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Who are we?

We are a group of volunteers, of all ages and from all walks of life, from the Church and Community with a shared aim to help vulnerable people. Some of us will have volunteered before but many will be new to the shelters this year.

What do we do?

We are a group of volunteers, of all ages and from all walks of life, from the Church and Community with a shared aim to help vulnerable people. Some of us will have volunteered before but many will be new to the shelters this year.

When are our volunteer time slots

This year our shelters begin on Monday, 2nd December and it is our aim they will run until the end of March. They will open 7 nights a week from 9.00pm through to 8.00am.

Volunteers work one of the three shifts:

  • Evening shift 8:30pm – 11.00pm
  • Overnight shift 11:00pm – 7.00am
  • Morning shift 7:00am – 8.30am

Where are our shelters

Please get in contact for the most up-to-date information.

Why are we targeting the homeless for our help?

No one should have to sleep rough on the streets, subjected to the elements, often they have their belongings stolen or destroyed because they are vulnerable, frequently they are targets of physical and verbal abuse, and their physical and mental well-being suffers greatly. They are people just like you and me and most didn’t choose to be on the streets. They deserve to be treated with respect and to feel safe at night.

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How You Can Help?

By Volunteering at any of our shelters for any of the shifts. You may do as many shifts at as many of the shelters you wish. Help weekly, fortnightly, monthly, or just whenever you can, for example you can be a standby volunteer to cover in emergencies.

Don’t worry – a team leader will allocate tasks so you may be asked to make toast or to make drinks. You could help to put the sleeping bags out or put them away. You could tidy and clean up after the guests have left in the morning. If you feel comfortable you could just chat to our guests and make them feel welcome. We all have different skills we can contribute.

If you feel that volunteering isn’t for you, we are always grateful for donations. We are glad to receive new socks, underwear, and toiletries for men and women.

Hopefully, you will feel a great sense of achievement and satisfaction knowing you have helped make someone else’s life a little easier. Many people feel that they would like to, “give something back to community.” You will most likely change your perception of homeless people in a positive way.

Chris Locke, BENS volunteer

“I have always had a heart for homeless people. Initially I gave gifts of money to those I’d meet. But later found out that gifts of food or sharing dinner and conversation with them was a better strategy.

“Two years ago, when I found out that my church was going to use our hall as an emergency night shelter, I jumped at the chance to volunteer.  I am delighted that for the third year running we will be back in action again, helping the poorest and neediest people of Basildon. Last year, it was distressing not to be able to help my homeless friends on the two days a week the shelters were closed. This year, I am really pleased that the churches together in Basildon will be offering shelters seven nights a week.

“I look forward to my nights helping at the night shelter and talking to our guests. In conversation they open up and give their story. This makes for fascinating and interesting discussions and also results in us becoming friends very quickly. And because they are friends helping them is a pleasure not a chore. But the real buzz is being able to provide the most important needs in life – food, shelter and to show God’s love. By the end of the evening the cold, wet, anxious, hungry, depressed person you met at the start of the evening is warm, dry, fed, comfortable, safe and sleeping with both their eyes shut.

“It seems to me, life is a wonderful gift given freely, and in return giving gifts of help to others completes the circle. I believe we are here to make a difference and in two hours at the night shelter you can make that difference.”

Here are some of the things our other volunteers said about their experiences of volunteering at the shelters.

“It’s great being able to make someone’s day by doing something very simple and easy. When they appreciate it it’s great.”

“Positive experience — I enjoyed working with the other volunteers.”

“I felt apprehensive beforehand but in reality, it was brilliant.”

“In my experience all the guests were polite and well behaved.”

The stories featured here are personal accounts.

Here are some of the things our other guests said about their experiences of volunteering at the shelters.

“I was able to sleep with both eyes closed without being worried about being beaten up or robbed.”

“I enjoyed being warm and safe.”

“All the volunteers are very helpful and caring.”

“Thank you for all you do.”

“Everyone has been good to me.”