The Mayor of Greater Manchester has pledged to support our appeal to keep our services in Salford during a visit to our homelessness accommodation and social enterprises.
The future of local charity Emmaus Salford is hanging in the balance, as the lease of our home on Fitzwarren Street in Pendleton is due to expire in February 2028.
From the hub, Emmaus Salford provides rooms, support, training and work opportunities for up to 22 people as well as homelessness pods, a charity shop, social supermarket, school uniform hub and employability services for local people in need.
Mr Burnham said: “Emmaus is covering so many areas of support for people. It’s a really whole-person approach, which is absolutely brilliant, but I’d expect nothing less from Emmaus.”
Since Emmaus Salford opened in 2015, the charity has helped 775 people move on from homelessness, provided 31,000 hours of support conversations and given out 4,700 meals, clothes, shoes and lunches as part of its other community initiatives. 
Mr Burnham was taken on a tour of the Emmaus residential home by Malcolm, who joined in 2024 after financial issues forced him into rough sleeping. Malcolm is now developing his skills to run a ‘talking barber’s shop’ to improve mental health in the local community.
Malcolm said: “The Mayor was interested in the services that we offer. He wasn’t just listening, he was making suggestions and giving advice.”
Mr Burnham added: “Emmaus have been doing incredible work in Salford and beyond for a number of years now and all of Greater Manchester is incredibly proud of them. Through our Live Well initiative we’re ensuring everyday support is available to anyone who needs it wherever they are. Emmaus have been embodying this community spirit for years and I look forward to continuing to work with Emmaus Salford to keep its support in the local community.”
The Mayor added there are similarities between Emmaus Salford and Greater Manchester Combined Authority’s Live Well initiative that focuses on prevention and creating the conditions to help people thrive.
Emmaus Salford Chief Executive Officer, Jackie Smith, said: “Emmaus Salford is delighted to count on the Mayor of Greater Manchester’s support to help secure our future in Salford.
“Emmaus Salford has been established in the city for over ten years and has such a vital role in supporting the local community. We are working hard to ensure that this continues for years to come.”
If you would like to learn more about Emmaus Salford, you can visit our services page here.