Six months on from the opening of our new laundrette and shower facilities, we are reflecting on the positive impact they have had on our volunteers.
The individuals we work with have a variety of support needs and personal hygiene is a common issue, which can be linked to both self-esteem and mental health challenges. The ability to offer washing facilities to our volunteers, enables a harmonious working environment for all, while enabling direct support and learning for an individual.
Our shower and laundry rooms were officially opened by Emmaus UK patron Terry Waite on 28 March, were funded by generous grants from CRASH and the Suffolk Giving Fund totalling £27,000.
One of our existing female volunteers was invited to be the first person use the shower room.
“I have a history of substance misuse and criminal activity. I was previously street homeless, and at the time I started volunteering I was housed temporarily in a women’s supported housing scheme. I suffer with PTSD, depression and anxiety and have a history of abusive relationships. I now live in a one bedroomed social housing flat but I do struggle with living independently due to my mental health.
As a result of my PTSD and abusive relationships I am very wary of men and only get on with female workers. I’m unable to have a bath at home as I can hear my male neighbours through the wall. I feel like they will know I’m running a bath and will know I am naked, and this thought process prevents me from bathing. When I’m at home I am only able to have a strip wash. I also don’t have access to laundry facilities at home.
I feel safe when I am volunteering at the Dales. I have been able to have my first proper shower in nine months and use laundry room. I feel safe knowing the door locks and the staff are nearby”
Volunteers are chaperoned on site by an on-call support worker, ensuring safety for our clients and staff members. They can chat to the support worker in a casual and relaxed way, building relationships and trust, and enabling us to signpost them to local services if we feel there is a need to do so. We recognise that we are a prevention service, supporting individuals to establish healthy habits and move on into paid employment. This engagement can take time as people can be wary due to past experiences, but the support we offer ensures they feel safe and secure with us.
Many have already remarked on an increase in self-esteem since the facilities opened. The new facilities are part of our wider support offering, which enables people who have been long-term unemployed to improve their confidence and skills and to help them to undertake pathways into work or further education.
The process of building our new facilities began with the renovation of a disused domestic bathroom and kitchen. After sourcing a local builder, we experienced delays in the commencing of the project. We originally planned to start the works in August but ultimately the works started at the beginning of November. The renovation was eventually completed by mid-January. Although these delays did push the time scale of the project back, we have been working hard to provide the full service to our partner organisations and we are now in a position to offer an additional 8 appointments per week from referring partnership agencies.
Our shower and laundry rooms offer the chance for our service users to gain self-confidence and feel good about themselves, whilst also ensuring they are in a safe environment.
Read more on the outcomes of our work at Emmaus Suffolk: Emmaus Suffolk Outcomes