On Monday 9 October, the Emmaus Bradford board of trustees took the very difficult decision to initiate the closure of the Emmaus Bradford charity. We’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has supported the charity over the years. Find out more here.
Emmaus Bradford is looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help us deliver our strategy.
Bradford, like all large cities, has a significant homelessness problem which is addressed largely by temporary shelters or temporary housing thus not providing a long-term solution to the problem. The Emmaus business model seeks to address this by providing both accommodation and work for their companions (former homeless), together with training and counselling to help them become financially independent in the future and to build up their self-respect.
Emmaus Bradford is at an early stage of development. We operate two charity shops. Our successful charity superstore is at the old Plaza Cinema on Cross Lane, off Great Horton Road. In February 2022, we opened a shop on Bank Street in the city centre, moving location from Sunbridge Road. The key objectives within the next 3 years are to acquire the residential accommodation required to set up a community – thus providing both work (in the charity shops) and a home for the homeless.
Our goal is to provide a long-term home for the homeless – a bed for as long as it’s needed and a worthwhile reason to get out of it in the morning.
Emmaus Bradford is part of a wider Emmaus UK and Emmaus International movement with strong principles of non-discrimination and social inclusion.
We are currently looking for three new Trustees. We would particularly welcome individuals with knowledge of the city and its communities, experience in the voluntary or housing sector, in retail, property management, project management, or in fundraising. Legal and financial skills would also be welcomed. All these skills would strengthen the Emmaus Bradford Board in areas that are vital for the implementation of our growth strategy. You don’t need to have been part of a Trustee board before, you just need to be able to work with others and to be willing to roll up your sleeves and help Emmaus Bradford do its best.
Trustees meet as a board at least four times a year and individual Trustees would be required to support Emmaus in other ways as their time permits, but preferably for at least half a day a week on average. Trustees would need to be able to make a significant commitment to Emmaus and its principles, have social concern, independent judgement and work as part of a team. Trustees must be at least 18. A Charity Trustee is a voluntary role but we can reimburse travel and out-of-pocket expenses.
For an informal chat about the role or to apply to join the Board of Trustees at Emmaus Bradford, please contact the Chair Sarah Dixon on [email protected].
