For Referral Partners
You know who needs help. We know who can provide it. If you work with vulnerable people and you can see they need practical help at home — you can refer them through Community Trades.
Why only organisations can refer
We don't accept direct applications from members of the public. This is a deliberate decision, not a bureaucratic one.
When a district nurse, social worker, or Age UK caseworker submits a referral, we know three things immediately: the person has been assessed by a professional, their need is genuine, and there's already a trusted relationship in place. That makes everything else — the matching, the access, the follow-up — far simpler.
You are the quality filter. We are the coordination layer.
Who can register
Not on this list? Apply anyway. We review all applications individually.
What you need to submit a referral
Consent
A confirmation that the person has agreed to their information being shared for the purpose of arranging help. Simple tick-box — you handle the conversation with them.
A description of what's needed
What needs doing, what condition it's in, rough measurements if relevant. Photos really help — even phone photos from your visit.
Urgency level
Low, medium, or high. If it's an emergency, Community Trades is not the right route — call the council emergency line or social services.
Location
County and postcode so volunteers can filter by proximity. Address is kept private until a volunteer is confirmed.
What happens after you submit
01
We review it
Our admin team reviews every referral. We write a clear job description with no personal details and assign it a trade category and urgency.
02
It goes on the job board
Verified volunteers nearby can see the job — county, trade, description. No names. No addresses. No personal information.
03
A volunteer claims it
When someone claims the job, we contact you to coordinate access and share the full details with the volunteer through you.
04
It gets done
The volunteer completes the work, uploads photos, and submits a short report. You and the recipient are notified. The job is closed.