At Turning Tides, we know that homelessness has so many possible root causes – domestic violence, debt, addiction, grief or mental health challenges, to name a few. We believe that real change comes from more than a roof over someone’s head. With kindness and experience, our team of staff and volunteers help people tackle the issues behind their homelessness. Homelessness must never be normalised; we stand for a world where every person has a place to call home. Volunteers are the backbone of Turning Tides. By contributing your time and expertise, you help people effected by homelessness to rebuild their lives and look to the future with optimism.

What skills do I need?

Where will you be volunteering? Our Fundraising team attends community events across the county raising vital funds which support the charity’s work, as well as raising awareness of the challenges individuals experiencing homelessness face. We need people who are friends and supporters of Turning Tides and who can be the face of our charity.  Locations will vary within our local communities across West Sussex.   You can sign up to an event close to home or if you are happy and able to travel that is also welcomed. A bit about the role: Fundraising is an essential function within Turning Tides. We rely on donations from supporters across the community to support some services and pay for things like food and other running costs we can’t get funding for. Putting on our own events, and attending community events like fairs and festivals, is a great way to raise money, and let people know about the charity’s brilliant work supporting local people experiencing homelessness. These events can be quite busy, and so the Fundraising team is looking for enthusiastic people to join the Event Volunteer Team. You are welcome to volunteer for as many as you would like to attend. It is helpful if you have your own transport as some events take place in areas with little or no access to public transport. Although we provide chairs, shelter and refreshments where we can, please be aware that some of our events may involve being outdoors in a variety of weather conditions and can also include some physical work such as setting up stalls and standing for a period of time. You will usually volunteer alongside members of our Fundraising Team, other volunteers and clients from our services to not only spread awareness about our much-needed services but also to encourage compassion in the community.  This vital role helps us to reach new people and inspire others to support our work.  We attend and host a variety of events and the role could involve:  setting up and attending our information stand/display at community events and at fundraising events and challenges.  helping us to connect with existing and new supporters, and to be able to talk confidently and passionately about the work of the charity. (Full training will be given.)  taking donations using our collection tins or using our cashless tap-and-go terminals and iPads for online donations. (Training and support will be given for this.) encouraging the public to the interactive stall e.g. tombola or sell raffle tickets stewarding an event such a run or walk  We are also seeking help with the distribution of promotional materials and putting up and taking down banners in key locations at various times throughout the year, to promote our current appeals and events.  There is also scope for you to set up and organise your own fundraising event, in partnership with the Fundraising team.