Emmaus North East is opening a new community launderette to help people struggling with the rising cost of living.
Opening on 28 February 2023, Lucie’s Laundry will be free to use for anyone who needs it.
Recent polls revealed that washing machines and tumble dryers are in the top five list of most expensive household appliances. Emmaus North East hopes that providing these facilities for free will make a difference to people in their local community. It will also provide a warm space with free access to hot drinks and a computer.
Lucie’s Laundry, named after Emmaus co-founder Lucie Coutaz, will open from 10 am – 4 pm, Tuesdays to Thursdays each week. Staff and companions from Emmaus North East will run the launderette. Customers will need to book a slot before visiting.
Community launderette launches thanks to corporate support
Emmaus North East received a donation of six washing machines from multinational consumer goods company, Procter & Gamble, which enabled them to launch the project.
Graeme Taylor, a Senior Scientist at Procter & Gamble said: “At Procter & Gamble, we’re committed to being a force for growth so that we can be a force for good in the communities in which we live and work.
“Citizenship is at the heart of our business and fundamental to everything we do. We have strong roots in innovation across the North East and are delighted to offer our support to such a worthwhile cause through this donation as part of our broader work to make a difference in our local communities.”
As well as the donated washing machines, the building where the launderette is located has been provided free of charge. Riverside Housing, a leading provider of social housing, is providing the building as well as covering the cost of utility bills.
Sarah Mitten, Community Planning & Resilience Manager at Riverside, said: “At Riverside, we always try and go beyond just being a landlord by working in partnership to support communities to become more resilient.
“Given how the cost-of-living crisis is affecting all of us, the idea of Lucie’s Laundry was a fantastic one that we knew could make a difference. So we were delighted to continue our partnership with Emmaus North East to make this new project happen. Through our Let’s Talk campaign and our Helping Hand Fund and Community Fund, funded by the Riverside Foundation, we’ve given back almost £750,000 to individuals and community projects across our communities this year alone.”
Making a difference locally
Ruth Parker, Chief Executive of Emmaus North East said: “We are delighted to be working with Riverside Housing and Procter and Gamble to open Lucie’s Laundry. We recognised the need to create warm spaces due to the cost-of-living crisis and listened to the community around us. People will be able to book appointments to clean and dry their laundry free of charge and also join us for a hot drink whilst they are there.
“We are hoping this makes a real difference to the people in South Tyneside and demonstrates Emmaus North East’s commitment to solidarity and making a difference in the local area.”
Contact Emmaus North East to find out more and to book a slot.