Volunteer
CHESS relies on the support of volunteers who play a vital role in the running of the charity. Every year our volunteers give on average 75.6 hours each to the charity. Without this valued support over the past 25 years, we could not have impacted the local community in the way that we have. We hope to continue this in the future and would love you to join us on that journey.
Interested in volunteering? If you would like to volunteer or find out more information on any the roles mentioned, please contact Barbara, our Business Support Manager, on 01245 281104 option 3 or you can complete our Application Form below. Once completed this will automatically send a copy through to Barbara who will contact you directly for further discussions and invite you in for a visit.
We look forward to hearing from you!
Please be aware that the minimum age requirement for all our volunteer roles is 18.
Maintenance Volunteer
Our mission at CHESS for the service users in our programme is to get them to a place where they are able to live independently. Their journey begins in one of our 11 properties which require regular upkeep, decorating and light gardening as and when required. We have a small maintenance team that are responsible for these properties as well as any new houses that we take on so it’s a busy job and there is always something to do!
We are looking for people with some knowledge of general decorating skills who enjoy a varied role and are able to join our team. This would be on an ad hoc basis as the need arises.
If you feel this is something you would like to be a part of, please complete an application form and send it to barbara.buxton@chesshomeless.org or call us on 01245 281104.
Van Driver
Our mission at CHESS for the service users in our programme is to get them to a place where they are able to live independently. As soon as they are ready we work with them to find permanent accommodation where they can make a home. Often they have very little to set up home with so we seek to provide essential pieces of furniture for them, and this is usually donated by our supporters.
We are looking for a person with a suitable vehicle to collect items of furniture from/in/around the Chelmsford area. You will need to be physically capable and able to lift items (with assistance for larger/heavier items).
This would be on an ad hoc basis as the need arises.
If you feel this is something you would like to be a part of, please complete an application form and send it to barbara.buxton@chesshomeless.org or call us on 01245 281104.
Outreach Team
Join our Outreach Team as they follow up referrals directly from the street and assess client suitability for a 72-hour stay at one of our properties. The areas covered are Chelmsford, Braintree, Rochford, Maldon, Epping, Brentwood, Castle Point and Uttlesford. We will provide full training and an enhanced DBS check will be completed and paid for by CHESS.
Applicants should be fit and healthy due to some walking involved and have a desire to help homeless individuals whilst understanding the need to adhere to policies and procedures.
To find out more about what this role involves please contact julie.kelsey@chesshomeless.org
Shelter Sleepover (overnight)
The Sleepover Volunteer role is to interact with residents and be a listening ear for them. They also support the staff member in the operational running of the night shelter and in the event of any difficulties such as illness of a resident. The volunteer arrives at 8.45pm and leaves at 9am the following morning (10am on Sundays and Bank Holidays). The staff member and the volunteer are up at 7am Monday to Saturday and 8am on Sundays & Bank Holidays.
Night shift volunteers will assist the duty Night Shift staff in the smooth running of the shelter overnight.
Whilst covering a sleeping shift, overnight volunteers have the use of a designated, secure, temperature regulated room.
If you are interested in volunteering please download and complete the application form then email it to barbara.buxton@chesshomeless.org
Cook
To volunteer as a Cook the role requires individuals to be non-judgemental, empathetic, reliable and punctual.
The role is to cook the main meal for the night shelter residents (usually up to 10 people). They also help the staff in providing hot drinks / meals to those people rough sleeping. In addition, they help with the operational running of the shelter and support staff in the event of any difficulties. Our Cooks arrive at 6pm (5pm at weekends and Bank Holidays) and stay until the sleep-over volunteer arrives at around 9pm.
If you are interested in volunteering please download and complete the application form then email it to barbara.buxton@chesshomeless.org
Daytime Activities
We like to offer our service users a variety of activities, not only to keep them from getting bored but to assist with their wellbeing and mental health. We are looking for volunteers who can assist us in providing meaningful and engaging activities during the day (Monday – Sunday).
You may have some special skills that we could introduce, or you may just be good at chatting with the residents as they take part. If this is something that you would be interested in, please download and complete the application form then email it to barbara.buxton@chesshomeless.org
Admin & Fundraising Roles
We have various administrative and creative roles that we need support in – all of which play a vital role in raising essential funds for the Charity and broadening awareness of the issues of homelessness in our communities. These include:
- Joining our Fundraising Group,
- Presentations on the work of CHESS in Schools, Businesses and Groups
- Marketing activities, producing print materials/posters etc
- Assisting at Events and Fundraising Days
If you are interested in volunteering for any of these roles or have skills that could help us raise awareness, please download and complete the application form then email it to barbara.buxton@chesshomeless.org