| What Is the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter Project all about? | It is estimated there are 30/40 known homeless people living on the streets of Ipswich. Following a pilot several years ago where over 10 nights food, shelter, warmth and hope was given to 30 homeless people a new project is being set up - the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter. Staffed by Christians and other volunteers a rolling Shelter across the town of Ipswich for the homeless, using church buildings to offer: Safety, Warmth, Food, Hospitality and hope ……… over the coldest winter months. ‘We cannot solve the problem but we can begin by understanding.’ |
| When is the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter going to be open? | The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter aims to run from December 14th 2011 to February 17th 2012 – however, this may continue if the weather remains exceptionally cold. |
| Where will the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter take place? |
The Ipswich Winter Night Shelter will operate from a different Church Hall on each night of the week. Monday - Salvation Army Bramford Road Ipswich, Tuesday - St. Mary Stoke Ipswich, Wednesday - Elim aka Ipswich International Church, Thursday - Christchurch/St. Pancras Ipswich Friday - Burlington Church Ipswich, Saturday - Holy Trinity Church Ipswich, Sunday - Hope Church Ipswich |
| Who supports the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter? | Agencies supporting the IWNS include; Ipswich Borough Council, Suffolk Constabulary, Ipswich Substance Abuse, Housing Justice, Ipswich Families in Need (FIND) and Ipswich Town Pastors. |
| How will the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter happen? | There will be three teams operating each night – each with a Team Leader. It is anticipated that there will be 12 guests per night. This is all about Hospitality and Hope A simple approach, living the Gospel. EVERYONE has a gift to offer and training will be provided. |
| What is the need and what can we do about it as christians? | To support vulnerable people who may find themselves in this situation – through no fault of their own. We need to live out the Gospel. We need to do this because we want to help those people who are on the margin of our society. Remember, there but for the Grace of God go I. What motivates us? The gospel! |
| Where could I fit in with the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter? | As a Benefice (St Helen’s, Holy Trinity and St Luke’s) the Waterfront Churches are looking for volunteers every Saturday evening for Holy Trinity Church. Both male and female volunteers are needed for each shift. If however, you cannot make a Saturday then the other churches would be grateful of volunteers. |
| What are the shifts? | 6.30pm-10.30pm - Set up beds, prepare and cook the evening meal (about six volunteers required) 7.30pm - Guests will start to arrive. They will need tea and coffee and a friendly face! 8.30pm - Serve evening meal and eat with our guests. Enjoy their company and their stories. Clear away, wash up etc. Play games, talk, listen to the guests, watch tv etc. 10pm - Hand over. 10pm-6.45am - NIGHT SHIFT (looking for around 4+ volunteers who are prepared to sleep, chat, play cards, listen … ) 6.30am-9am - EARLY MORNING SHIFT (again, looking for around 4+ volunteers). Prepare breakfast, clear away, leave the church in a tidy fashion. |
| What do I do next? | So what do I need to do next? Complete the application form and return it to iwns@ipswichwaterfrontchurches.co.uk |
| I would like to help but I can't commit to on of the shifts, what can I do? | Well there are plenty of other ways you can help. The following items are needed: Bedding, Duvets, Sheets, Pillows, toiletries. Cooking equipment etc. The list is long! We will have to buy many of these items but if you are able to donate them let us know. If you would like to make a financial donation, please send a cheque payable to “Holy Trinity Church” and send it to IWNS, Trinity Bungalow, 20 Back Hamlet, Ipswich, IP3 8AJ. If you would like to ay by BACS, please email for details iwns@ipswichwaterfrontchurches.co.uk |
| How can I support this financially or with practical support? | Folk to wash bedding on a regular basis. Provide food, soup, cakes, bread , puddings. We would like to offer our guests a Christmas gift. Toiletries, socks and chocolate. Each gift will cost £12. |
| What support will I get if I volunteer? | Training is taking place for all of the Ipswich Winter Night Shelters and there will also be support / training locally |
Leaflet distributed in Church on 06-11-11
Visit the Ipswich Winter Night Shelter Website