Huggard Homeless Centre (Digital)

You may have heard about the fantastic work the Huggard Homeless Centre do to provide support to people experiencing homelessness in Cardiff. SVC are working in partnership with the Huggard to provide social and emotional enrichment to beneficiaries/clients at the centre.

This project is an opportunity for volunteers to befriend and facilitate activities for beneficiaries digitally. A group of volunteers facilitate a 1 hour Zoom session each week for beneficiaries at the centre on Tuesdays at 12pm. Our wonderful volunteers have been running a range of activities such as karaoke, quiz and games. This project is invaluable to beneficiaries as befriending improves perceptions of well-being, reduces stress and increases self-esteem and empowerment.

This is an amazing opportunity for those seeking for experience with vulnerable people and for those looking to work as part of a team, with fellow volunteers and beneficiaries alike. The project is of huge benefit to volunteers, in terms of gaining transferable skills and experience. The skills that volunteers will achieve include interpersonal skills, teamwork, problem solving and empathy, just to name a few. This project might be of particular interest to anyone pursuing a career in Support Work, Social Work or Mental Health.

At times this can be a challenging environment as beneficiaries will not always want to engage in the activities, therefore confidence, a thick skin and enthusiasm is needed!

Volunteer and Lead Volunteer roles available!

The role of the Lead Volunteer is to:

• Liaise with SVC, Huggard and volunteers;
• Organise activities with fellow Lead Volunteer based on the ideas of beneficiaries;
• Attend weekly sessions;
• Monitor the project budget;
• Take photos and videos for social media;
• Host Social Club sessions over Zoom.

Please see Lead Volunteer Role in the gallery for more information. 

Application process:

1. Complete SVC's volunteer application
2. Complete a short additional application form
3. Informal interview (short listed applicants) 
4. Induction with SVC, Huggard and volunteers 

Please note: this is a digital opportunity and volunteers will not be visiting the Huggard Centre due to COVID-19.