Volunteer
Interested in volunteering? If you’d like to get involved or learn more about any of our roles, you can call us on 01245 281104 or email volunteering@chesshomeless.org.
Alternatively, complete the Application Form below which will go directly to our team who will be in touch to discuss next steps 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
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 rough sleepers who knock. 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 our Security arrives at 9pm.
If you are interested in volunteering please download and complete the application form then email it to volunteering@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,
- Giving presentations on the work of CHESS in Schools, Businesses and to community Groups,
- Marketing activities, using your artwork skills to assist in 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 volunteering@chesshomeless.org
Daytime / Wellbeing 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 volunteering@chesshomeless.org
Corporate Volunteering Days
Corporate volunteering days provide invaluable support to our charity while offering businesses a meaningful way to give back to their local community. Volunteer teams can make a real difference at our sites by helping with practical tasks such as gardening, painting and decorating, landscaping, and light maintenance projects that improve our environments for the people we support. We also welcome organisations that can share their professional expertise, whether through business development advice, management training, marketing support, IT assistance, or other specialist skills.
In return, volunteering helps companies strengthen their corporate social responsibility commitments, engage employees in purposeful activities, and build stronger links with the community. Many larger organisations offer staff paid volunteering hours, making it easier for employees to contribute their time and skills to charities like ours while creating a positive impact for everyone involved.
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 karen.james@chesshomeless.org
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.
Do you have 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 volunteering@chesshomeless.org or call us on 01245 281104.