Frequently Asked Questions
Below we’ve answered some of the questions we know volunteers taking part in The Noise have had. If there’s something missing from the list - let us know!
Click on each question to reveal the answer.
+ Do I need to register?
Yes please! We need you to register by filling out our online form, or downloading and sending back a paper form. This is for insurance purposes, we need to know that you know what you’re signing up for. It will also mean we can communicate with you about all you need to know when taking part in The Noise.
Have a read of our 'Volunteer Declaration' by clicking here.
Practically, it’s a massive task allocating over many volunteers to different projects and events all over Bristol. It really helps us if you get registered early, so please don’t leave it to the last minute… :-)
+ What are the age restrictions for volunteers taking part in The Noise?
We love to encourage people of all ages to get involved! Our youngest volunteers are primary school age.
Volunteers with children or young people can register as a Family Team or as part of a Youth Group Team. You just need to make sure you meet the adult/child ratio, have parental consent (where applicable) and have read the specific volunteer declarations.
Individual volunteers under 18 must have parental consent and be supervised by a designated adult. There is no upper age limit for individual volunteers!
+ Why do I have to pay?
The registration fee goes towards making the projects and events of the weekend happen. That might be covering the cost of insurance or your nice blue Noise t-shirt, buying a scone or two for a senior citizen’s cream tea, or hiring a bit of one of the trucks that takes away all the rubbish. We make sure it goes to good use and helps fulfil the vision of The Noise which is to ‘show God’s love in practical ways.’
Bristol Noise is a registered charity. We do not make a profit from what we do!If you are interested in contributing to the longer term vision of Bristol Noise please go to our ‘Financial Support’ page.
+ Do I have to do all three days?
No, it’s totally up to you how many days you volunteer for. Just check the appropriate boxes on the registration form.
+ Can I change which day(s) I do?
Yes, you can. If you need to make a change after you’ve registered just let the Bristol Noise office know as soon as possible. Contact us here
+ What will volunteers do during The Noise?
Over the 3 days of The Noise weekend, a number of small teams will be tackling practical projects in their communities, such as transforming gardens, painting fences and community clear ups.
There will also be community events across the city, which will be free to the public and a practical example of God’s extravagant generosity. This will include family fun afternoons, cream tea events, sports activities and more.
At the start of each day, all volunteers are invited to our volunteer gatherings - held at various locations.
+ What happens at the volunteer gatherings?
On the Saturday and Monday mornings, we invite all volunteers to gather for registration, before spreading out across the city.
As well as finding out what project or activity you'll be doing, you'll be able to pick up a t-shirt, meet the rest of your team and join us in a time of worship and prayer. On Sunday, volunteers tackling practical projects will be invited to a shorter registration time. Volunteers helping at a community event will be contacted directly about where to turn up and when.
+ How will I get my blue The Noise t-shirt?
All registered volunteers will receive their t-shirt at the volunteer gatherings.
+ Can I do The Noise with my friends?
Definitely! We love to see people doing The Noise together with their friends, work colleagues, pastorate/small groups. You can register together online, or each person can sign up individually. Just make sure you put the name of your group in the designated box on the registration form, and we’ll try our best to put you all on a project together.
+ Can I choose which area I work in and what I’m doing?
The Noise is a great opportunity to volunteer in the community you live in or where your church is based, but it’s an equally great opportunity to get involved in a different part of our city.
If you have a specific preference, please make a note of it on your registration form. We do our best to accommodate requests, but we also need to take into consideration volunteer numbers and needs in each community.
+ Why do you work in some areas and not others?
The Noise started small with 30 volunteers working in Lockleaze in 2001, and since then has grown steadily and relationally, to around 1000 volunteers working in different communities in North, East and South and Central Bristol neighbourhoods.
We are committed to the city of Bristol as a whole and our longer term vision is to keep growing and seeking opportunities to serve communities across the city. At the same time we hold onto our model of growing slowly and relationally.
We would love to hear from you if you are interested in seeing The Noise happen in your local community!
+ What do I need to wear?
It’s a good idea to wear clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty. We’d also ask that you wear closed/sturdy shoes (not flip flops!). If you already have a Noise t-shirt please wear that, or else pick one up at the registration venue on the weekend itself.
+ Is there anything else I need to bring with me?
Be prepared for the weather, so bring waterproofs and/or sunscreen. You may want to bring a change of clothes. Also bring your own lunch/snacks to eat during the day, and something to drink – or money to buy some.
+ What if it rains?
You may get a little bit wet!
The Noise keeps on going whatever the weather. There are some outdoor projects that we may need to cancel/re-arrange, but most things can happen in the rain. We will assess things on a day-to-day basis over the weekend and follow our health and safety policies. But don’t let a bit of rain put you off!
+ I don’t have transport, is that a problem?
Hopefully not. The Noise does now cover a huge area, so you may well require transport to get between venues/projects. If you don’t have transport there are usually other lovely Noise volunteers who are willing to offer lifts. If you have any concerns, do get in touch.
+ Are there more opportunities to do volunteering in communities at other times of the year?
Yes! There are loads of great organisations all over Bristol who often need volunteers to support ongoing amazing work in our city. Check out our Noise 365 page for ideas about how you can share your time and skills throughout the year.
We often have one off requests for help from people/organisations in different communities throughout the year. If your church would be interested in making these happen, please contact us.
If you have any other questions, please do get in touch.
