St Giles Parish Rooms, 10 Woodstock Road OX2 6HT
Jon Keyworth, The Gatehouse
The Gatehouse – Oxford’s open door drop-in centre and café for homeless and vulnerably housed people – is once again functioning traditionally, but it badly needs more volunteers. Several people took stock during the pandemic and decided they were too old, or other, to carry on volunteering. Obviously, the whole thing has needed far fewer volunteers during the pandemic but now there is an urgent need.
Volunteering for the Gatehouse sessions is very rewarding. Tasks include serving drinks and sandwiches and cake, washing up, mingling with the guests, and joining in special activities such as the literary project. Sessions run from 17:00 to 19:00 on weekdays, and 16:00 to 18:00 on Sunday. Volunteers need to arrive about 20 minutes before the session start-time.
During the pandemic the food handed out was different. Now again makers of sandwiches and cakes are required, and home-made soup will need to be on the menu come the autumn if not before.
Individuals can make this food, but it has usually been provided by church and other groups. There are rules to follow in our health and safety era: all ingredients are listed and sandwiches are delivered in a coolbag.
Induction training is given for all Gatehouse volunteer tasks. If you want to help you can telephone 01865 792999 or email Zoë: Oxford Gatehouse Admin <admin@oxfordgatehouse.org>
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Forty-Three Newsletter • Number 520 • August 2022
Oxford Friends Meeting
43 St Giles, Oxford OX1 3LW
Copyright 2022, Oxford Quakers