What does a typical day or week schedule look like?

This will depend on the volunteering role you are undertaking, as our hostels operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and different roles support different parts of the operation.

As a general guide:

• Housekeeping Support roles are usually carried out during the morning and early daytime hours.
• Reception Support roles may take place during the morning, afternoon, or early evening.
• Kitchen Support roles are typically scheduled around meal service times, such as breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
• Night Porter Support roles take place overnight and help support the hostel during quieter night-time hours.

When you arrive for duty, you will usually be greeted by a member of staff who will explain the tasks and priorities for the day. Once you have received your duties, you can begin carrying them out. Some duties are completed sometimes individually, alongside other volunteers or members of staff depending on the role and hostel arrangements.

Throughout your time volunteering (aka ‘duty block’), staff members are available to provide guidance and support whenever needed. If a resident, guest, or volunteer requires assistance beyond your role, you should refer them to a member of staff. Likewise, if you are unsure about a task or need help yourself, support is always available.

At the end of your volunteering duties, you will normally report back to reception or the designated member of staff for a quick check-in before finishing for the day.

While each hostel and role may operate slightly differently, volunteers can expect a structured but supportive environment where they are guided by staff while having the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the day-to-day life of the hostel.