Emmaus Preston is marking Volunteers’ Week by thanking existing volunteers and appealing for more people to sign up.

Volunteers form an important part of our homelessness charity, which provides accommodation, work and training for up to 26 people with experience of homelessness.

From assisting in the running of three new and secondhand stores through to steering the charity as a member of the board of trustees, a wide range of voluntary opportunities are available.

These include options for students on work placements as well as staff seeking voluntary work as part of companies’ corporate social responsibility programmes. Roberts & Co Estate Agents recently held a series of tenancy workshops here to help people supported by Emmaus Preston learn how best to move on when they are ready.

Director of Emmaus Burnley, Stephen Buchanan, said: “Volunteers are an integral part of the team at Emmaus Preston, and we are very grateful to individuals and local businesses, like Roberts & Co Estate Agents, for donating not just time, but also expertise to help support people with experience of homelessness.

“We would urge anyone thinking about volunteering to take a look at the variety of voluntary roles that are available on our website. If there are different ways you or your organisation would like to help out, please don’t hesitate to get in touch!”

Emmaus Preston asks for a minimum commitment of four to six hours. In exchange, volunteers receive a full induction, new skills, work experience, training, support and expenses, where appropriate.

Caroline volunteers sorting donations for Emmaus Preston every Wednesday after her partner encouraged her to answer an appeal on Facebook six years ago. Together with her team mate John, she sorts, steam-cleans, sizes, prices and hangs clothes ready to go on sale.

She said: “At Emmaus Preston you can actually see the progress people are making. The people supported by Emmaus Preston are getting their confidence back through the different roles they are doing here and through training courses. Emmaus Preston gives people a better chance of getting jobs and having a place of their own.

“Volunteering is about giving back and helping out. If you’ve got a bit of spare time, I’d encourage everyone to have a go.”

 

To find out more about the current opportunities at Emmaus Preston, please visit our Volunteer Page here or call 01772 796622.