We're looking for experienced and reliable volunteers to join our Accommodation Team and help maintain safe, welcoming homes for people seeking asylum in Sheffield.
At ASSIST, we build solidarity, not charity, and work with 70 adults seeking asylum. Last year alone, 68 individuals were housed across 10 properties. Good quality accommodation is more than a roof over someone's head. It provides stability, dignity and a secure foundation from which people can rebuild their lives while navigating the asylum process.
I love my house. I want to live there forever. The house is perfect. The location is perfect. I am really happy. Since I came to the UK it is the best place I have lived in. - ASSIST Client and resident
Everything is clean, very nice. Somebody comes bringing tissues, chemicals, cleaning products. We don't have any problems with gas, electric, water...I can cope with the other people living there. - ASSIST Client and resident
Why This Role Matters
Our vision is of a world where every person, including people with refused asylum, has housing, safety, community, and the freedom to thrive. We imagine a future beyond borders, rooted in care, justice, and collective liberation. Until then, we will keep building it. One home, one relationship, one act of solidarity at a time.
The Accommodation Team ensures our housing provides a secure anchor while supporting people to engage with neighbourhood services and build links with the local community. The homes we maintain are places where people can recover a sense of safety, belonging and hope.
As a Skilled Maintenance and DIY Volunteer, you'll play a vital role in making this vision a reality. Whether you're fixing a leak, fitting a smoke alarm, repairing a door or giving a room a fresh coat of paint, your practical skills help create homes where people can live with dignity.
What You'll Bring
We're looking for volunteers with experience in one or more practical trades, such as electrical work, plumbing, carpentry, decorating, roofing, general building maintenance or handyperson tasks.
You'll be someone who is reliable, safety-conscious and enjoys working alongside others with respect for different cultures and experiences. Access to a vehicle and your own tools is helpful but not essential.
What to Expect
- Flexible volunteering around your availability, with a commitment of at least one full day or two half-days per week.
- Opportunities to work across our Sheffield-wide properties.
- Full training on ASSIST, the asylum process, safeguarding and boundaries.
- Reimbursement of travel, materials, and other agreed volunteer expenses.
- Ongoing support from our Housing Maintenance Coordinator and Accommodation Team.
For full details about the role, including the range of tasks, responsibilities and person specification, please read the role description.
Ready to Put Your Skills to Good Use?
Every shelf fitted, lock repaired, and wall repainted helps someone feel safer, more settled and more able to focus on rebuilding their life.
If you believe that housing is a human right and want to use your skills in solidarity with people seeking sanctuary, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch today by emailing volunteer@assistsheffield.org.uk with a brief outline of your experience and availability.
