Facilitating community through change
WHAT IS OUTREACH?
Outreach is our signature volunteer program, connecting with our friends on the street who are experiencing homelessness.
Two hours every fortnight on Sundays in Brisbane, Melbourne, and Sydney and on Saturdays in Canberra, we meet in a public space where a dedicated coordinator provides training and preparation. We travel around the CBD, offering essential goods and, most importantly, human connection.
We then gather at the completion of the Outreach, share our stories and offer each other care and support.
HOW OUTREACH BEGAN...
It all started with a couple of mates taking donated loaves of bread to people sleeping rough on the street – uncut and without anything to put on them, people rightly refused the gift! But everyone they came across who was sleeping rough invited them to stay and chat because the social connection was what they wanted most.
Those insights are still the lifeblood of Outreach today. The point is not to provide food or money, but conversations held in the spirit of curiosity and empathy.
HOW OUTREACH WORKS
Meet and pre-brief
Gather and meet you fellow volunteers at a prearranged time and destination. The Outreach Coordinator on shift will provide training and walk you through the essentials of the day.
Walk the streets
Split into small groups of <4 volunteers at a time, following a set route around the CBD. You’ll be provided with ice-breakers and conversation starters, and will always be supervised by an experienced volunteer.
De-brief and share
All the volunteers meet up at the end, then sit down and share the stories heard throughout the day. This is a chance to discuss and reflect, and provide each other with care and support.
OUTREACH STRUCTURE
Outreach Coordinators
Our Coordinators lead and take full responsibility of our Outreach events. They are experienced and dedicated volunteers who will provide help every step of the way.
Outreach Team Leaders
Team Leaders help the Outreach Coordinators in the running of the event and supervising of small groups of volunteers.
Volunteers
The lifeblood of Outreach! Our amazing volunteers dedicated their time to provide support for people experiencing homelessness.
HOW TO JOIN
Mobilise Circle is our dedicated online platform for volunteers, designed to bring our community together in one central hub. Through Mobilise Circle, volunteers can easily sign up for outreach events, access important information about Mobilise and various volunteering opportunities, and stay informed about the latest updates. It also offers a space for volunteers to share their experiences, exchange ideas, and connect with others across the country, fostering a supportive and engaged network. Whether you’re looking to participate in an event or simply connect with like-minded individuals, Mobilise Circle is your go-to place for all things volunteering at Mobilise.
WHERE YOU CAN JOIN AN OUTREACH
MELBOURNE
We meet at Federation Square
Swanston St & Flinders St, Melbourne VIC 3000
Our Canberra operation differs slightly. Instead of walking the streets directly, we have partnered with the Early Morning Centre as one of their service-providers. We have a stall set-up giving out clothing and other essential items, but our approach to Outreach and our emphasis on human connection remains the same.
FAQS
When is Outreach?
Outreach is just two hours every other Sunday in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney, and on Saturdays in Canberra. You can see specific dates and times by joining our Facebook group. Watch this space: Our new online volunteering management system is coming soon!
Do I need experience? I’ve never volunteered or done anything like this before.
No prior experience is needed, just a willingness to connect and make a difference!
Is there a minimum commitment?
No! You can join us as much or as little as you like.
What do I get out of volunteering with Outreach?
Volunteering at We Are Mobilise is a hugely rewarding experience. Connecting with our friends on the street is a small gesture with a big impact, and can have a powerful effect on somebody’s life.
Here’s what you can expect when volunteering with Mobilise:
- Flexible commitment: Our Outreaches are just two-hour sessions on weekends.
- Learn about homelessness: Gain firsthand experience and challenge stereotypes.
- Develop valuable skills: Enhance your communication, empathy, and teamwork skills.
- Become part of a community: Meet like-minded individuals passionate about social change.
- Contribute to impactful research: Data from our Outreaches helps inform solutions for homelessness.
Mobilise are also happy to provide references and recommendations for committed and dedicated volunteers.
Do you provide mental health support?
At the end of each Outreach everybody gathers together to share and discuss the stories they’ve heard. We do also offer free mental health support and counselling through Beyond Blue – please get in touch with us at [email protected] for more information.
I'm interested in becoming an Outreach Coordinator or Outreach Team Leader
We’re always on the lookout for more Coordinators and Team Leaders here at Mobilise! We like to encourage progression and will always support volunteers who are keen to dedicate more time to our cause.
It’s really important that all our Coordinators and Team Leaders are experienced in Outreach and have a full understanding of what it entails. Any volunteers who are considering progressing should attend as many Outreaches as they can, and use that time to speak and learn from our existing team.
Please drop us an email at [email protected] with more information about yourself and your experience. We can’t wait to hear from you!