What is Active Futures Kensington and Chelsea?

The homeless and vulnerably housed can bring a unique set of volunteer skills and experience to your organisation

Active Futures K & C is a new initiative based at the Volunteer Centre Kensington & Chelsea. The Project looks at methods of making volunteering more accessible to the homeless and vulnerably housed in the borough. There are many volunteering opportunities within the local community and we aim to encourage and support our volunteers in finding and sustaining suitable placements.

Homeless does not necessarily mean street homeless – the definition is a lot wider and more complex. Active Futures work with a diverse range of people who are either homeless or vulnerably housed. This could mean our volunteers are living in hostels; temporary accommodation, staying with friends, squatting or they may even have been recently resettled.

What support is available for volunteers?

	You get 1 to 1 support in finding an opportunity that suits you
	There is help to fill in forms, make applications and attending interviews
	Volunteering does not affect your benefits
	Information on CRB checks, training and educational opportunities
	You choose how much time you wish to give

What are the benefits of volunteering?

“It’s a chance to get out of the vicious circle. Volunteering is a positive move forward – it lets you know things aren’t over” Active Futures Volunteer
	Meet new people and gain communication skills
	Test out new areas of work and gain experience
	Improve your CV and get a reference
	Develop a routine, improve self-esteem and help tackle stigma

What support is available to Organisations?

	Homelessness Awareness Training and how to make opportunities more accessible to homeless volunteers
	Guidelines and resources for creating partnerships between Homeless Agencies and Volunteer Involving Organisations
	Information for making CRB checks for people who are of no fixed abode (NFA)
	Support organisations around involving their own clients as volunteers

What next?

If you are interested in finding out more about Active Futures K & C in either a volunteer or an organisational capacity please contact us.