“I first got involved with Shelter from the Storm as I go travelling every summer and come back thinking I’m going to change the world but never actually get round to doing anything. So a friend of mine Maddy suggested coming to the shelter and I loved it.
“I work Monday nights, mainly throwing biscuits at other volunteers and getting in the way, and occasionally carrying things about if Sheila shouts at me to do something. I’ve tempered my ambitions to become head chef – turns out I’m better qualified as reserve deep fat fryer cooker and chopping stuff. Whoever cooks it, I take the credit when it’s served. Recently I’ve started teaching English to guests as well, mainly just helping them with conversation – which more accurately means I just talk about my love life and they try to understand it.
“I enjoy it more and more each time I go – both getting to know the volunteers (it’s widely agreed by the Monday night team that the Monday night team are the best) but also the guests. It’s opened my eyes to what homelessness actually means and changed my perceptions completely. It’s much more complicated than you think.
“What I’d tell someone who’s interested in volunteering at the shelter? If you’re really interesting and fun come on a Monday night. If you’re weird but still want to help, then come some other time! Seriously though, I tend to think that volunteering in whatever capacity is only sustainable if you enjoy it as well as helping others – and the atmosphere in the Shelter means you do both. I always look forward to going.”