Appeal for volunteers at Preston homelessness charity

By Emmaus

10 Mar 2023

Emmaus Preston Desktop

Homelessness charity Emmaus Preston is on the hunt for corporate volunteers to support its community and charity shops in the city.

The charity has a number of roles available in social media, Luton van driving and van crew, maintenance and its charity shops on Fishergate and on Brookfield Street in Preston. 

Zuleika from Preston is a volunteer fashion champion, helping at Emmaus Preston Fashion, Vintage and Retro charity shop, sorting donations and creating eye-catching displays. The final-year student spotted the opportunity at a volunteers’ fair at the University of Central Lancashire UCLan.

Zuleika said: “Shopping at Emmaus isn’t like going into a normal clothing shop. When people come in and buy something from someone here, you are also benefitting the person you’re meeting who are working in store.

“It’s not something generic you’ll buy. It’s not something that’s just in season or even a current trend, you’ll just find something you like. Shopping at an Emmaus charity shop feels more personal.

“When you’re volunteering with Emmaus, you’re actually working alongside people supported here, and seeing how your role is changing people’s lives. That is something I wanted to do and get involved with. I’m getting to know the people I’m helping.”

Emmaus Preston supports formerly homeless people by providing a stable home and meaningful work within its charity shops for as long as is needed. One of its three second hand and new charity shops in the city is Emmaus Megastore, on the site of a former B&Q on Brookfield Street, which is one of the largest charity shops in the country.

These outlets take in and sell donated furniture, clothing and household goods, and sell brand new beds, white goods, such as washing machines and bedroom furniture. It is the profits from these stores that support the charity.

The volunteer coordinator at Emmaus Preston, Lisa Lulat, said: "Volunteering helps people who are in need. You are giving something back and it also has massive benefits to yourself. It can improve your mental mood, keep you busy, help you gain new skills (which is great for your CV), help with building communication skills, interact with others, the list goes on. If you even have a few hours a week to spare, I would recommend volunteering for Emmaus Preston."

If you or your company want to volunteer for a day or your staff can provide a longer commitment, please get in touch with Lisa.

Emmaus Preston offers all volunteers an opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience for a worthwhile cause. Training is offered where possible and all volunteers receive dinner and travel expenses on the days that they volunteer.

To find out more about the roles on offer at Emmaus Preston, visit the ‘Support Us’ section at www.emmaus.org.uk/preston/ or email the charity’s Volunteer Coordinator lisa@emmauspreston.org.uk

About Emmaus Preston

  • Emmaus Preston supports people with experience of homelessness by providing a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to regain lost self-esteem to help rebuild their lives.
  • The charity operates three shops, selling second-hand and new low-cost white goods and furniture. The largest charity retail store in the UK, Emmaus Preston Megastore on Brookfield Street, Emmaus Preston Fishergate Store and Emmaus Preston Fashion, Vintage and Retro.
  • Social enterprise is central to the Emmaus model as it provides meaningful work for companions but also generates funding to maintain communities.
  • Companions living in Emmaus communities are expected to sign off all benefits, with the exception of housing benefit, which is used to help to support the community. The rest of the funding that is needed is generated through social enterprise and fundraising.
  • There are currently 30 Emmaus communities across the country, supporting more than 850 companions (formerly homeless people) in the UK. In addition, there are three Emmaus groups, all of which are working towards setting up an Emmaus community in their area.
  • To find out more visit https://emmaus.org.uk/preston/
  • Follow the charity on Twitter: @Emmaus_Preston Facebook: @prestonemmaus Instagram: prestonemmaus TikTok @emmauspreston

Latest news

1

fulfilmentcrowd ships 200,000 items on Black Friday Fulfilmentcrowd Black Friday

fulfilmentcrowd ships 200,000 items on Black Friday

01 Dec 2023

2

Blackpool's civil service hub hits construction milestone Civil Service Hub Construction

Blackpool's civil service hub hits construction milestone

30 Nov 2023

3

Don't judge, not everybody's got a great brand, ok? Laura Weldon Studio LWD

Don't judge, not everybody's got a great brand, ok?

27 Nov 2023

4

Empowering businesses of all sizes with our pallet delivery service Pallet Services 01.jpg.jpg

Empowering businesses of all sizes with our pallet delivery service

03 Dec 2023

5

Lancashire/Morecambe Hotspots: Give and tech Leighton Hall

Lancashire/Morecambe Hotspots: Give and tech

01 Dec 2023

2664LBD980x120gif
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Reach 50,000 members of the Lancashire business community

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Company profile
Social reach
Magazine coverage
Sign-up
Events
Help to Grow Management Course
Collaboration v3.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
31 Oct 2023 - 14 Feb 2024

Help to Grow Management Course

University of Central Lancashire, School, Online and face-to-face , UCLan, PR1 2HE

09:30 - 11:30

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista
EVENT LISTING Networking In Halifax (1).png.png
LBV Hub Networking
05 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Blackburn - BNI Vista

Hampton by Hilton, Blackburn, BB1 3AL

06:45 - 08:30

Using your existing Pension to invest in Commercial property
Chris Montgomery SmgTvepind4 Unsplash
LBV Hub Webinar
05 Dec 2023

Using your existing Pension to invest in Commercial property

Zoom, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 09:45

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
06 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Twas the night before ransomware
Event Graphic 3.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
07 Dec 2023 - 07 Dec 2023

Twas the night before ransomware

The Lowry Theatre, Salford Quays, M50 3AZ

14:00 - 17:00

Discover the power of BNI - Business Networking in Preston
Preston.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
07 Dec 2023

Discover the power of BNI - Business Networking in Preston

Samlesbury Preston Hotel, Preston New Road, Samlesbury, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire
LBV Hub Networking
07 Dec 2023

The Business Network Central & East Lancashire

Stanley House, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

11:30 - 14:30

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch
EVENT LISTING SIZING Brunch .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
08 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch

Samlesbury Hotel, Preston, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
13 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Discover the power of BNI ONLINE - Business Networking in Lancashire
Preston.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
14 Dec 2023

Discover the power of BNI ONLINE - Business Networking in Lancashire

Online Meeting, -, -

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch
EVENT LISTING SIZING Brunch .png.png
LBV Hub Networking
15 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Preston - BNI Brunch

Samlesbury Hotel, Preston, PR5 0UL

09:30 - 11:00

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network
Eden Business Network.png.png
LBV Hub Networking
20 Dec 2023

Business Networking in Lancaster - Eden Business Network

The Borough, 3 Dalton Square, Lancaster, LA1 1PP

18:30 - 20:30

Advertise with us

Reaching 50,000 members, our print, digital and event platforms offer a fantastic way to raise your business profile and help you grow.

Find out more LBV Advertising Visual NovDec
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin