Brighton Housing Trust volunteers

Volunteers thank you

Twenty one volunteers from Brighton Housing Trust (BHT) were thanked by the Mayor of Brighton and Hove, Councillor Mo Marsh, for their work at a reception in the Mayor’s Parlour, Brighton Town Hall. BHT, a local homeless and housing charity, has volunteers across the organisation supporting clients and residents in services including Client and Tenant Involvement, BHT’s homeless day centre, First Base, addiction services, and mental health support homes, Shore House and the Archway Project.

A fundamental part of services

Councillor Mo Marsh said: “It’s a real privilege to learn about the vital work of BHT and how volunteers play a fundamental part in making these services a great success.  Some volunteers come with lived experience which is invaluable.” Anthony Carney, a volunteer at BHT said: “BHT found me a permanent flat to live in after years of uncertainty of temporary accommodation. When I heard they were looking for volunteers I jumped at the chance.”

An incredible commitment

Daniel O’Connell, Head of HR, Learning and Development at BHT, said: “On the whole our volunteers are drawn from our residents and clients.  This supports BHT’s ethos in people gaining employment.  Employers are always looking to see what people have done to prepare themselves for work, volunteering plays an important part. BHT had 102 volunteers last year who provided 7,246 volunteer hours adding value to what our paid staff do. This is an incredible commitment.