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 'HOPE 2540', a recently formed Christian charity, coordinated a Winter Night Shelter (WNS) for the homeless. Volunteers were drawn from most of the local churches.
Thank you to everyone who helped ... more than 400 volunteers got involved ... fantastic!
THE 'PILOT PROJECT' WAS VERY SUCCESSFUL! On the basis of our experience this time, we'll be opening again for Christmas 2012 ... unless there is a reason to reopen it before then!
Who did it help?
The Police and Probation services estimated there were about 25 regular 'rough sleepers' in the area covered by Reigate & Banstead Borough Council during 2011. The WNS saw 23 different people making use of it during the time it was open. Volunteers managed to help 15 of these people find there way back into permanent or semi permanent accommodation. Most of WNS guests were men, nearly all of the guests had ongoing issues with alcohol abuse. Everyone seemed to appreciate the 'family' approach that was taken with them. A few had to be turned away as they were too challenging (dangerous) to be accommodated in a volunteer based centre.
When did it run?
Initially this lasted for 6 weeks from the 18th December 2011, but as it proved so successful it was extended for a few more weeks during February 2012 to cover a very cold period.
How did it work?
All nights of the week were covered, 2 by Horley churches, 1 by Chipstead and 4 by the Salvation Army. The area we were supporting was the Salvation Army nights as the other nights were managed by the churches in those areas, but if you wanted to help elsewhere, you could.
The 'homeless' were identified by a number of agencies in the area including Hope2540, churches, police and the benefits agencies. They were interviewed for their suitability ahead of being referred to the shelter.
Staffing for the evening team which includes setting up was managed by seven people: two people to welcome, two people to direct in the hall and two or three working in the kitchen. Overnight there were four, two awake at any one time and two sleeping. Another two/three people helped assist in the morning to get the breakfast and clear up.
 Bedding consisted of ex-police custody mattresses which incorporate a raised section for a pillow and each guest was given a sleeping bag at the beginning of the R&B WNS to keep. If this was lost, then unless there is a good excuse, it was not replaced. A towel and flannel was supplied for each guest.
We accommodated up to 10 guests who slept in the WNS overnight. The clients were greeted; they then signed an agreement after the rules of the WNS are explained to and understood by them. The rules included the removal of alcohol (this is returned on departure), no leaving the shelter after signing in and no drugs or dogs.
Training and information sessions were provided for anyone who was interested, people were welcome to these even if they did not volunteer at all.
Various dates and venues for the training sessions were offered, these included:
• Wednesday 7th December 20:00 at Redhill Salvation Army Citadel,
• Saturday 10th December 14:00 Redhill Salvation Army Citadel,
• Sunday 11th December 16:00 St Bede's School, Main Hall
• Tuesday 13th 20:00 Horley R.C. English Martyrs,
• Wednesday 14th December 20:00 at Redhill Salvation Army Citadel
• Tuesday 27th December 09:00 at Redhill Salvation Army Citadel
Further training was available beyond these dates. Please contact Ian Buckland (see below) for details.
The application form we used is attached to this document, it was available to be completed online and emailed to Ian Buckland or posted to him at the following address:
Ian Buckland
R&B WNS
Hope2540
The Salvation Army
Lower Bridge Road
Redhill RH1 1HJ
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Application Form - PDF FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions Volunteer Information Sheet
Application Form - MS Word i.e. you can type directly onto it and then email the completed form.
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