WINCHESTER CHURCHES NIGHTSHELTER
Offering Hope and Help for the Homeless
Upper Itchen Benefice Support Page
Located behind the Discovery Centre in Winchester, Winchester Churches Nightshelter (WCNS) offers an essential lifeline to the homeless. We are the first port of call for those in crisis, offering immediate shelter. We provide guests with a bed, wholesome meals, shared living facilities, and a safe, comfortable environment. Our guests receive more than just food and practical help: with it comes new hope and the vital support and guidance needed to help individuals find long-term accommodation, rebuild their lives and their skills, and permanently escape homelessness. We are an alcohol and drug free Shelter. We welcome people of all faiths or none, as guests and as volunteers. The Nightshelter's Patrons are: The Bishop of Winchester, Baroness Thomas of Winchester, and Debbie Thrower from the our Benefice.
The Nightshelter tries to offer all guests a fresh start in life.
Without vital funds, donations of goods, and voluntary help to continue our work, the
Nightshelter would cease to exist. WCNS needs 3 volunteers every night in order to
operate - that's over 1,000 volunteer shifts a year; we are always looking for new volunteers!
Volunteer at the Nightshelter: Donate goods or money: Thanks to all who already volunteer at the Nightshelter, or support with
their time, their donations and their prayers. Please see Winchester Churches Nightshelter website for further information too:
Come along for a taster session one evening - contact Sarah within the Benefice, or contact Liz at the Nightshelter directly. Volunteers always sought for the following roles:
COOK
Task: To heat up the evening meal and to serve it to our
guests leaving the kitchen tidy after the duty shift.
Hours: 6.30 – 8.30pm
EVENING HELPER
Task: To assist the Duty Supervisor and provide security
back up. To generally ensure the welfare of the guests.
Hours: 6.00 – 9.00pm
OVERNIGHTER
Task: To assist the Duty Supervisor and provide security
back up through the night.
Hours: 9.00pm – 8.00am (8.30am at weekends)
(You can usually count on at least 6 hours sleep).
CLEANER
Task: To keep the Shelter as clean and tidy as possible,
so that we can provide a safe and comfortable
environment for all.
Hours: Week days only. Daytime hours to suit.
Join the Benefice Cooking Team:
Please Email Caroline Stanley here (or telephone: xxxx), if you would like to join the Winchester Churches Nightshelter Upper Itchen Benefice Cooking Rota. Caroline co-ordinates the cooking of lasagnes from the Benefice every other week, and Caroline takes the food into the Shelter for the guests (who love the nights when the food is home cooked!).
Food, clothing, kitchen and cleaning items are
always gratefully received at the Nightshelter. Harvest, Christmas and Lent
donations from churches, schools and individuals are
invaluable. To make a financial donation you can call the Nightshelter or see website to give either once
or regularly, as a legacy, or on behalf of your church,
school or business.
Please use ‘Gift Aid’ if you can.
www.wcns.org.uk
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