Volunteering with our Day Service

Bromley Homeless Charity provides a safe and welcoming space for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Our Day Service is a vital part the charity, offering a communal area where clients can access support, warmth, and companionship in a non-judgmental environment.

Any person over the age of 18 who lives in Bromley and is at risk of, or has become, homeless can present to our day service reception desk, where our volunteers will take their basic details and arrange for them to meet with one of our professional advisers, who can provide ongoing advice and support with the aim of helping them secure accommodation.

Once registered with the service, clients can make use of our Day Room, a safe, welcoming space, open five days a week, where they can get a tea of coffee, heat up meals and charge their phone supported by our fantastic team of volunteers.

We can also support the needs of clients through our food, clothing and hygiene banks, access to counsellors and our medical team.

Day Service Volunteers

Bromley Homeless Charity
Location: United Reform Church Widmore Road
Times and days: Morning shift: 9:30am to 1pm, Afternoon shift: 1:30-4:30pm, Mondays to Fridays

We ask volunteers to commit to a minimum of one shift per fortnight, volunteers can choose to come in for either shift or a full day depending on their availability. Generally we prefer volunteers to do shifts on the same day each time.

Role Overview:

As a Day Service Volunteer, you will play an essential role in ensuring that clients feel welcomed and supported during their visit. You will help create a friendly and comfortable atmosphere while working closely with the Volunteer lead and staff to ensure any concerns or urgent needs are addressed.

Key Responsibilities:

Day Room support

• Welcoming clients into the service with a warm and friendly approach.
• Making and serving tea, coffee, and refreshments to clients.
• Engaging in light conversation with clients to foster a supportive environment.
• Observing and reporting concerns – If a client appears distressed or in need of additional support, you will inform the lead team so that appropriate assistance can be provided.
• Assisting with cleaning and setting up to ensure the Day Room remains a welcoming environment for all.

Reception desk

• Welcoming and assisting visitors who are seeking help with homelessness and housing issues.
• Using a laptop or tablet to log client details and access basic information.
• Directing individuals to the appropriate staff member or service.
• Maintaining confidentiality and treating all visitors with dignity and respect.
• Keeping the reception area organised to ensure a welcoming and professional environment.
• Answering calls & signposting inquiries
• Security awareness – managing access responsibly

What We’re Looking For:

• A friendly and approachable manner.
• Ability to work flexibility and adapt, the role will involve covering reception or the day room and undertaking a range of duties where needed.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and engage with vulnerable adults who may be upset or in crisis.
• Able to hear potentially difficult information, show empathy and offer support regardless of someone’s background or circumstances.
• Good communication skills and the ability to engage with individuals in a compassionate and non-judgmental way.
• Basic IT and computer skills (training will be provided).
• Willingness to learn and work under supervision.

New volunteers will be supported by an experienced Lead volunteer and supervised for a probationary period of up to four shifts (4-8 weeks) following completion of probation we ask for a minimum commitment of six months (taking into account holidays and other commitments that may arise) to provide continuity for the service and our clients.

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.
• Experience working in a frontline homelessness service.
• The chance to develop communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills.
• Being part of a passionate and supportive volunteer team.

 Onboarding Process

If you may be interested in volunteering in the day service and want to start our onboarding process, have questions and want to find out more- please complete our registration form.