AMBASSADOR

Depaul UK offers young people who are homeless and disadvantaged the opportunity to fulfil their potential and move towards an independent and positive future. We do this by providing overnight emergency accommodation and family support and mediation to young people at risk of, or currently experiencing homelessness through our two services, Nightstop and Reconnect.

Nightstop

Nightstop prevents homelessness through community hosting. It helps young people aged 16-25 who are in immediate housing crisis by providing safe accommodation in the homes of trained and vetted volunteers called ‘hosts’. Guests are hosted on a night-by-night basis. Whilst the guest is staying with the host, longer-term appropriate accommodation is sought.

Volunteer Ambassadors act as representatives for Nightstop in location/region, sharing their knowledge and/or experience of homelessness to encourage members of the local community to support Nightstop and become volunteer hosts or drivers.

They promote Nightstop at events both online and in-person, taking part in Q&A sessions, volunteer training, and community events such as markets and fairs. There may also be opportunities to support with fundraising or Public Relations and Media events.

Role Description

• To attend and speak confidently and with knowledge about Nightstop and Reconnect services at a diverse range of community events.
• To promote Nightstop and encourage members of the community to volunteer.
• Sharing knowledge and/or experience of homelessness with potential volunteers where comfortable and appropriate to do so.
• To keep up to date with developments at Nightstop
• To liaise with Nightstop staff regarding availability.

Training, Support and Supervision

• All Volunteer Ambassadors will receive an induction training session and have ongoing training. The volunteer will also have access to all Depaul UK training courses if appropriate.
• All Volunteer Ambassadors will be provided with regular support meetings and supervision.

Benefits to the Volunteer

• Contribute to a service that really does make a difference to people’s lives.
• Personal and professional development through training, support and ongoing evaluation.
• Appreciation events to recognise the important contribution that volunteers make.
• All authorised out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed.

Skills

Necessary Skills, Attitudes and Knowledge

• A basic understanding of the issues homeless people face.
• An enthusiasm for and commitment to Nightstop’s aims.
• An ability to relate to people on a one-to-one, non-judgmental basis.
• A willingness to participate in training and supervision.
• An ability to speak confidently in public.