Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney is calling on the help of the local community after it has partnered with the Norfolk Assistance Scheme (NAS) and three other NAS Reuse Partners to provide vulnerable people, or those going through a period of crisis, with household items.
The purpose of NAS is to offer help to people who were previously supported by the Social Fund, which provided payments to meet exceptional or irregular needs in addition to Jobseeker’s Allowance or Income support, but is no longer administered by the Department for Work and Pensions.
As a partner of NAS, Emmaus now delivers goods across the county of Norfolk to people who are unable to meet their immediate short-term needs or are setting up a home in an unfurnished or partially-furnished new property.
Beneficiaries of the scheme include those with a disability or mental health problem, those with dependent children, victims fleeing domestic violence and those leaving institutions such as homeless hostels, all of which need to be receiving a means tested benefit to apply.
Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney supports up to 23 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion by offering them a place to live with no time limit and the opportunity to learn new skills in its social enterprise. To generate funds to support its residents, the charity collects and sells second-hand items from a very generous public. Donated items are now also being used for the NAS scheme, and the charity is calling on the help of residents and businesses in the local community to help by donating the following items:
- Beds
- Mattresses
- Sofas
- Household furniture
- Curtains
Jo Andrews, Logistics and Sales Manager, is managing the partnership, and said:
“This is a wonderful opportunity for Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney. A big part of the Emmaus ethos is solidarity, meaning to help others less fortunate, and working with the scheme is the perfect way for us to help support our local community. I would like anyone who donates items to us to know that they are also helping to support vulnerable people in their own community, as well as supporting us as a homelessness charity.”
Christina Campbell, NAS Officer at Norfolk County Council, said: “Norfolk Assistance Scheme is delighted to be partnering with Emmaus to provide quality reused furniture and household items to vulnerable people in Norfolk.”
If you can help Emmaus by donating any of the above items, please call 01986 895444 to book a collection.
If you are over 16 and live in Norfolk, guidance and a link to the online application form is available on the Norfolk Assistance Scheme website: www.norfolk.gov.uk/NAS
