Helping the Homeless Community (Huggard Centre, Cardiff)

Volunteering at the Huggard Centre is a valuable opportunity for students and community members to make a meaningful difference in the lives of adults experiencing homelessness in Cardiff.

We’re currently looking for volunteers to support in three key areas:

• Kitchen Volunteers – helping staff prepare and serve meals.

• Activity Volunteers – running informal social activities like games, quizzes, or arts and crafts.

• Café Volunteers – supporting the newly re-opened café by serving drinks, chatting with customers, and helping create a welcoming atmosphere.

These roles play an important part in supporting individuals facing homelessness by improving wellbeing, reducing stress, and helping to build self-esteem and confidence. Volunteers offer friendly social interaction and a safe, consistent presence for clients who often spend much of their day at the Centre.

About the Huggard Centre

The Huggard Centre is Wales’ leading centre for people who are sleeping rough or experiencing homelessness. For over 30 years, it has supported individuals facing some of the toughest challenges—offering food, shelter, and the chance to rebuild their lives.

Volunteers are based at the Huggard’s Intervention Centre, where clients can access essentials like hot food, clean clothes, showers, laundry facilities, and safe indoor space. The Centre also provides a supportive community environment with opportunities for clients to engage in activities, help out in the kitchen or garden, or contribute to projects like upcycling or Café H—boosting their independence and reconnecting them with services and social networks.

When and Where?

• Mondays, 12:30–2:30pm
  Kitchen Volunteer shift – help prepare and serve the lunchtime meal.

• Wednesdays, 2:00–4:00pm
  Activity Volunteer shift – lead or support activities such as games, quizzes, crafts, or group conversations.

• Café Day: TBC
  Café Volunteers will help out at the Huggards reopened on-site café, assisting with serving and chatting to customers.

You can sign up for just one session or volunteer across multiple roles. If you're away for the summer, you’re welcome to start volunteering once you return to Cardiff!

What Will I Gain?

• Experience in a frontline community support setting

• Skills in communication, teamwork, and empathy

• A chance to make a real impact in people’s lives

• Full training, induction, and ongoing support from SVC and Huggard staff

• Reimbursement of travel expenses

No previous experience is needed—just a willingness to get involved, be supportive, and work alongside others in a sometimes challenging but always rewarding environment.

How to Apply

• Complete the application form here: Apply to Volunteer | SVC

• Attend a joint induction with SVC and the Huggard team

• Start making a difference!

If you have any questions, feel free to email us at info@SVCymru.org

We look forward to welcoming you to the team!