Homelessness charity Emmaus Preston is using Volunteers’ Week 2017 to appeal for new volunteers to support their community and social enterprise.
Emmaus Preston supports 26 companions – people who have experienced homelessness but now live and work at the charity. Volunteers work alongside companions to assist in a variety of roles in the Emmaus community and shops in Preston.
Kath Derbyshire has been involved in the charity for over 20 years. Kath currently sits on the board of trustees but also gives her time by volunteering in the Emmaus Preston Megastore.
Kath said: “I love seeing the change in companions as they settle in, working and having that belief and confidence building. The biggest reward of all is seeing companions moving on if they choose and usually with qualifications under their belt. We as trustees and volunteers are there to support, but the companion is the driver. I feel extremely privileged to be part of Emmaus.”
Running between 1-7 June, Volunteers’ Week celebrates the contribution made by the millions of volunteers across the UK. Hundreds of events will be taking place across the country to mark Volunteers’ Week. The annual campaign, which was established in 1984, recognises the contribution volunteers make to our communities every day.
Stephen Buchanan, Director at Emmaus Preston, said: “We currently have 32 people who give their time to support Emmaus Preston as volunteers. These range from trustees and volunteer van drivers through to people who give a few hours each week to help in our charity shops. We’re extremely grateful to all of our volunteers and would welcome any other people interested in helping us and making a positive contribution to our charitable work.”
Current voluntary opportunities available at Emmaus Preston include gardening, driving, retail and maintenance assistants.
To find out more and support Emmaus Preston head to www.emmaus.org.uk/preston. If you would like to get involved as a volunteer, please call 01772 796622 or visit the Emmaus Preston Megastore on Brookfield Street or Deepdale Mill Superstore.
