Volunteers

London is one of the richest and dynamic cities in the world, but it also suffers real poverty and housing need. Southwark Habitat for Humanity is a local, voluntary sector response to housing, aiming to eliminate poverty housing and provide people with a safe and decent place to live.

SHfH is based on the philosophy that communities can provide solutions to community problems if they work together. One key aspect of this is that we work with volunteers on site to help us build and refurbish housing. This helps us not only to work with and empower the local community, but also in keeping costs as low as possible.

Who can Volunteer?

SHfH welcomes volunteers from all sectors of the community.

Typical work activities

Where possible, we try to involve volunteers at all stages of the construction process. Activities that volunteers participate in can include external works, timber wall panel and floor construction, brick-laying, roofing, insulation, carpentry, hanging plasterboard, painting and decorating.

Whatever volunteers do, they will get a full briefing so they are able to carry out their tasks safely and to a high standard. All volunteer activities are supervised by our qualified construction team.

Health and Safety

Anybody working in construction is aware that the environment in which they are working is potentially hazardous - especially if the risks are not properly managed. We have a complete set of procedures that enable us to comply with current health and safety legislation and guidelines. We also have a robust independent inspection regime to ensure that standards are being maintained and constantly improved. We require that all volunteers undertake a full induction and comply with our health and safety procedures.

Practicalities

• Volunteer days are usually held on weekday from 8:45am - 16:30 pm. Saturdays are available by appointment.
• Volunteers should wear old clothing that they don't mind getting dirty and which is suitable for the weather. Boots, hard hats, gloves and any other protective equipment volunteers require will be provided.
• The number of volunteers we can host depends on the size of the site and the work that needs to be done that day.
• No experience is necessary, just lots of energy and enthusiasm!

Should you have any questions or need further information, please contact Alex Waddington, Volunteer Coordinator, 020 7732 0066.