Our charity leader who has dedicated years to helping Emmaus Bolton turn lives around for people with experience of homelessness has received a UK award for long service.
Tony Stephenson received the Founder’s Medal at the Emmaus National Assembly, which was attended by more than 200 people from different Emmaus communities and groups from across the UK.
Tony has been at the helm of Emmaus Bolton for over 13 years, spearheading initiatives that not only improved vital housing and support for companions – people supported by Emmaus – but also established the charity as a centre for social enterprise and community engagement.
Under Tony’s leadership, Emmaus Bolton has launched several innovative projects over the years, including a recycling centre, which helps stock the shelves of a scrap store of recycled fabric and arts and crafts, and this year, the North West’s first charity ice-cream parlour inside its café, all situated off Fletcher Street in Bolton.
Furniture-making in the on-site workshops has exploded in popularity, particularly among schools in Greater Manchester who were recommended Emmaus Bolton by the Bridgewater RHS, who commissioned several projects from the charity team.
Tony was instrumental in successful fundraising bids that transformed the roof to the charity’s main shop and home from homelessness, and in helping families during Covid-19, by waiving the small fee for its social supermarket, which continues to be free of charge to this today.
Tony said: “I’m deeply humbled to receive this award. It’s a reflection of the incredible team at Emmaus Bolton and the inspiring resilience of the companions we support every day. Together, we’ve created a community that truly makes a difference.”
Emmaus Bolton continues to grow with Tony as it’s CEO with future plans for the site, it’s volunteer opportunities and progression for people building back from homelessness.
If you would like to help make a difference at Emmaus Bolton, find out how you can help by visiting Support Us page.