Volunteering For Homeless Charities In Derby

With the estimated number of rough sleepers on our streets rising every year, there's no better time to take action. Every contribution helps when it comes to helping those in need, especially as the homeless are some of the most vulnerable people in the UK.  

Why Volunteer For A Homeless Charity In Derby?

Homelessness is a growing issue in larger towns and cities, including Derby, where it's thought the number of people sleeping on the streets has more than tripled over the last decade. Thankfully, the city has several charities who are on hand to offer advice and support.  

Charities don't run themselves however, and they require plenty of funds and keen volunteers to help keep them going. Playing People's Postcode Lottery is a great way to show support, with funds from every ticket going to a range of amazing charities.

If you've some free time and want to play a bigger role locally, get in touch with one of these homeless charities and see if they need any help with volunteering in Derby. 

Homeless Sanctuaries In Derby That Need Your Help

YMCA Derbyshire

Homelessness is something that can affect young people in particular, and it's an issue that the nationwide YMCA hope to combat. Originally started in Switzerland in the 1840s, it now has offices all over the UK, including in Derby.  

While it supports young people in a variety of ways, the YMCA's main priority is ensuring that everyone has a safe home to grow up and thrive in. In Derby, the organisation provides accommodation for over 150 young and vulnerable people each night, alongside offering educational and employment training, among other services.

There are always opportunities for volunteering in the Derby centre, whether that's as an activity helper, doing admin or translating for young people who may not speak English as their first language. YMCA Derbyshire also runs a community café at their centre in Derby staffed mainly by volunteers.

Derby Women's Centre

Based in the heart of the city, Derby Women's Centre is a local charity that provides support for abused, lonely or homeless women in the area, regardless of their background or situation. By providing services such as counselling, legal advice and supportive activity programmes, it aims to get more of Derby's women and girls living happy and independent lives.  

Derby Women's Centre aims to provide a safe haven for those in need. You could help the organisation continue this by becoming a volunteer. There are various positions available, from commitments like being an activity or support group coordinator, to simply being an extra pair of hands at a fundraising event in Derby. Admin, marketing and social media roles are also available.  

Derventio Housing Trust

Another charity that's committed to ending homelessness in the city is Derventio Housing Trust. Founded in 2010, its primary goal is to eliminate rough sleeping, by providing those affected with accommodation and other vital support services. 

As well as giving the homeless a safe haven to live in, Derventio also tries to tackle the sources of homelessness, by providing advice and opportunities to improve people's confidence, skillsets and overall wellbeing. 

Due to the range of support services it's able to offer to Derby's homeless, there are plenty of volunteering opportunities with Derventio. Roles can vary from assisting the vulnerable directly to helping with admin and marketing. You could also assist Derventio Housing Trust by donating essential items like clothing and toiletries.

How Can You Show Your Support?

Volunteering with a homeless charity is one of the best ways to help those less fortunate than ourselves. Take a look at our Local Causes directories for opportunities near you, and don't forget to sign up to People's Postcode Lottery to give to even more good causes.