My name’s Sam, I was born in Wythenshawe and for my day job I work for Wythenshawe Good Neighbours. We’re a Community Interest Company that work with older people, aged 50 plus. I am also a trustee for Emmaus South Manchester.
After seeing an advert for volunteer trustees, I first got involved with Emmaus in 2021. I had previously been a trustee for Albert Kennedy Trust (AKT), a homeless charity for young LGBT+ people, and really enjoyed that. I fundamentally disagree with homelessness, had done my rotation as a trustee at AKT and was looking for something else to get involved with. Growing up in Wythenshawe and working in Wythenshawe, the trustee opportunity at Emmaus was perfect.
The role of a trustee is more about being strategic, helping with the long-term planning and financial planning. At Emmaus, trustees also get involved and volunteer in the shop and at events, and some of us go out a speak to build up partnerships. We’re very lucky as we have a fantastic team at Emmaus South Manchester who do all the day-to-day activities.
The long-term planning to try and build an Emmaus community is what I really enjoy. Seeing the shop grow, go from strength to strength, and the community that is being built, is really rewarding. The buzz in the Emporium and café is great. Getting to meet different people within the Emmaus movement is good too. Attending the Emmaus Assembly and seeing other Emmaus communities was eye-opening and helped me understand the wider movement. I actually enjoy it all really.
Coffee Morning partnership
Emmaus South Manchester’s base at St Andrews is situated next to Woodhouse Park and Peel Hall. Wythenshawe Good Neighbours had a number of members who lived in the area and we wanted to find a spot where we could do some activities together. The Community Café had just started and so we asked if we could run a weekly coffee morning in partnership with Emmaus and St Andrews.
The Coffee Mornings started on Fridays in June 2022 and people really liked the concept. We got some funding to do it free for the first six weeks and that included a £5 voucher for people to spend within the Emmaus charity store. It has gone from strength to strength really with people attending to meet up and chat, have tea, coffee, biscuits and toast, and take part in bingo. Many of the people who attend pop into the Emporium for a browse and shop either before or after the Coffee Morning.
Some of our group on a Friday also use the space on a Wednesday too. The utilisation of the building is great and the pull of that has been Emmaus really. Having the Emporium open Wednesday to Saturday means many more people are visiting and using the space. This has helped to improve community links, building a support network for people in the local area. The word is out and with the ethos of Emmaus, people know that if life’s not going that well, help may be available – either directly or with the connections that have been made.
Be part of a supportive community
For other people thinking about volunteering or becoming a charity trustee I’d say do it. Go and have a chat with the team and find out more. Normally, if you’re thinking about becoming a trustee, the charity will have a little process, formal or informal. That may include a chat with the chair of trustees and an invite to attend meetings as a guest. If you don’t think you’re cut out to be a trustee, there are usually lots of other volunteer roles and loads to do at charities.
I was brought up to try and help other people and brought up as part of a community. That’s what I like to carry on and volunteering for Emmaus allows me to be part of a supportive community. When you see first-hand and chat to people who are part of Emmaus communities, it’s inspiring and you really feel the positive impact.