Local Causes
Volunteering For Homeless Charities In Ipswich
Helping others less fortunate than yourself is not only a wonderful way to give back to your community but it can also leave you with a real sense of peace and goodwill. After all, homeless people are some of the most marginalised people in the UK. They need all the help they can get to lift them off the streets and into a brighter future.
Why Volunteer For A Homeless Charity In Ipswich?
With the numbers of rough sleepers on the rise, there's no better time to show your support for the nation's amazing homeless charities. They work with disadvantaged people across some of the UK's worst hit cities and towns - including Ipswich.
If Ipswich is your local area and you'd like to get involved, take a look at the following organisations that offer vital housing, welfare and health support for the homeless.
Homeless Charities In Ipswich That Need Your Help
Founded over 40 years ago, Ipswich Housing Action directly support Ipswich's homeless community through a number of programmes. These include the Chapman Housing Centre, hostel style accommodation units and a Money Advice Homelessness Prevent Programme, a free service that assists people in managing their finances, debts and benefits.
With the help of the NHS, it also runs a healthcare clinic four days a week, at a day centre on Carr Street. As well as providing medical care and check-ups, the organisation can offer any visitor a shower, a change of clothes and a hot meal.
Volunteers are always welcome at Ipswich Housing Action, either to help out at the Chapman Centre with meals or activities, or to be trained as a Money Advisor for their financial services. The charity appeals for donations of food as well as clothing and toiletries, too.
Emmaus is an internationally recognised homeless charity that was first started up in Paris in the 1940s. Instead of just providing a bed for the night, the organisation actively tries to help the homeless in the long-term with employment opportunities and workshops. It also has links with other charities in the local area, including the Chapman Centre and Street Link.
The Ipswich branch, known as Emmaus Suffolk, includes two charity shops (one a mobile shop) that need goods from the local area to sell, as well as regular volunteers to run them. It also has a community cafe and garden at The Dale (the shop on Dale Road) and even collects and upcycles old furniture to sell, with proceeds funding the charities services.
There are multiple volunteering opportunities at Emmaus Suffolk, from doing shifts in the charity shops to helping out with furniture refurbishment. The organisation also require people to assist in the community cafe, as well as to help support the long-term homelessness campaign, which raises awareness of the support services available in Ipswich.
The YMCA is another renowned organisation that specifically tries to help young people improve their lives. As well as tackling issues like abuse, loneliness and addiction with their mentoring and activity programmes, it also assists teens and young adults who are sleeping rough.
In Ipswich, the YMCA Trinity Group can provide four different types of accommodation aid to young homeless people. This includes supported accommodation as well as homes for parents and their children. The charity also delivers a counselling and mental health service, as well as providing a safe space for people to go for a confidential chat.
You could help out at the YMCA Trinity Group in Ipswich by getting involved with its activity programmes, assisting with maintenance or admin in the housing schemes, or by taking part in its annual Sleep Easy fundraising event.
How Can You Show Your Support?
While playing People's Postcode Lottery is a great way to help a range of worthy charities and good causes, why not help out in a more hands on way? Take a look at our Local Causes directory for more opportunities near you.
Last updated: 05/03/2021
