South London homelessness support charity the 999 Club aims to open its Night Shelter for two ten week seasons in 2017, extending the period rough sleepers can stay off the streets and receive further support beyond winter.
The development of this vital service will be made possible by funding from M&G Investments, long term partners of the 999 Club, who are funding a new project worker’s post.
‘Opening for two seasons in 2017 is great news for the people we help,’ said Peter Wood, Chief Executive, the 999 Club. ‘We hope to build on this expansion and be open for even longer in 2018 and 2019. Multi-year funding is really important for this kind of project, allowing us to plan for the future and ensure that the work we do has the greatest possible impact on the lives of the people who use the shelter.’
The 999 Club offers rough sleepers much more than a meal and bed for the night. A stay at the Night Shelter can be the first step in accessing help to find sustainable accommodation, learn new skills and find a job.
If you’d like to get involved in this project, the charity is now appealing for volunteers. Volunteers set up the centre before guests arrive in the evening, prepare hot drinks and serve a pre-prepared evening meal or breakfast, help with laundry and chat to the guests. Evening shifts and breakfast shifts are available – volunteers do not spend the night in the Shelter.
A volunteer role is valuable experience for people anyone looking for a career in health and social care, and a rare opportunity for people who would like to volunteer in their local community, but can’t be available during the normal working day, email leon@999club.org to find out more.