The following is an edited version of an email from the Alma Beacon in October 2025
Planning is well underway for this winter’s Night Shelter. As last year, the shelter will provide a warm meal and a comfortable safe bed for the vulnerable homeless of our town during the coldest months of the year. Last year we ran the Night Shelter for 70 nights and during that period, supported 38 guests. This year’s plan is more ambitious; we aim to run the shelter for an additional 21 days and be able to sleep up to 20 people each night through the Christmas and New Year period.
This is only possible with the help of you and our other volunteers.
To help us plan we need help with the three ‘shifts’ each night/morning:
- Evening – including the serving of supper 18:00-22:30
- Night – 22:00-07:00
- Morning – including the serving of breakfast – 07:00-08:30
We have a 'kick-off' information session at the Alma Beacon from 18:30 to 20.30 on Friday 7th November 2025; it will be an opportunity to find out more about the shelter’s plans this year to which you are warmly invited.
In addition, as part of our support for you and our guest, PCSO David Bullock will run conflict training sessions for all volunteers on the following dates:
- Saturday 8th November 2025
- Friday 21st November 2025
- Saturday 22nd November 2025
(These sessions will start at 18:30 and last two hours.)
If you are able to volunteer this season please complete the form or send an email to almanightshelter@almabeacon.org indicating:
- If you can support the Night Shelter
- The days of the week you might be available (please note that, as last year, a more detailed rota will be available online in the coming weeks).
- The ‘shifts’ – evening, night, morning you could support
- Whether you would be available to help over Christmas and the New Year
- If you can attend the information evening
- Which training session you are able to join
If for whatever reason you cannot help with the Night Shelter this year don't forget that there are always volunteering opportunities each week during the year, particularly at lunchtimes on Saturdays.
We do hope you can volunteer with us and help make a huge difference to the homeless in Windsor.
Without volunteers, without your help, we cannot open!
With thanks and kind regards
The Alma Beacon Cold Weather Night Shelter team