The wood workshop at Emmaus Bolton has had to ramp up production of garden furniture to meet increased demand.
With lockdown restrictions due to ease, we’ve been inundated with requests for garden furniture from both individuals and businesses. The high demand has also been driven by the arrival of spring and a national shortage of garden furniture due to shipping problems.
Tony Stephenson, Director at Emmaus Bolton, said: “March has been our busiest month ever in terms of orders for our wood workshop with sales up 300% on the same period last year. Every piece of garden furniture we produce helps to fund the work we do, giving people a fresh start and the chance to rebuild their lives.
“Our charity supports people who have been homeless by offering a stable home, work experience and daily support for as long as they need it. Under expert advice, some of our companions – the people we support – help in our workshop so they can learn new upcycling and woodworking skills.
From our Derby Barracks base, a skilled team of woodworkers and furniture makers work with companions to create hand-made pieces. Items range from benches and picnic tables to planters, gates, and trellises. We also offer a bespoke service, which allows customers to specify their desired sizing, colour, varnish or treatment.
Friendly and helpful service
Rachel Turner, Managing Director at Tinkerbrook Support Services CIC based in Oswaldtwistle, is one of the recent customers to purchase items from Emmaus Bolton.
Rachel said: “Through research of local initiatives who share the same ethics, values and passions as ourselves, we came across Emmaus Bolton. Since liaising with them, the team have been so helpful, listening to our services wants and needs, advising us on the types of products they have and even giving us some very useful suggestions.”
Emmaus Bolton runs the largest charity shop in Bolton, which is due to reopen on Monday 12 April, subject to government restrictions. We also run Lucie’s Pantry social supermarket, which supports more than 300 vulnerable people by providing food and essential items.
Garden furniture items made in the Emmaus workshop range from £12 for wooden planters and can be delivered to locations in and around Bolton. Bespoke orders currently have a two-week turnaround.
View and purchase ready-made garden furniture items produced at the Emmaus Bolton workshop today.