The Lord Mayor of Leeds has visited a formerly homeless person who has turned his life around with support from Emmaus Leeds.

On Wednesday 22 November, the Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Jane Dowson, met with John, who now lives and works as a companion at the Emmaus Leeds community. Emmaus Leeds is a charity that supports 26 formerly homeless people by offering a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to get back on their feet again.

Lord Mayor of Leeds, Councillor Jane Dowson, said:

“It was an absolute pleasure to meet John and see his new home, he should be very proud. The work that Emmaus does to help homeless people in the area is invaluable; Anyone at any stage of their life can find themselves unexpectedly without a roof above their head and it’s often through no fault of their own. Emmaus provides not just a bed for the night but a home for as long as someone needs it and meaningful work.

“I would encourage anyone that has any unwanted furniture to donate it to this worthwhile cause or alternatively if they are looking for voluntary work, the charity has many different positions available including helping with cleaning, assisting in their shops or driving.”

John, who recently met the Lord Mayor at and event at York Street Health Practice, invited her for a visit and tour of his new home, an offer that was immediately taken up. Mayor Jane Dowson toured the Emmaus Leeds community and social enterprise including John’s woodwork workshop.

John added: “I thought the Lord Mayor was fantastic and I think she really enjoyed her visit to Emmaus Leeds. She is a very down to earth person and interested in talking to everyone she meets and finding out about everything they do. We thoroughly enjoyed having her here and hope she comes back to see us soon.”

The Emmaus Leeds main base, community building and social enterprise is on St Mary’s Street where they sell donated furniture, clothes, books, bikes, household goods and upcycled products. All the money raised in the Emmaus Leeds social enterprise goes directly back into the community, enabling them to continue their vital work supporting homeless people from across Leeds.

Donald Forrester, Chief Executive Officer of Emmaus Leeds, said: “It was great to welcome the Lord Mayor of Leeds to our community to see first-hand what Emmaus does and the impact it has on individuals. We look forward to welcoming her back to Emmaus Leeds in the future.”

To support Emmaus Leeds visit www.emmaus.org.uk/leeds. For more information call 0113 248 4288 or visit Emmaus Leeds at St Mary’s Street, Leeds, LS9 7DP.