JVN Blog

After my totally amazing experience of being a 2012 Olympic ceremonies cast performer, I was looking to do some meaningful volunteering work over the Festive season of 2013, and decided to search on the JVN website. I found that the West London Synagogue (WLS), in particular Davina Carter and Laura Solomons, had joined a project together with six Churches called Winter Night Shelter, starting in November and continuing through the cold winter months until March. In short, it includes food, a bed and warmth for 15 homeless people who we call our ‘guests’. They were looking for a chef, hosts, night monitors and lead volunteers. I spoke with Davina, and between us we decided that the best way I could be useful was by becoming a lead volunteer.

After attending an interesting day’s training I was set, excited and ready for the following Saturday!

THE ROLE

My role involved seeing the bigger picture of all the areas that needed covering and therefore delegating to the other volunteers, keeping in mind the positions that they had chosen for themselves. Working as a team, and very closely with Laura, we gave a briefing to all volunteers before any guests arrived. We made sure that everyone was doing something that they wished to do, or choosing to push their boundaries a little further. I added that it was very important for us to feel good, and that if there was anything bothering anyone they should not hold onto it. If we were to produce a good welcoming then we first needed to feel welcomed and comfortable. So with the laying of tables, including flowers, chefs doing their thing with souse chefs in the kitchen and clearers and hosts all putting their heart and soul into it, we were ready to open the doors to our guests! I was on the door with a fellow volunteer Michael, and as everyone arrived they got ticked off on the list , welcomed with warm smiles and escorted downstairs to a room ready for them to relax, have a hot or cold drink and biscuits, play board games , read newspapers and generally settle in before dinner in about one hour.

THE EVENT

Once most people have arrived, we asked them to move into the dining area. I then gave a small but fun briefing of times, loos, fire exits, etc., introduced the kitchen staff, who said what will be on the menu, and we had an ice-breaker activity. For example, we asked, ‘If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?’ Most people participated, and for those that did not it was OK too. It gets everyone concerned, thinking, using their imaginations and, most of all, being heard.
After eating a filling tasty meal, the relaxing room and dining room were transformed into the sleeping area, with mattresses, pillows and sleeping bags kindly supplied by WLS. Everyone seems to be ready for sleep!
After gently waking everyone in the morning, breakfast was served. I mentioned that if we do not see them again then this could be good news as that means they either have found a place to live or maybe even started work.

On wishing all our guests a great week, we wave them off with full bellies and smiles.

THE RECOGNITION

A few weeks ago WLS invited the volunteers out for a social, which was a great chance to meet and get to know new friends. I will now, if you will allow me to indulge a little, repeat what I said then at the social.

“I feel honoured to be given this opportunity to do what I love, to be given the reigns and responsibility, and to have such trust instilled in me straight from the word ‘go’. This is very rare in work environments, and I truly feel blessed. From my heart, thank you Laura and Davina, and West London Synagogue.”

THE FEEDBACK

Laura Solomons wrote :

“The Winter Night Shelter has been running at West London Synagogue since December, relying heavily on the enthusiasm and support of volunteers like Sara, who has been fantastic and involved right from the start. We feel very fortunate that she was able to find us through the JVN, and are so thrilled to have her as part of the WLS community. Our volunteers work tirelessly to provide a safe, happy environment for the guests, whether they are helping with set-up, cooking, hosting, or staying over and providing breakfast. We have learnt a lot more about the issues of homelessness and the shelter has challenged our preconceptions of who might be in need; often, the divisions between guests and volunteers are not as pronounced as one might have expected at the beginning. Many of our volunteers have remarked on how much they have enjoyed the company of the guests and how the mealtime conversations are so interesting and varied. We have seen the confidence of the guests being built through the positive social interactions with our volunteers which, when combined with the hard work of the West London Day Centre, has led to many permanent housing solutions.  It is exciting for us to be able to work with the West London Day Centre and six other Churches in the local area, as we can build on our shared values for hospitality and friendship to provide a welcoming space for our guests. We would like to extend our thanks to them, along with Sara and the JVN for enabling the running of the Winter Night Shelter at West London Synagogue.”

If you’ve been inspired by Sara’s experience and would like to find a volunteering opportunity register on the JVN website and have a look at our network of charities. For more information give us a call on 0208-203-6427.