August 2025, Acquisition International | 13 Best Construction-Trade Volunteer Group 2025 – UK hether it is delivering life-enhancing projects, financial aid, or emotional support to tradespeople and their families, Band of Builders is relentless in its drive to make a real and positive difference in the lives of those linked to this industry. The deeply personal and incredibly moving story of the organisation dates back to 2016, when Addam Smith – its founder – was told that his friend and employee, fellow builder Keith Ellick, had been diagnosed with terminal cancer and given only 12 months to live. Offering to help in any way he could, all Keith requested was some assistance putting up a new fence at the home of him and his family in Lincoln. However, when Addam took to social media to share the story of his friend, tradespeople from up and down the UK offered to lend a hand. Since he had everything from plumbers and landscapes to tilers and plasterers giving their support, Addam had the idea to renovate Keith’s house from the ground up, keeping his family safe and comfortable even once he had passed. With enough money raised left over to send Keith and his family on a short break, Addam and a team of 50 volunteers were left to transform his two-bedroom home into a space that would serve this family well for years to come. It took just five days for Addam and co. to fit a new kitchen, bathroom, and flooring, as well as to decorate the entire house and landscape the back garden. As the team worked tirelessly – fuelled by cakes and bacon butties delivered by local well-wishers – they caught the national press’ attention. The ‘Band of Builders’, as they were now being called, continued to support Keith in the final stages of his life, raising funds to buy his council house and securing trust funds for his children, right up until he sadly died in early 2017. Keith remained humbled throughout his final months as a result of the outpouring of support aimed at him and his family, and it was the impact Addam and this group had on their lives that made this founder realise the remarkable things that can be achieved when people stand together. This initial project thus became the first of many, with Band of Builders being officially formed shortly thereafter on the back of its guiding value that people are stronger together – an ethos it continues to uphold to this day, almost a decade later. Another milestone followed in 2019, when Band of Builders achieved charity status in England and Wales, furthering its impact and reach and paving the way for even more unconditional support being provided to people during their hour of need. Now, more than six years removed, the organisation has delivered numerous projects with a combined value of more than £1M, ranging from total home renovations like Keith’s to building accessible kitchens and bathrooms and even installing wheelchair ramps. Of course, as mentioned above, this practical support is just the beginning of how Band of Builders can help, with the team here also delivering financial and wellbeing support. The former can be seen through grants to cover everything from rent arrears in the case of domestic abuse through to the materials to replace a damaged and dangerous roof. Not to mention help with food, making payments, or covering bills. However, it is the wellbeing support Band of Builders delivers that is particularly impressive, especially given the construction industry has long been an environment where many of its workers – who are predominantly men – struggle to open up about their feelings. By supporting them in their battles with stress, anxiety, depression, relationship, marital issues, or anything else that may be troubling them – this through the likes of counselling and free advice – Band of Builders is helping to forever change discourses. For those whom this mission speaks to, Band of Builders offers a number of volunteer opportunities, or can be joined at one of its upcoming events, the schedule for which can be found here. The organisation also offers an online shop, with merchandise sales funding its projects. Even simply following the link below for more on the organisation would mean a lot to the team here, all of whom are entirely dedicated to the cause. Contact: Gavin Crane Company: Band of Builders Web Address: https://bandofbuilders.org/ Band of Builders is a national, UK-based construction charity proudly supporting the industry through the provision of practical, financial, and wellbeing assistance to those in need. This is especially true of individuals – as well as their families – who are facing adversity as a result of injury, illness, or other such life-altering circumstances. For being the light in some of the darkest times people face, Band of Builders is more than deserving of being recognised with this award title. W Jun25085
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NTY1MjM3