The volunteer programme began in June 2003 to meet increasing needs for quality housing advice and support. Volunteers work alongside and are trained and supervised by paid staff in a variety of roles, administration, research, housing advice and IT. They are welcomed as part of the team and uphold the same responsibilities as regards confidentiality and quality of care. All volunteers undergo a criminal records check. Engaging the services of volunteers means that more help is available to local people in need and increases the pool of skills, knowledge and insight to be shared with the working team. During the year 2005 - 2006 twenty-five new volunteers joined the Shelter NHAS team.

Benefits to the volunteers include opportunities to gain new skills and sharpen existing ones and putting training and experience to good use, the satisfaction of working in a professional and supportive atmosphere and the increased self esteem and confidence that results from participation in and contribution to the local community. Volunteering can act as a bridge to paid work for those who have been unemployed or out of the job market due to other commitments. Indeed some staff at Shelter NHAS started here in a volunteer role.

Equal opportunities prevail – volunteers come from different ethnic groups, a variety of backgrounds and span a wide age range from students to post retirement age.

We particularly need Volunteer Housing Advisors and Admin Volunteers to work for a few hours a week. Volunteers are trained, supervised and supported by NHAS staff. Housing Advice duties include face to face and telephone contact with clients, dealing with a range of problems such as rent arrears, tenants' rights and homelessness. Basic computer skills are required in order to record confidential information into our database.