should be told that this is the policy. Gifts should be reported to the Church Coordinator
and recorded in the log book. Any gift deemed to be too expensive or in some way inappropriate,
should be gently returned to the guest. You should not encourage guests to give gifts. Volunteers
should not give money or gifts to guests.
Bedding and Laundry
A camp bed, blanket, sheet, duvet and pillow should be provided for each guest during their stay.
Beds should be made before the guests arrive. A towel for each guest and small soap and
toothbrush/paste should also be available. Bedding should be laundered after each use at a high
temperature. It is not necessary to wash duvets and blankets after every use unless they are soiled.
Any bedding heavily soiled may need to be disposed of. Please inform the Church Co-ordinator if
more bedding is needed. Always use gloves provided when handling dirty laundry.
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HEALTH AND SAFETY STATEMENT
Our policy is to provide and maintain as far as is reasonably practical, safe and healthy
working conditions. We aim to provide safe equipment and systems of work for both guests
and volunteers. We aim to provide information, training and support as is needed for this
purpose.
OBJECTIVES
The IWNS Management Committee undertakes:
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To provide a working environment that is healthy and safe with satisfactory
amenities.
To ensure that health and safety legislation, regulations and codes of practice are
observed.
To provide and maintain safe premises and equipment including appropriate
clothing.
To ensure that the use, handling, storage and transportation of food, articles and
substances are safe.
To ensure that the systems of work are safe and provide or locate appropriate
training and advice for volunteers in these matters.
To ensure that all volunteers and guests using the premises are safe and without risk
to their health.
To review and revise this policy annually or as new legislation requires.
COMMUNICATION
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Guests will be advised of this policy on entering the shelter.
Volunteers should be informed of the policy at briefing meetings and details of the
policy should be included in information given to volunteers.
If anyone is excluded from the shelter as a result of breaching the policy, all Church
Coordinators should be informed. In particular the church responsible for the
following night must be informed.
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FOOD HYGIENE AND KITCHEN SAFETY
FOOD PREPARATION AND REHEATING GUIDELINES
These are general points for all volunteers to be aware of. Cooks and those storing, preparing and
handling (including serving) any food should refer to the Code of Practice which is available in
each Church.
Preparation
Food should be thoroughly cooked to a core temperature of at least 70 degrees C. and kept at that
temperature for two minutes.
Cooling
Cool food rapidly before putting it in the fridge. Food should not stand around for more than 90
mins at which time deterioration will begin. Food can be cooled quickly by standing in cold or
iced water.
Reheating
The practice of reheating should be avoided. However, if this is unavoidable, the food should be
heated until it has reached a core temperature of at least 70 degrees C. and held at that temperature
for at least two minutes.
Microwaves
If food is being cooked or heated in a microwave oven, be especially careful to ensure that every
part of the food is thoroughly heated. Microwaves often heat food unevenly, so you may need to
stir and move the food around to ensure temperature consistency.
Serving
Hot food must be served at room temperature of at least 63 degrees C.
(Information from ‘The Food Safety Handbook’ by Graham Aston)
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FIRE INSTRUCTIONS
Volunteers need to be aware of the fire instructions for the churches they will be at. They must
familiarise themselves with the procedure in case of fire.
All venues must have fire instructions clearly displayed on the wall.
VIOLENCE POLICY
Principles
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Every effort will be made to diffuse any potentially violent situation
Physical violence will not be tolerated amongst guests or volunteers
Implied violence and threatening behaviour will not be tolerated
The use or threatened use of any weapon will not be tolerated
General guidelines
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Any guest or volunteer who uses physical violence may be banned immediately.
Anyone who consistently provokes violence may be banned
Anyone who consistently threatens or implies violence may be banned
Please note that banning is a last resort for guests who do not exhibit continuous violent or
harmful behaviour.
When a violent incident has taken place:
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The Team Leader will notify the Church Co-ordinator of any incident
If the incident is deemed unmanageable and cause for concern the Church Coordinator or Team Leader will decide on whether or not a person is to be asked to
leave.
Details of the incident will be recorded on an incident form with any action taken
Details of individuals who have been banned will be circulated to the next shift
team, the other shelter venues and the management committee.
The Team Leader will be initially responsible for talking to any volunteer involved
in a violent incident.
The police should be called in the following instances:
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If anyone is being threatening/violent with a weapon
If there is a multiple fight which cannot be contained
If anyone has failed to accept a ban, refuses to leave when asked and/or is
consistently coming back to a shelter.
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Or any situation where volunteers feel unable to contain the situation.
Role of volunteers
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Volunteers are encouraged to de-escalate any potential problems if they feel
confident and safe to do so. Do not put yourself at risk of harm. If you have time,
ask another volunteer to keep an eye on the situation, and inform the Team Leader
if necessary.
If you see another volunteer in a situation which may escalate, try to inform the
Team Leader before trying to offer assistance. Be sensitive to the fact that joining
heated discussions can be unhelpful, especially if the guest may feel that people are
‘ganging up’ on them.
Counselling
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This may be offered to members of staff or volunteers after any serious incident.
Weapons
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If a volunteer sees a weapon at any time on a guest they should inform the Team
Leader and contact the Police immediately. Please see Police Protocol.
Any weapon found will be confiscated.
PERSONAL SAFETY
In order to promote safety in the shelter, always observe these rules:
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Check the identity of each guest arriving at the door by asking their name and date
of birth.
Do not let any guest into the building whose name is not already in the log book.
Never give your home phone number or home address to a guest or invite a guest to
your home.
Avoid being alone with a guest.
Leave your valuables somewhere safe or leave them at home.
Do not give money to guests
Do not touch a guest, even to wake them up.
Wear gloves when handling bedding.
When dealing with lost property, never put your hand into a bag or pocket. Tip the
contents onto a flat surface so you can see what you are handling.
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Volunteers should act safely and not put themselves, other volunteers or guests in any
danger. If you feel intimidated at any time during the shift, inform the Team Leader or
Church Co-ordinator. Please take directions at all times from them, especially with regards
to matters of personal safety.
DRUG AND ALCOHOL
INFORMATION/PROCEDURES
Use of drugs and alcohol
Drugs and Alcohol must not be consumed/used on the premises by any guest or volunteer.
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Drinking alcohol whilst on shift is not allowed by guests or volunteers.
Guests and volunteers should not be under the influence of alcohol or drugs when coming
into the Shelter.
Action to be taken if policy is breached
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If a guest arrives under the influence of alcohol and appears aggressive or threatening then
they will be asked to leave. It may be necessary to inform the police of this decision.
If guests are found drinking on the premises, they may be asked to leave the shelter. This
can be done that evening by the Church Coordinator or Team Leader.
If guests are found taking drugs on the premises they will be asked to leave the shelter.
Anyone found dealing drugs will be asked to leave the shelter.
Volunteers who suspect that someone is violating these policies must make a note of this in
the log book. This way volunteers the following night can be aware. Volunteers should not
‘police’ the Night Shelter, but should not be negligent.
Volunteers arriving to their shift under the influence of drugs or alcohol will be asked to
leave and another volunteer will be called to replace them.
Volunteers found consuming alcohol whilst on shift will be asked to leave and a
replacement volunteer will be called. These actions will jeopardise future volunteer
placements.
PLEASE ENSURE YOU HAVE READ THE POLICE PROTOCOL IN POLICY AND
PROCEDURES PRIOR TO THE COMMENCEMENT OF YOUR SHIFT.
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CHURCH VENUES
MONDAYS – The Salvation Army, Bramford Rd
TUESDAYS – St Mary’s at Stoke, Stoke Street
WEDNESDAYS – Ipswich International Church (Elim), Barrack
Corner
THURSDAYS – ChristChurch/St Pancras, Tackett St/Orwell Place
FRIDAYS – Burlington Baptist, London Rd
SATURDAYS – Holy Trinity, Back Hamlet
SUNDAYS – Hope Church, Fore Hamlet
November 2011
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Ipswich Winter Night Shelter
VOLUNTEER AGREEMENT
Thank you for offering your time and skills as a volunteer for IWNS. As a volunteer you
have committed to provide hospitality to our guests.
You should have been given a copy of the Volunteer Handbook and it is your responsibility
to read this and ensure that you understand the policy and procedures in place. A copy of
these will be held in each Church venue.
Guidelines
The safety of our guests and volunteers is our primary concern. We cannot let anyone
volunteer who is not prepared to respect the following conditions:
No anti-social behaviour.
No illegal drugs.
No drinking.
No smoking inside church buildings.
No weapons.
Do not give out your personal details to guests.
Do not give guests money or gifts.
Do not meet guests outside the project
You must not be alone with a guest at any time.
We would ask that every volunteer follows the policy and procedure of IWNS. It is
important that each venue follows these guidelines to ensure the consistent provision of
service for our guests.
You must turn up for the shifts that you have signed up for. If you are unable to make a
shift, please let the Church Co-ordinator know as soon as possible.
Failure to abide by these rules of the IWNS, may lead to you being unable to volunteer.
Support
In the first instance, your Team Leader and Church Co-ordinator are there to provide any
support you may need to fulfil your role. If they are unable to help, please refer to the
Management Committee.
If you agree with the terms and conditions of being a volunteer at the Ipswich Winter
Night Shelter as detailed above, then please sign and print your name below.
Full name:
November 2011
Contact number:
19
Ipswich Winter Night Shelter
Email
address:
Today’s
date:
Church Coordinators
signature:
November 2011
Emergency
contact details:
Your signature:
Or Team Leaders
Signature:
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Ipswich Winter Night Shelter
IWNS CHARTER
We are a Christian organisation providing a service for people who are homeless. This charter has
been put together to encourage an integration between best practice in the services we offer to
homeless people and a confident expression of Christian ethos.
We acknowledge:

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The physical, mental and emotional vulnerability of many of those we serve through our
work.
The need for all services for vulnerable people to be transparent and open in the way they
operate and to avoid any ‘hidden agenda’ or ‘strings attached’ to the practical care we
offer.
The way that some work for homeless people undertaken by Christian organisations has
been coercive e.g. insisting people listen to a talk or participate in a worship service before
they can receive the practical help they are seeking. We reject this kind of practice as
inappropriate and potentially harmful.
We affirm:
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That the Christian faith is at the heart of the ethos and motivations of our organisation and
remains the central reason for why we offer the services we do.
That being openly and positively Christian is not the same as being coercive or
inappropriate.
The validity and relevance of offering opportunities for those we serve to explore the
Christian faith and the belief that this can be done in a transparent and non-coercive way.
We commit to:

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Providing an inclusive service to people affected by homelessness and associated issues.
Serving and respecting all people regardless of their gender, age, marital status, sexual
orientation, race, ethnic origin, religion, or physical and mental capability.
Acknowledging the freedom of people of all faiths or none, to hold and to express their
beliefs and convictions respectfully and freely, within the limits of UK law.
Never imposing our Christian faith or belief on others.
Developing partnerships with other churches, voluntary groups, statutory agencies and
local government wherever appropriate in order to create an effective, integrated service
for our clients.
CONTACT US:
Please do get in touch if you have any questions.
E-mail: info@iwns.org.uk
Phone: IWNS: 07510 137 242
November 2011
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