There is sometimes, at the discretion of the sangha, the possibility of staying for several months as a lay guest at the monastery.

This may be suitable for someone considering monastic life, but also for those who simply wish to spend time deepening their enquiry into the Buddha's teachings and supporting the sangha. 

It is useful for the monastery to have some longer term guests, familiar with the monastic routine who can help with the day to day tasks involved with maintaining the monastery and also help short term guests to settle in.

There are some particular roles in the monastery such as cooking and managing the kitchen or looking after Kusala House that particularly benefit from a consistent and experienced presence. Someone taking on one of these Voluntary Manager roles will be asked to sign an agreement of commitment for at least 6 months. 

Non-UK Citizens are only eligible for such roles if they have settled status, pre-settled status, Indefinite leave to remain, or have a visa that permits them to undertake voluntary work. UK citizens should be free from work commitments or have the correct permission if they are claiming benefits.

Long term guests from overseas are responsible for ensuring they have the appropriate visa for their stay.

The HBMT trustees do not consider the general taking care of the monastery (e.g. household chores, helping prepare food) as voluntary work but as an integral part of living in the community, looking after the shared living space and part of practice in applying the teachings of the Buddha to daily life.