Story
I have volunteered, in the most modest way possible, at the Greater Manchester Winter Night Shelter since 2016. You will probably not be surprised to hear that I have gained at least as much as I have given, meeting some wonderful people, both guests and volunteers, and hearing some amazing stories.
The project provides guests with temporary accommodation alongside the support from the staff and services at Manchester's Booth Centre with the aim of helping them towards creating a home. 232 guests have been welcomed to the night shelters over the past three years.
The project has at its core an ethos of hospitality and mutuality, and aims to create a welcoming, homely atmosphere. Guests and volunteers sit down to eat together and join in conversation and activities. There is a selection of materials available to pass the time such as television, reading material and games, and tea, coffee &c. are available for guests’ use throughout their stay.
The GMWNS receives no statutory funding and so relies on grants and donations from individuals, groups and businesses.
The project has at its core an ethos of hospitality and mutuality, and aims to create a welcoming, homely atmosphere. Guests and volunteers sit down to eat together and join in conversation and activities. There is a selection of materials available to pass the time such as television, reading material and games, and tea, coffee &c. are available for guests’ use throughout their stay.
The GMWNS receives no statutory funding and so relies on grants and donations from individuals, groups and businesses.