Hospitality Volunteer FAQs
Timings
Time to start on duty
This is the time that, ideally, we would like you to be available to start your volunteer duties. We are aware that some of you travel long distances and need or want to arrive an hour or two earlier than this and take a break before you start work. That will be fine - just let us know if it's going to be more than 2 hours before the time shown, or if you will be arriving over lunch time when the office may be closed, so we can make arrangements. Unfortunately we can't always guarantee that your room will be ready as sometimes volunteers need to start work before the previous guests leave when we have big changeovers.
Approx departure time
We welcome any help you can give with clearing up and changeover on the day of departure. Please liaise with Hillary if you have a particular time to leave or need to arrange transport into Exeter. Generally guests leave by 10am and volunteers about 11am but we can be flexible on this.
House Timetable
See this page for house and event timetables
Rooming
Singles are never asked to share
Couples are provided with a double bed unless you request twin.
All rooms are now en-suite except the two halves of the Coop Hen Run which share one shower room between two. We will assume volunteers are okay to share the Coop with another volunteer/guest if necessary unless you let us know otherwise.
Towels
Please bring your own towel if you are able to.
If you are coming by public transport or need to travel light for other reasons we will happily provide - please request by email to
[email protected]
Food/diet
We are happy to cater for special diets as long as we have plenty of advance notice (we don't have shops on the doorstep and have to make up menus and orders in good time).
As a hospitality volunteer you will normally be eating with the guests.
Please read the food page before completing your diet information.
Facilities and shared resources
Laundry and drying facilities are available. We also have odd useful items to borrow like hairdryers if you are trying to travel light.
Telephones: Mobile reception is good for O2 but variable for other providers unless you walk up the hill. For an emergency contact number you can give the office 01647-252752 but remember to let Reception know that you wish to be contacted. Unexpected calls will be handled as "I will pass the message to the Warden" but expected calls will be handled as normal messages directly for you. This is to protect the privacy of guests.
We have WiFi available in most areas around the site.
Important additional information
Sorry but your pets are not welcome at Sheldon.
You must let us know if you are arranging for visitors during your stay and all visitors must report to Reception on arrival. If someone unexpected visits they will very likely be turned away. This is to protect the privacy of guests.
Confidentiality and House Rules
Confidentiality is a core commitment in our ministry and is implemented through the conduct of the team and guests. Information about guests is shared among the Sheldon team only as far as necessary to maintain a high standard of care.
As a member of the team you will be helping with the hosting and supporting guests to enjoy social contact within the framework of our house rules.
Money
Hospitality volunteers are welcome either
- to make a contribution towards your keep, or
- to call it quits, or
- to claim travel expenses
Any contribution you do make can be gift-aided.
