OUR TRAINING PROCESS

Students are expected to complete our comprehensive training programme. This ensures graduates leave with practical experience as well as knowledge.

LEVEL 0NE - VOLUNTEER

INTRODUCTION TO THE LIGHT GROUP

This outlines our work with the homeless and a brief introduction to volunteering and outreach.

INTRODUCTION TO OUTREACH

More detail about what to expect on outreach and includes scenarios training.

GOING ON OUTREACH

Attend four outreaches in a four week period.

ATTEND COMMUNITY GROUPS

Community Groups are conversational groups led by a Homeless Pastor. These groups help create community and have a different theme each week. Candidates are required to attend two Community Groups over the four week period. See below for more details.

ONE-TO-ONE WITH HOMELESS PASTOR

A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.

GRADUATION

Once you have successfully completed these steps, you have graduated to level two.

LEVEL TWO - VOLUNTEER

GOOD BOUNDARIES TRAINING

Having the right boundaries is essential, for both the homeless folks and yourself. This session will teach you how to build and maintain good boundaries.

GOING ON OUTREACH

Attend four outreaches. Four will be critiqued by the team leader.

ATTEND COMMUNITY GROUPS

Attend two Community Groups over a four week period.

SAFEGUARDING TRAINING

Safeguarding is really important. Our priority is to keep the homeless folks and the team safe at all times. This session lasts 1.5 hours.

DRUG AWARENESS TRAINING

Basic training in drug awareness, what to look out for and how to deal with drug use and the individual.

ONE-TO-ONE WITH HOMELESS PASTOR

A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.

LEVEL THREE

INTRODUCTION TO HOMELESSNESS SERVICES & NETWORKING

It’s important to help people off the streets, as quickly as possible. So knowing who can help and what services are available is essential.

ATTEND OUTREACHES

Attend four outreaches, one will be critiqued by the team leader.

FINAL OUTREACH WORKSHOP

In this workshop we will discuss what has worked over the last twelve weeks and look at real life scenarios of homelessness.

DROP-IN SESSION

Attend two drop in sessions at a local organisation helping the homeless, accompanying a homeless pastor.

FIRST AID TRAINING

Having knowledge of first aid is sometimes needed. This session is essential to keep people safe.

SUICIDE AWARENESS TRAINING

Knowing when people are struggling and suicidal will help save lives. This session lasts 2 hours.

MENTAL HEALTH AWARENESS TRAINING

Understanding the stigma behind mental health and being able to support people suffering with their mental health.

ADVANCED DRUG AWARENESS TRAINING

A more detailed look at drug use and training with Naloxone can save lives.

ONE-TO-ONE WITH SENIOR MANAGER

A one hour meeting over coffee to find out how you are doing and to feedback.

ASSESSMENT

All candidates are required to complete an hour long oral assessment, in order to graduate to level four.

LEVEL FOUR

Level four of training lasts ten months and adds the spiritual and pastoral element of the training, with some of the practical skills to develop your own locality for homeless outreach and delivering Community Groups. Completion of this level will graduate you into becoming a Homeless Pastor.

LEEDS SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY

Attend Leeds School of Theology “Ministry in the Margins” course. (One evening per month for 10 months). Details on the following page.

COMMUNITY GROUPS

Lead two Community Group sessions (feedback given)

OUTREACH

Lead four outreaches with feedback given.

DROP-IN SESSIONS

Attend two drop-in sessions and give advice to the homeless.

SOCIAL MEDIA, BRAND & MARKETING

We will support you and help you to understand social media, the Homeless Pastors brand and how to promote and market it.

FUNDRAISING & EVENTS

Develop your own local fundraising events using our tried and tested tips and knowledge.

GRADUATION

Congratulations! On successful completion of the programme, you’ll become a graduate of the School of Homeless Pastors, equipped with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to serve people experiencing homelessness and other forms of marginalisation in your own community, church or organisation.

ALUMNI NETWORK

Stay connected with fellow graduates through our growing alumni network, sharing ideas, encouragement, resources and best practice from across the UK.

CONTINUING PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

Access optional workshops, masterclasses and additional training to help you continue developing your knowledge and skills.

MENTORING & SUPPORT

Where appropriate, graduates can access mentoring, advice and guidance as they put their training into practice.

ANNUAL GATHERING

Join graduates from across the country each year to celebrate, learn together, hear inspiring speakers and build lasting relationships.

PLEASE NOTE

Graduation from the School of Homeless Pastors does not guarantee a volunteer or paid position with The Light Group or any affiliated organisation. Opportunities within The Light Group are advertised separately and filled through a standard application and interview process.

TRAINING TIMELINE

TRAINING SCHOOL