This National Bed Month, visitors to Emmaus Department Store will receive more than free advice on beds – their support will help change lives.
Throughout March, people supported by our local Emmaus homelessness charity will be putting new customer service skills into practice at Emmaus Department Store in Fishergate Shopping Centre in Preston.
Over the course of a year, Emmaus has helped 13 people achieve City & Guilds Level 2 NVQs in Customer Service, certified by in-store assessors.
These qualifications will help people who have a home, support and work experience at Emmaus for when they are ready to move on from the charity.
In-store advice from the dream team during National Bed Month will cover everything from key factors to consider when buying a bed, to finding the best option to suit each shoppers’ budget.
National Bed Month aims to raise awareness about the importance of sleep and the role a good bed plays in achieving quality rest, a luxury people experiencing homelessness do not have. For Kim, one of the people supported by the charity, contributing to the department store has been life changing.
She said, “Having a bed at Emmaus feels like a luxury. Having a good night’s sleep is really important to be able to function property and do well.
“Shopping at Emmaus does change lives, as every penny spent here provides shelter, food and warmth.”
After facing homelessness, Kim has gained confidence, retail experience and new skills to help her with her career.
Every purchase made at Emmaus Department Store helps raise the vital funding needed by the charity to provide a home and support for people in Lancashire with experience of homelessness, known by Emmaus as companions.
Tony said, “What having a bed at Emmaus means to me is simple: not having to sleep on concrete. It was a massive difference coming to Emmaus.”
Adam said: “I had been sleeping in bushes and canals and under bridges. Having a bed helps you think about what you’re going to do next.”
Cliff said, “Having my own bed meant leaving my problems behind and a fresh start.”
Karen Wallis, the store-based Head of Support at Emmaus in Lancashire said: “National Bed Month is the perfect time to show how something as simple as a bed can change a life.
“Our team not only help customers find the right bed for their home – they’re also learning valuable customer service and retail skills that will help them on their journey out of homelessness. Every purchase truly makes a difference.”
The department store stocks a wide range of new and preloved beds, new mattresses and new and used bedroom furniture, alongside household items for every room in the home. Delivery is available across Lancashire.
Shoppers are encouraged to visit during National Bed Month to take advantage of special offers, get advice from people putting their new skills into practice and help provide a safe bed for someone in the community.
Emmaus Department Store is located at Fishergate Shopping Centre, Preston, PR1 8HL and is open from Monday to Saturday, 9am-5pm and Sunday, 11am-5pm.