Patrick is part of a team of amazing volunteers who help us to feed around 50 homeless people every Wednesday evening. He loves to go above and beyond by helping our guests to find jobs, using knowledge and connections from his career in construction.
“I am 66 years old and have been working in construction since 1976.
I have been working for Skanska as a trade union rep for 20 years. Part of my working role is I am a mental heath first aider and Socal Values coordinator, making sure that Skanska employ local people from the borough of Westminster at 105 Victoria Street and 7 Millbank [construction projects].
A typical working day for me starts with me giving all the new workers a site safety induction, so I get to meet everyone that comes to work at 105 Victoria Street first hand. I can then see if they have come from Westminster and whether they need help and day-to-day support.
I first started volunteering at the Abbey Centre in April 2024 to meet and talk with local people. I chose to volunteer at the Abbey Centre to meet and help local people get jobs who have been struggling to get on the working ladder locally.
Volunteering at the Abbey Centre has given me an opportunity to meet people and offer support and advice on how to get a job on Skanska’s 105 Victoria Street and 7 Millbank projects.
I am lucky to be in a position with Skanska where I can help people get jobs and help them turn their lives around from being homeless to getting work and finding somewhere to live.
Sadly, there are so many people that are struggling with everyday life, I wish I could help them all but the truth is I cannot. So that is why I am passionate when I find someone that wants help with their situation, I will do everything in my power to help that person with their circumstances.”
Volunteer with us
To find out more about volunteering at The Abbey Centre, visit our Volunteering page.
