In an initiative launched to mark Care Day – this Friday 15 February 2019 – housebuilder Mactaggart & Mickel is getting skilled members of its workforce involved in helping young people moving into their home for the first time.
The housebuilder has signed a two-year partnership with the UK Charity of the Year, Who Cares? Scotland which sees teams of its employees – painters, plumbers, bricklayers, roughcasters and other construction trade skills, together with Head Office staff – volunteering to use their skills to carry out essential repairs and refurbishment on the homes for young people, many of whom lack a family support network to help them.
Marion Forbes, HR director of Mactaggart & Mickel, said: “The idea was suggested by one of our Employer of Choice champions, who realised that we could harness skills that our staff already have to benefit those who may need a helping hand.
“Most of us have a network of family and friends to guide us when we move into our first property, but Care Experienced people often don’t, so they may require additional support to tackle jobs around the home such as painting and decorating, turning off the water, or plumbing in a washing machine.”
The housebuilder arranged a series of roadshows by Who Cares? Scotland for its employees, to encourage them to volunteer. “We’ve had a tremendous response with dozens of people putting themselves forward to help in some way,” said Forbes. “They are a credit to Mactaggart & Mickel.”
Duncan Dunlop, CEO of Who Cares? Scotland, said: “We are delighted to be working with Mactaggart & Mickel – not just because they represent our first strategic corporate partnership to support us in our work, but because they understand what we are trying to achieve and they are right behind us. They understand that young people who have been in care often have little or no family support networks to turn to when they leave their care setting, and this can make it difficult for them to settle into their own homes.
“The support that Mactaggart & Mickel can offer will help us to ensure that Care Experienced young people have the same opportunities as anyone else – with the ability to turn to a trusted supporter to help them with simple things like DIY and painting and decorating. Mactaggart & Mickel’s support is therefore both practical and confidence-building. Our aim is that our members know they have people around them to turn to for advice and support, just as any other young person would.”
The first property to get a makeover is in Glasgow, rented by Lisa Moore, who said: “I want to say a big thank you to everyone from Mactaggart & Mickel who gave up their time to help renovate my flat. I love the final result and could never have done this without their help. I was amazed how quickly it’s gone from being a flat to being my home. This support will help our members massively – it certainly has for me.”
The housebuilder will be supporting the Care Experienced community over the coming months by offering work experience opportunities, arranging taster days on its construction sites, and hosting a life skills day at its Head Office.
Many employees have also pledged to take part in the annual Kiltwalk in Glasgow which is taking place on 28 April 2019.
