Plymouth winter night shelter launches volunteer appeal after providing safe shelter for 73 people last winter
Path is calling on people across Plymouth to give one evening or night a week this winter and help provide a safe place to stay for people facing homelessness.
Plymouth homelessness charity Path has launched a volunteer recruitment campaign for its Winter Night Shelter (also known as Project 58:7), which will operate from October 2026 to March 2027 across five churches.
Last winter, volunteers helped the project provide safe shelter for 73 people. The service also prevented 22 people from spending their first night sleeping rough, while 89% of guests moved on from the shelter into longer-term accommodation.
Path is now looking for volunteers to help make the service possible again this winter.
Volunteers can support the project during evening or overnight shifts, working alongside Path staff to provide a safe and welcoming environment for people who would otherwise be at risk of sleeping rough.
No previous experience is required, with volunteers receiving induction, full training and ongoing support from experienced staff. Split night shifts are also available for people who are unable to commit to a full overnight shift.
Path is particularly encouraging people who may never have considered volunteering with a homelessness charity before to find out more.
Emily Mousley, Project Coordinator and a member of the Rough Sleeping Team at Path, said:
“Last winter, our volunteers helped us provide a safe place to sleep for 73 people in Plymouth. That simply couldn't have happened without people in our community choosing to give their time.
“We know volunteering in a night shelter can sound like a big commitment, but you don't need previous experience, and you won't be doing it alone. Our team provides training and support throughout.
“We're asking people to consider whether they could give one evening or night a week this winter. A few hours of your time can make a very real difference to someone who might otherwise have nowhere safe to sleep.”
Project 58:7 brings together Path, Transforming Plymouth Together, local churches and volunteers to provide emergency winter accommodation in Plymouth.
Volunteers undertaking evening shifts help prepare the venue, welcome guests and provide refreshments and support. Overnight volunteers help maintain a safe environment throughout the night, including welfare checks and responding to any issues alongside the wider team.
Path hopes people from across the city will come forward, including working people, students, retired and semi-retired people, and those involved with local businesses, churches and community organisations.
Katheryn Talmage, Head of Services at Path says:
“Plymouth has always shown that it is a city that cares about people in need. We're asking people to be part of that response again this winter.
“You don't have to solve homelessness. You can simply give some of your time, work alongside us and help someone have a safe night while we support them towards their next step.”
Quote from Laura Fraser-Crewes, CEO of Transforming Plymouth Together (TPT):
“Project 58:7 shows what can happen when churches, charities and people across Plymouth come together with a shared commitment to care for those in our community who are facing homelessness.
“The churches involved provide much more than a building for the night. Together with Path staff and volunteers, they help create a place where people can feel safe, welcomed and treated with dignity at a particularly difficult point in their lives.
“Volunteers are at the heart of making that possible. You don’t need specialist experience – just a willingness to give some of your time and to welcome people with kindness and compassion. We would love to see more people from across Plymouth join us this winter.”
Volunteer quote from last year:
“When I started last October, I nearly cried, from the moment I started - knowing all guests staying overnight had a mattress, clean bedding and safe place to put their head down for the night. Clothing available, new trainers, hot beverages and snacks. Always one of us to chat with. Everyone appreciated it loads. I thoroughly enjoyed volunteering. Kindness & trust makes a lot of difference.”
People interested in volunteering are encouraged to register their interest as soon as possible ahead of the shelter opening in October.