Working in partnership with UnityMK and teams from churches across Milton Keynes, the Winter Night Shelter is, quite literally, a lifesaver for those who would otherwise be faced with sleeping rough on the streets of our city during the coldest months of the year. In addition, the project offers a variety of help and provision and works to get people off the streets and into longer term or permanent accommodation. 

This season New Life Church will open overnight every Wednesday from 27th November 2024, with Andy Watts as team leader. If you can spare some time you will make a big difference to the lives of vulnerable people. Activities include setting up the rooms for guests, preparing evening meals, chatting to and supporting guests during the evening, staying overnight, preparing breakfasts and clear-up duties.

You can volunteer to help by contacting UnityMK by email at operations@unitymk.org or by calling 07934 928832. Please specify that you would like to help at the Wednesday night shelter at New Life Church. Please also mention your area of skill/interest from the following:

• Evening Lead Cook (5.30pm–8.30pm) Planning meals, buying ingredients (there will be support with meal planning and cover food costs) and leading the kitchen team  

• Evening Kitchen Team (5.30pm–8.30pm) Assisting the lead cook to clean the kitchen, prepare the evening meal and wash up 

• Evening Set Up and Guest Interaction (6pm−10pm): Set up beds, welcome guests, serve refreshments, socialise & support, eat dinner with the guests, supervise cigarette breaks 

• Night Duty (9.45pm−7am): 2 shifts taking turns to be available in case of any unexpected eventualities in the night and sleep. The night watch is usually quiet so it is possible to read/relax/study during the shift 

• Morning Kitchen (6.30am−8.30am): Clean kitchen surfaces, prepare and serve breakfast, wash up  

• Morning Set Down (6.30am−8.30am): Strip beds ready for laundering, wipe pillows, spray and put mattresses away, supervise cigarette breaks, tidy up and vacuum