Volunteers Needed in Sussex: For a Real Difference

Volunteers Needed in Sussex: Help Zetetick Housing Make a Real Difference

Have you come across our #Hike4Homes campaign on social media, spotted our 24/7 maintenance vans around town, or noticed our offices bearing the distinctive ‘Z’ logo? If so, you’ve had a glimpse into who we are at Zetetick Housing. We’re a unique housing charity that believes belonging isn’t a privilege—it’s a right, and we’re committed to providing safer homes and empowering people in every way we can.

Our team supports learning-disabled and autistic adults, helping them live with independence, dignity, and choice—every home, every tenant. But we can’t do this important work alone. We rely on volunteers who share our vision, which is all about reaching more people and helping more families across Sussex. If you live near Haywards Heath, Crawley, Eastbourne, Lewes, Seaford, Uckfield, Worthing, or Brighton, we’d love to have you on board as we expand our fundraising efforts.

What We Need

We’re looking for people who can give a bit of their time each month to help our brilliant Fundraising Manager, Sophia Rapley, with our collection boxes. These boxes are a crucial source of donations, which go directly towards our mission: to provide safe homes and real belonging for those who need it most.

Volunteering involves finding new spots to place collection boxes—perhaps the local café you visit, the shop where you chat with the owner, or a supportive community centre in your area. You’ll also keep an eye on any boxes already out there, ensuring they’re emptied regularly and remain in good condition. It’s a practical role that can have a big impact on our ability to stand up, speak out, and make sure every voice matters.

Why It Matters

Every donation we receive helps more people feel secure in a home that meets their needs, no matter how complex those needs might be. A small act, like checking in on a collection box, can help someone with a learning disability or autism find a place where they’re treated with respect. In our experience, it’s these local, hands-on efforts that create a sense of community, one where people look out for one another.

If you want to understand more about the needs of autistic adults and how best to support them, have a look at the National Autistic Society. Their resources help us all learn how to advocate better for the people in our communities. This ties in perfectly with Zetetick Housing’s focus on independence, dignity, and choice.

A Down-to-Earth Way to Give Back

You don’t need special skills or heaps of spare time to help out. Maybe you’ve got a good relationship with local shop owners or enjoy getting to know your neighbours. Perhaps you already volunteer with another group in your spare hours and want to expand your efforts. Whatever your background, helping us manage and spread our collection boxes is a straightforward way to do real good in your own community.

If you’d like more general guidance on volunteering in Sussex, check out Volunteer Centre East Sussex. They offer helpful tips on getting started, connecting with local groups, and using your skills where they’ll make the biggest difference. For us at Zetetick, we’ll provide all the support and direction you need, and you can count on a warm welcome from our entire team.

How to Get Involved

If you’d like to help us reach more people and help more families, please get in touch. Contact Fundraising Manager, Sophia Rapley, at [email protected], and let her know you’re interested in volunteering. She’ll walk you through the simple steps to get started. You can also visit our website to learn more about our work and have a look at the #Hike4Homes campaign at www.zhc.org.uk/hike4homes.

By joining our volunteer team, you’ll be making a real difference in people’s lives—helping them secure a home where they feel safe, supported, and truly part of the community. Even a few hours of your time could help transform someone’s day, week, or even their future. So, if you’ve got the passion and a bit of spare time, we’d love to hear from you. Together, we can ensure everyone in Sussex has a fair chance at finding a home that lets them live with independence, dignity, and choice.