Appeal for volunteers at homelessness charity 

Rae from Rochdale volunteered to help champion the books, films and vinyl floor of Emmaus Department Store, after visiting the social enterprise to buy a sofa

A homelessness charity is on the hunt for local volunteers to support its community and social enterprise.

Emmaus has a number of opportunities available in Rochdale, from Luton van driving, to helping at its department store at Rochdale Exchange Shopping Centre.

The charity is looking for support from organisations, businesses and individuals with suitable skills and experience, to commit to volunteering at least one day per week or as part of a social responsibility programme.

Rae from Rochdale volunteered to help champion the books, films and vinyl floor of Emmaus Department Store, after visiting the social enterprise to buy a sofa.

Rae said: “After finding out more about Emmaus, I know it is a great place for people to be able to get the right support and guidance to explore what they are interested in. People get a safe place to stay and a place to better themselves, with the right tutorage. Everyone coming here has the ability to go into work in retail or other lines of work afterwards. It’s a stepping stone and a taste of the future that’s out there.”

Emmaus provides a home, personalised support, training and meaningful work for up to 24 people with experience of homelessness. This is through the sale of new and donated furniture in Rochdale.

The charity received support from charity Haircuts4Homeless, giving new hairstyles to people in need. Emmaus has also received support from food suppliers Wellocks, part of William Jackson Food Group, who cooked meals for people within the community home.

Charity director Stephen Buchanan said: “Our volunteers are such an important part of the community. People volunteering here gain the chance to learn new skills and form new friendships while helping others. We would like to make more people aware of the opportunities that are available that are of benefit to us all.”

Emmaus offers all volunteers an opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience for a worthwhile cause. Training is provided where possible, and all volunteers receive dinner and travel expenses on the days that they volunteer.

To find out more about the roles on offer at Emmaus visit the ‘Support Us’ section at www.emmaus.org.uk.

If you would like to apply to become a volunteer, please get in touch using the online volunteer form on the website ‘Volunteer With Us’ page.