Homeless Shelter Volunteer

1,250 USD

β“˜Β View full fee details

August or September for 12 months (start dates are flexible)

Do you want an incredibly rewarding experience where you can have a clear and positive impact to people’s lives each day?

Streetlife is aΒ youth work charity providing emergency shelter and support to vulnerable and homeless young people aged 16-25. Volunteers help provide accommodation, food and a safe place to be for the guests of the homeless shelter. Engaging with, supporting and building appropriate relationships with the young people who use the service is a vital part of the role. Other duties include housekeeping, organising food donations and managing events.

Responsibilities include:

  • Engaging with, supporting and building appropriate relationships with the young people who use our service.
    Supporting full time staff.
  • Overnight shifts at the Shelter. (You will be working with another member of staff to work with a group of up to 8 young people to provide over-night emergency accommodation, food and a safe place to be.)
  • Base shifts (Reception, supporting the drop-in sessions, etc.)
  • Helping plan and deliver some of the Development Opportunities that we offer to young people.
  • Ordering anything needed from our suppliers.

Click here to discover more about Streetlife.

Location

Streetlife is located right in the centre of Blackpool, which is a busy holiday destination with lots going on especially in the summer. The Nightshelter, Base, and volunteer accommodation are all within easy walking distance. Blackpool is on the North-West coast of England and has a big promenade and beach-front.

Work Schedule

Due to the nature of the work, time off during public and bank holidays is not always possible and would have to be negotiated with the other volunteers. Roughly 10 shifts per week is required (one shift is 3-4 hours, and overnight at the shelter counts as two and a half shifts).

Age Requirements

Streetlife requires volunteers to be aged between 21 and 35 years old.

Reimbursement

Volunteers will receive weekly monetary payments of Β£77 GBP towards total expenses incurred in preparation for or in the course of their volunteering.

Teamwork

Volunteers will always have at least one fellow volunteer, so you can support each other, while collaborating with a diverse and multi-generational staff team.

Food & Accomodation

Six bedroomed house within walking distance of both the shelter and the base. Six en-suite rooms, huge kitchen, lounge and a conservatory. The house is owned by a private landlord and any improvements have to be referred to them.Β  Generally volunteers cook for themselves, and as Blackpool is not overly expensive, feeding yourself and still having money left over isn’t hard.

Volunteer Case Study

Rabie describes his role at the homeless shelter,Β assisting with daily operations, such as cleaning, signing in clients, buying food, and occasionally cooking and serving meals.

β€œVolunteering abroad is challenging but incredibly rewarding. The personal growth and the inspiring people you meet make it an invaluable experience.”

Programme Manager

Supporting volunteer journeys

The UK Programme Manager, James, prepares volunteers for their placements and provides ongoing support.

James, an advocate for international volunteering, draws from his 1986 gap year in Indonesia. With extensive experience in volunteerism, he held key roles at Project Trust, VSO, and The Prince’s Trust. He contributed to education as a curriculum manager and Student Services Manager. Joining Lattitude Global Volunteering in 2014, he later became CEO. Residing in Ryde, Isle of Wight, with his family and three dogs, James renovated a historic Georgian townhouse, once the workplace of Ryde Conservative Club’s first Chairman, who shared his name.

Fee and Other Expenses

Why NVW charges a fee

New Ventures Worldwide is a UK-registered nonprofit charity. The fee contributes to our operating costs and allows us to continue our mission of arranging volunteering placements for our global network of nonprofit organisations. A financial report is published annually to the UK Charity Commission.

 

Included in the fee

The fee includes a sponsored Tier 5 visa, a thoroughly vetted placement, an appropriate volunteer role based on age, experience and interests, a placement mentor, any necessary training, preparation guidance, a one-to-one call to go through the visa application process, ongoing support, accommodation, food, and a weekly spending allowance of Β£77 GBP.

 

Other expenses

In addition to the placement fee of $1,250 USD, you’ll need to budget for:

  • Return flights
  • Visa and any related processing or medical fees
  • Health surcharge (typically Β£1,300–£1,500 GBP, depending on your nationality)
  • Travel insurance (must meet the requirements of the host country)
  • Police check from your home country
  • Medical clearance, if required for your visa
  • Legalisation or notarisation of documents (where applicable)
  • Personal spending money for travel and free time

Exact costs can vary depending on your nationality, location, visa type, and personal circumstances. We recommend checking the latest official guidance β€” and we’ll happily go through what’s likely to apply to you during your interview.

FAQs

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What is the enrolment process?

After completing the application form, our team will check if you are eligible for your chosen program before inviting you to a Welcome Video Call. The interview is where you get to know the New Ventures Worldwide team, ask questions and get matched to your perfect program. Various background checks are then conducted before you are officially enrolled in the program.

What are the benefits?

  • See the world while experiencing a new culture
  • Experience personal growth, becoming more confident and independent
  • Make an impact working with international non-profit organisations
  • It looks great on your CV
  • Learn new skills for life
  • Gain perspective and understand what life is all about

Do I need flights and travel insurance?

Yes, you will need to arrange your own flights and travel insurance. You’ll need to send us your travel insurance policy details before starting a program.

Can a friend and I enrol on the same placement?

Being on a volunteering placement means you’ll always have a network of people around you, including locals and other volunteers. Providing a readymade community with local knowledge to explore, share, and create incredible memories. However, if you want to travel with a friend from home, let us know, and we can usually arrange for you to be on the same placement.

What happens if there is a problem during the placement?

New Ventures Worldwide has a Ladder of Support so you can see who to contact if you need help. Your placement will assist you in almost all situations. However, we also offer background support, mainly if a more serious issue arises.

Want More UK Gap Year Options?

Application Form

The journey of a lifetime starts here!

Applicant Details

Our placements are for those aged 18-30-years-old
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Placement Details

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Requirements

Fee and Other Expenses

Before you submit your application, please confirm that you understand the financial commitment involved. The fee for this placement is listed above. In addition to this, you’ll need to budget for return flights, visa costs (including any processing or medical fees), travel insurance, a police check from your home country, medical clearance if required, legalisation or notarisation of documents if applicable, and personal spending money for your free time and travel. Costs vary depending on your nationality and individual circumstances. We’ll go over what’s likely to apply to you during the interview.

Applicant Experience

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