Volunteer at MASH
MASH couldn’t run without our amazing (award winning!) and dedicated team of trained volunteers who donate their time and expertise in various vital roles. These include supporting in the drop-in, on the MASH van, out on the streets and in saunas.
Volunteers also support us in more specialist roles such as on our board of trustees or helping with fundraising and marketing.
Our volunteers come from all sorts of backgrounds and bring a variety of skills and experience. What they have in common is a commitment to showing up for the women we work with at MASH and an incredible enthusiasm and passion.
All of our volunteers undertake comprehensive training and receive ongoing support, supervision and updates on important policies which help to keep everyone safe and included. Regular volunteer meetings keep everyone up to date and social events help people get to know each other.
In 2018 MASH was recognised with the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, the equivalent of an MBE for charities.
Apply to be a MASH volunteer
Please read the role profiles below carefully before applying and think about which days you would be available to volunteer.
If you have any questions feel free to contact our volunteer co-ordinator on 0161 273 4555 or Dan@mash.org.uk
MASH Drop-in Centre Worker
MASH Drop-in Centre Workers support other volunteers and paid staff. They act as a welcoming first point of contact for anyone accessing services at the MASH Drop-In Centre. They help to assess people’s needs and provide information and support on a range of issues. They also have an important “hospitality” role, providing refreshments and ensuring everyone feels welcome.
MASH Van Worker
MASH Van workers are part of a small team which visits areas of the city frequented by street based sex workers. Working alongside a MASH staff member they are based on the MASH Van from 8pm – midnight They help to create a sense of safety on the streets.
The friendly, supportive services they provide include advice on sexual health and safer injecting practice, providing a needle exchange and sharing “Dodgy Punter” reports.
MASH Sauna Volunteer
Sauna Outreach workers go out in pairs to visit women working in saunas.
They provide information about other services and help make referrals when needed.
MASH Street Team Volunteer
One volunteer accompanies our daytime outreach worker on their daily sessions into Manchester city centre.
MASH offers support to women who are visibly rough sleeping or begging if they would like to take it up. They help to connect people who have unmet needs with partners who can offer expert support.
Occasional and Specialist Volunteers
Some people with specialist skill volunteer for us on an occasional or one off basis. If you have a skill like hairdressing, arts or cooking you’d like to offer get in touch and we’ll look at how we could work together.
Work placements
MASH partners with Manchester University, Manchester Metropolitan University, Salford University and others to offer limited placement and shadowing opportunities.
For more information about this speak to your course leader or get in touch with our volunteer co-ordinator dan@mash.org.uk
The volunteers are so friendly. They rock! They make great brews too.
MASH Service User