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 a someone with a background in managing accounts and financial planning, to take on a voluntary role supporting our busy team. As a Trustee you would strengthen the Emmaus Bradford Board of Trustees in areas that are vital for the implementation of our ambitious growth strategy, including investment planning and financial oversight.
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. The roles are fairly hands-on until we reach the stage of recruiting executive managers. 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].
Emmaus is a homelessness charity with a difference. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, meaningful work and a sense of belonging. For many people who have experienced homelessness, losing their self-esteem can be the most damaging part of their experience. Being on your own, with no support around you can be soul destroying, leaving you feeling worthless. Finding your way out of that situation isn’t easy, particularly when the only options available are temporary fixes, offering a bed for the night but little to occupy your days.
Emmaus is different because it provides a home for as long as someone needs it, in an Emmaus community. This gives people the opportunity to take stock of their lives, deal with any issues they might have, and often re-establish relationships with loved ones. “Companion” is the name given to those who live in an Emmaus community and work in the social enterprise, where they support themselves and one another. There are currently 850 companions living at 29 Emmaus communities across the UK.
Rather than relying on benefits, Emmaus uses social enterprise to generate revenue that pays for companions’ home, food and upkeep, as well as providing a small weekly allowance. This is key to restoring feelings of self-worth, showing companions that their actions make a real difference, both to their own life, and the lives of others.
Emmaus Bradford, incorporated on April 20th 2011, is a registered charity and a social enterprise. Emmaus Bradford is at an early stage of development, currently operating a large Charity Superstore at The Plaza Cinema Building, Cross Lane, Bradford BD7 3JT just outside Bradford city centre. We opened Bank Street in Bradford city centre in February 2022, after moving our shop from Sunbridge Road. The key objective is establishing a community – providing both work (in the charity shop) and a home for the homeless.
