Emdad Rahman
The Mayor of Bexley and Lady Teresa Sumption have officially opened Emmaus Greenwich’s new shop in Welling, with speeches and a ribbon cutting ceremony. The shop is staffed by formerly homeless people, known as companions, and will create new jobs and volunteering opportunities for local people.
Visitors and guests were offered a tour and a chance to speak to companions who work in the shop. The Mayor of Bexley met several companions, learning about their individual stories, the skills they are developing and how Emmaus has helped them.
The Mayor of Bexley, while officially opening the new shop, said: “What impresses me about Emmaus is they are not only encouraging people to give, they are not only encouraging people to buy, but they are also encouraging people to give back. Emmaus is more than just a charity. It gives people back their dignity while contributing to our area in a vital way. For that I thank them and offer my many congratulations, wishing them good luck with their new business venture.”
Emmaus is a charity working to end homelessness. The group is committed to supporting people to work their way out of their predicament by providing effective employment and stability through home life. The Merseyside branch of Emmaus, for example, houses and offers help to 28 ex-homeless people. The charity has this week taken steps to launch a revenue drive to fund a number of beds at its new Seaforth community building.
As part of the “Sponsor a Bed” campaign Emmaus Merseyside is seeking kind-hearted locals and businesses who will boost the campaign through cash donations. These will not only provide homeless people with accommodation, but also support services and vocational training that will ultimately help vulnerable and needy people to rebuild their lives one step at a time and to gain independence.
Emmaus Merseyside is looking to support one homeless person every month for the next few years. The overall cost involved in supporting a “companion” is £5,000 and will involve a homeless person living and working at Emmaus in Merseyside. There is also a social enterprise on Sandy Road in Seaforth, taking in and selling donated and up-cycled furniture, household goods and vintage wares. This has helped the charity raise the money needed to operate the new community building.
Nigel Mellor, Chair of Emmaus Merseyside, said: “We’re looking for support from the Merseyside community to help provide a bed and support services to our new companions – formerly homeless people who will live and work at Emmaus Merseyside. With homelessness on the rise, the need to support homeless people has never been greater. Emmaus Merseyside is able to provide people with the support they need to get back on their feet again. This can include anything from a stable roof over their head, a worthwhile reason for them to get out of bed, a daily routine and training or development opportunities.”
The charity is working with social housing provider, Riverside, to complete the purpose built accommodation that is due to be handed over in August. Jenni is a companion at neighbouring Emmaus Salford. She added: “Emmaus is an opportunity to live instead of surviving. It has given me confidence, a new beginning and a life.”
•To support Emmaus Merseyside’s Sponsor a Bed campaign go to: www.emmaus.org.uk/merseyside/bed
•If you would like to get involved or donate an item contact 0151-928 1588 or visit the store at 38 Sandy Road, Seaforth, Bootle L21 3TW.
•For more information about local stores, go to: www.emmaus.org.uk
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