Here at One YMCA we wouldn’t be able to do the work that we do without the amazing volunteer staff that help run the day-to-day operations of the hostels and supported living facilities. These vital roles are open to all YMCA residents, and we are currently looking for volunteers to help out with our accommodation.
What do we do?
We run hostels across the Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire and Bedfordshire areas with over 400 rooms. In addition to this, we run programmes for those needing supported housing including asylum seekers.
What do our volunteers do?
Our volunteers are a core part of our friendly, welcoming team. Volunteers bring their skills and positive energy to our hostels and housing facilities, through various dynamic and interesting roles. There’s something for everyone – whether you’re interested in sharing your skills and hobbies by running activities, like the idea of serving tea and coffee and socialising with our residents, or helping lift furniture as people move on and out of our facilities.
Current roles
Cafe Host
One YMCA Hostels are much more than just a roof over people’s heads. Our Café Hosts provide a welcoming space within our accommodation for Residents, to relax and build support networks. Social activities are crucial as they provide a sense of belonging and community.
You could be involved in; serving tea and coffee, chatting, listening, playing board games, running Pool competitions or Quizzes.
All our Café Hosts work as part of a team with other volunteers either during lunchtimes or evenings. They support our Residents to open these spaces and put on social activities too.
Download role descriptionActivity Leader
Activity Leaders share their skills, hobbies, or interests with our Residents. These build peoples’ confidence, give tools to help live independently or simply a positive space for self-expression.
Our volunteers have provided sessions like; Arts & Crafts, Anxiety Management, fitness & exercise, jewellery making, cooking, CV writing, gardening and Pamper Evenings.
Activity Leaders are supported by Activity Assistants who help with tasks such as; setting up the room, supporting people to take part and providing a warm welcome.
Whatever your interest, skill or hobby, we would love to hear from you!
Download role descriptionActivity Assistant
Our volunteers have provided sessions like; Arts & Crafts, Anxiety Management, fitness & exercise, jewellery making, cooking, CV writing, gardening and Pamper Evenings.
Activity Leaders are supported by Activity Assistants who help with tasks such as; setting up the room, supporting people to take part and providing a warm welcome.
Whatever your interest, skill or hobby, we would love to hear from you!
Download role descriptionResettlement – Supporting Residents as they move out
Moving into your own accommodation can be a challenging experience. Our volunteers provide both practical and emotional support to people on their journey to independent living.
You might be involved with helping people find furniture, signposting to services like Doctors in their new area or simply listening to how they are feeling about it all.
We are looking for people to provide a weekly session with other volunteers where Residents can drop-in and get tailored support. The team continue to help once people move-out with either home visits or regular phone calls. The Resettlement Co-Ordinator helps to communicate with Housing Support Workers about the support being offered, so every Resident can have a wrap-around service. We can only do this with your help!
Download role descriptions:
