There are many practical ways you can contribute to the Narrowgate Night Shelter, including prayer, giving financially, and volunteering.

Without volunteers, the work of Narrowgate Night Shelter would not be possible.  Volunteering with the Narrowgate Night Shelter is a rewarding experience, with many volunteers returning regularly.

There are three distinct shifts – use the menu on the right to explore these in more detail.  However, we need people who can commit to being with us all night (7.00pm through to 7.45am), idealy once a week, however we can still use you if you are only available once a month.

To become a volunteer, click here to register your interest.  The Narrowgate Night Shelter Manager will contact you to arrange for you to visit the shelter to talk with you in more detail about volunteering.

Volunteer Certificate Scheme

Volunteers can work towards certificates to show their contribution.  Achievement of one or more of the following certificates is good in its own right, and you may find it helpful when applying for a job or promotion.

The Bronze Certificate

Typically achieved over an eight to ten week period, the Bronze certificate rewards those spending over 70 hours in the general tasks around the provision of a night shelter.

Towards the end of the certificate the volunteer will be required to write a reflection of their experience of volunteering at the Narrowgate Night Shelter over the previous few weeks, and will also be required to interview a guest and submit a written summary.

The Silver Certificate

Building on the Bronze certificate, the Silver certificate rewards those spending a further 85 hours, typically over a ten to twelve week period, but with a greater focus on tasks relating to the kitchen.

In recognition of work done in the kitchen, the volunteer may be invited to attend a kitchen hygiene course with a view to gaining an independent certificate.

Towards the end of the certificate the volunteer will be required to write a reflection of their experience of volunteering at the Narrowgate Night Shelter over the previous few weeks, and will also be required to interview a guest and submit a written summary.

The Gold certificate

Building on the Silver certificate, the Gold certificate rewards those spending a further 100 hours, typically over a twelve to fourteen week period, but with a greater focus on tasks relating to guests.

During this certificate the volunteer may be invited to attend a control and restraint course, and a first aid course with a view to gaining independent certificates in these areas.

Towards the end of the certificate the volunteer will be required to write a reflection of their experience of volunteering at the Narrowgate Night Shelter over the previous few weeks, and will also be required to interview a guest and submit a written summary.

The Platinum certificate

Building on the Gold certificate, the Platinum certificate rewards those spending a further 180 hours, typically over a fifteen to twenty week period, but with a greater focus on tasks relating to team leadership.  The Platinum certificate has an emphasis on developing supervisory skills, therefore requires the volunteer to spend more time awake during the night in a supervisory capacity.

During this certificate the volunteer may be invited to attend a fire extinguisher handling course, with a view to gaining an independent certificate.

Towards the end of the certificate the volunteer will be required to write a reflection of their experience of volunteering at the Narrowgate Night Shelter over the previous few weeks, and will also be required to interview a guest and submit a written summary.

All volunteers wishing to earn a certificate start at the Bronze stage.  A volunteer is free to discontinue at any time.  Where a volunteer does not complete a certificate, the certificate cannot be awarded, however the volunteer will receive a General Volunteer Certificate reflecting the contribution they have made.

The decision of the Narrowgate Night Shelter Manager is final in the award of any certificate.

For more information, please contact:

• Phil Brown
• 0161-736-7959
• narrowgate@manchestercitymission.com