Sisk sustainability and social value team gives back to the community

Members of the John Sisk & Son, sustainability and social value teams in the UK and Ireland recently spent a day volunteering at a community centre in Leeds.

Helping those most in need

In one of the most deprived areas in Leeds, Swinnow Community Centre receives very little funding and relies on volunteers and donations to support over 1,500 local people.

Swapping suits for hi-vis for the day

The newly formed sustainability and social value team were looking at a different kind of team building day and decided to spend a day volunteering together.

18 team members volunteered for six hours each, taking part in several tasks, including painting fences, sanding down handrails and helping to clear areas in the gardens to prepare for the summer. Additionally, our Leeds Latitude project donated two mud kitchens and four cable drums, as well as sending two extra volunteers to help on the day.

Sarah-Jane Davies, Head of Sustainability UK said: “This was a great way to bring the whole team together and for people to get to know each other outside of the office setting. Taking the team out of the corporate environment really helped to break down barriers and it was great to see the whole group getting to know each other more.

“Volunteering like this feels good for the soul, especially when you know you’re helping such a worthy cause.”

The legacy

The centre is managed by Yvonne Allman who dedicates her time for free. Her energy is infectious and she’s the life and soul of the centre; even if she’s ill, she still attends every day.

Yvonne Allman, Manager, Swinnow Community Centre said: “I can’t thank you all enough. We’ve had a fantastic day with the lovely, hardworking people from Sisk and it’s been such a pleasure getting to know them.

“A massive thank from all the centre volunteers and service users for the generosity; you’re all amazing!”