Our upcycling service is celebrating putting the love back into more than 100 preloved items since last Valentine’s Day.
As well as giving people with experience of homelessness a second chance, Emmaus Bolton breathes new life into old furniture by offering a range of treatments, paint shades and finishes.
The charity community also make bespoke furniture. All products are created sustainably, with one of the most recent commissions: creating a set of wooden coffee tables, topped with reclaimed glass fridge shelves.
For charity beneficiary, Jacob, aged 28, the chance to gain skills in upcycling and joinery proved a welcome focus following three months of sofa surfing.
Jacob, said: “I’ve not drank since I’ve come here and feel much better for it. I’d never thought about upcycling before, but there’s such a demand for it. Now I see it as a job opportunity or a self-run business.”
All homeless people moving into Emmaus Bolton are offered the chance to train in woodcraft and upcycling under the expert guidance of projects manager Phil Urmston. Last year, his work attracted national attention as the prizes of a UK-wide gardening competition run by a trio of security companies.
Phil said: “I like helping the community of people living here. It may only be a small contribution, but it’s one that can make a difference. Emmaus is keeping things from going into landfill by reusing and recycling, while reducing our carbon footprint.
“All the money that comes in keeps all the lads warm, safe and well fed. Here they know there is someone out there that cares about them. Everyone should have a roof over their head.”
Director Tony Stephenson said: “Emmaus Bolton’s aim is to be as self-sustainable as possible. We’re incredibly proud of our upcycling and bespoke woodwork service. These social enterprises support the model of a circular economy and shows there’s so much more you can do with secondhand items than send them straight to the tip.”
To donate furniture or find out more about the upcycling and bespoke woodwork service, please visit us off Fletcher Street, BL3 6NF. We’re open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturdays from 10am to 4pm or give us a call on 01204 398056.