You too, can be part of the extraordinary story of our Grade II Redhills Miners’ Hall – the home of the Durham Miners Association since 1915, and representing over 3 million miners, their families and communities over 200 years of industrial coal mining. It is a place of incredible social history that touched every corner of the North East. Redhills grew out of the need to act collectively to protect people from the ravages of Victorian coal mining. Deaths and disasters were commonplace and children as young as eight worked below ground for 18 hour shifts. It is a place where the collective working-class voice even helped shape Britain’s response to welfare, healthcare and education. Redhills is a powerful story of solidarity, courage, social action and collective change that still resonates today.
Redhills’ building in Durham City has undergone major restoration and is being reimagined as a vibrant centre for culture, learning, debate and social action. It is once again reaching out, with projects happening across the coalfield communities of the North East. As a charity is renewing those values and the spirit of our proud communities – supporting local people, skills and creativity, and continuing to help build hope in a fairer future.
Volunteers are central to making this happen.
Volunteering at Redhills offers the opportunity to:
• Be part of your proud North East history and a nationally significant heritage building.
• Help raise awareness of Durham’s ‘hidden history’ - welcome visitors and share powerful local stories.
• Support the work of both the building and community programmes.
• Contribute to keeping Redhills open, animated, accessible and inclusive.
• Learn new things, develop new skills, and add real experience for your CV.
• Meet new people and be part of a welcoming and supportive team of staff and volunteers.
We have an number of areas where we are developing the volunteer programme – From tour guiding to collections, research and admin, to gardening and events - but let us know if you have any specialist skills or ideas and we can look at a tailor-made role for you.
Redhills honours its political heritage but is a is a non-political charity that welcomes volunteers from all backgrounds. You don’t need prior experience or coalmining links – just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved. CONTACT MARIE for more information, or a look around our building and an informal chat: volunteering@redhillsdurham.org
As a Redhills Volunteer you can help us keep our shared heritage alive and relevant, and build a brighter future for communities.
Charity No.: 1193927
