Volunteering lays foundations for a new career

Former business owner, William Walsh, was just about to hop across to the other side of the world to volunteer his building expertise, when he found just what he was looking for right on his doorstep - with Liverpool's Habitat for Humanity.

William, 58, originally picked up his tools and started as a volunteer at the Granby-Toxteth venture. But with over 40 years of experience under his belt - including three decades running his own successful building company - it was soon apparent the born and bred Liverpudlian could bring a wealth of knowledge to the project.

He has since been crowned Liverpool's Habitat for Humanity's new construction manager.

The project is affiliated to global organisation Habitat for Humanity and is the international charity's first delve into the north west of England. The Liverpool development is providing 32 new properties for local families who could otherwise not afford their own home - substituting costly cash deposit for 500 hours of ‘sweat equity' in the construction of their new home. This labour counts as a £10,000 down-payment on their property.

Home owners work alongside other volunteers - some of whom have come from all over the world - to help build the properties.

William, who lives in West Derby, originally started work as a joiner before setting up his own building company locally, Lawcliffe Builders Liverpool Ltd. However, following a road traffic accident four years ago, he decided to close the business and focus more on volunteer work.

He says: "After I took the difficult decision to fold my business, the plan was to travel and base myself in a developing country where my building skills and knowledge would be greatly needed and appreciated.

"However, it was when looking for international building schemes that I came across Habitat for Humanity in Liverpool, which had everything that I was looking for and, what's more, I would be volunteering to help my local community which was another big plus. And because the charity operates worldwide there may still be opportunities to work overseas in the future."

William is a key member of a small nucleus of paid staff who ensure the smooth running of Liverpool Habitat for Humanity. He is responsible for overseeing all of the construction work on site, ensuring building targets and deadlines are met, implementing health and safety measures, dealing with specialist contractors and suppliers, and managing construction volunteers.

Revd Dr Shannon Ledbetter, chair of LHFH, says: "I am delighted to welcome William to the team. With his experience and knowledge in the building and construction field, I am confident he will be a great asset in helping the charity achieve its dream of completing 32 new homes for the people of Liverpool."

Habitat for Humanity is dedicated to eliminating global poverty housing and relies on donations of money and materials, as well as the labour of volunteers and future homeowners alike to build homes.

Whilst no previous experience or skills are necessary to become a volunteer with LHFH, the charity would also love to hear from people who do have experience and could act as ‘team leaders', as well as qualified tradesmen such as plumbers and electricians who could help out with specialist tasks.

For further information about applying for a property or volunteering with Liverpool Habitat for Humanity, log on to Liverpoolhfh.org.uk, which has a link to their film, ‘Build, Donate, Participate'.