Nightly service: Nightwatch volunteers are out in Queen’s Gardens helping those in need

Croydon homelessness charity Nightwatch has issued an urgent appeal for volunteers to come forward to assist with its vital work.

Nightwatch, which has been operating for almost 50 years, offers food and other support to the homeless and working poor every night in Queen’s Gardens, close to Croydon Town Hall.

The charity’s chiefs blame the cost-of-living crisis for the increasing numbers of needy people coming for food at Nightwatch’s nightly distribution – sometimes as many as 100 per night.

Nightwatch prides itself on going out every single night of the year to help homeless and otherwise vulnerable people in the middle of Croydon. But with many volunteers away on holiday over the summer months, the charity is struggling to stay staffed up.

Volunteer co-ordinator Fiona Satiro said: “We are finding nights short of people and having to scramble to move volunteers from other nights. Some evenings we are very low on numbers. We need a good ratio of volunteers to clients to give the best service.”

All volunteers who sign up to help with Nightwatch’s vital work are given support and training. They work in a friendly atmosphere with others who share the benefit of their experience.

• Anyone wanting to volunteer should get in contact with Fiona Satiro at Fiona@croydonnightwatch.org.uk

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