Henkel partners with Habitat for Humanity to create a better world through upskilling

Henkel UK and Ireland’s Craftsmen, Construction and Professional business has an ambitious goal – for every home to use its adhesives brands in order to help create a better world. Several initiatives have been established to help achieve this goal, including looking at how the UK and Ireland business can create a positive and sustainable impact on society and the community via local charity projects. Their most recent social impact project saw 10 Henkel volunteers join Habitat for Humanity on 6 October 2023 at their Upcycling Workshop in Dagenham as part of the ‘Empty Spaces to Homes’ programme.

The ‘Empty Spaces to Homes’ programme will transform three empty flats situated above retail storage spaces into affordable housing initially for 11 looked-after young people including care leavers, young people who have experienced homelessness, and unaccompanied asylum seekers. Habitat for Humanity expect these completed properties to house more than 100 young people over the next 15 years.

The Upcycling Workshop aims to furnish the properties and make them spaces where these young people can thrive. Only 2% of social housing in the UK currently comes furnished, leaving new residents already experiencing financial hardship struggling to find the funds to buy essential items such as a bed, fridge, or wardrobe.

The project aims to furnish these properties with high quality repaired and upcycled items, as well as create opportunities for other households and communities experiencing economic hardship to furnish their own space. Henkel got hands on to help sand and paint the furniture for these new living spaces.

The team added that one of the highlights was seeing the progress made in the space of a few hours and knowing the impact it will have on the lives of those less fortunate than them.