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 [email protected]

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

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London. The Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds, the Rt Hon Christopher Luxon and the Rt Hon Steve Reed (L-R Front Row) David Hammond, and Daniel Knowles

Chiptech announces major innovation initiative at high-profile reception with the New Zealand Prime Minister in London.

30 Apr 2025

2

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield Edenfield housing development

Northstone secures full planning permission for 50 new homes in Edenfield

29 Apr 2025

3

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens Dovestone Gardens launch

Ring Stones Maintenance and Construction celebrates completion of Dovestone Gardens

29 Apr 2025

4

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success Louise Kirby

PHX Training welcomes new business leader to drive learner success

29 Apr 2025

5

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire Lidl

Lidl to invest half a billion pounds in its expansion as it eyes sites in Lancashire

29 Apr 2025

Pc Prestonmacan Gif980x120 March
Background image for hub sign up block

LBV Hub

Leverage Lancashire Business View platforms

Post your news
Post your events
Post your offers
Build your network
Improve your SEO
Gain coverage in the magazine
Sign-up
Events
LBV122 May/June Launch Event
121 Lancashire Business View Magazine Launch
Networking
21 May 2025

LBV122 May/June Launch Event

Lancaster and Morecambe College, Lancaster, LA1 2TY

08:30 - 10:30

Sub36 Networking
Networking
11 Jun 2025

Sub36 Networking

British Jewellery School, Scorton, PR3 1BA

15:00 - 17:00

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference
Net Zero Carbon Social 1200px 2
Networking
18 Jun 2025

Lancashire Net Zero Carbon Conference

Crow Wood Hotel & Spa Resort, Burnley, BB12 0RT

08:30 - 13:00

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025
BEC 315 X 315 Px
Networking
25 Sep 2025

Lancashire Built Environment Conference 2025

Blackpool Football Club, Blackpool, FY1 6HX

08:30 - 13:00

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Management and Leadership Course

Preston Campus, Preston , PR1 2HE

09:00 - 17:00

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
21 Feb 2025 - 21 Feb 2026

CMI Level 5 Project Management Course

Preston Campus, Preston, PR1 2HE

08:00 - 17:00

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers
WENDY BOWERS RISE Illustrstion copy.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Seminars
02 Apr 2025 - 08 Oct 2025

RISE - The Academy for Female Leaders and Managers

East Lancashire Chamber of Commerce, Clayton le Moors, BB5 5JR

09:00 - 15:30

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes
Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes for website.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
01 May 2025 - 01 May 2025

Planning for the future + navigating Inheritance Tax changes

Stanley House Hotel, Mellor, Blackburn, BB2 7NP, Blackburn, BB2 7NP

08:00 - 10:30

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2
EV-land-2025-05B.png.png
LBV Hub Seminars
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

Advantage: AI – A Workshop for Business Leaders – May 2

Door4 Office, Burnley Wharf, Manchester Road, Burnley, BB11 1JG

09:00 - 11:00

A night at the races
1.png.png
LBV Hub Dinners / Balls
02 May 2025 - 02 May 2025

A night at the races

Morecambe FC, Morecambe, LA4 4TB

19:00 - 23:59

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships
30478 Skills Bootcamp open day setting.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Innovating business solutions through PhD Partnerships

University of Central Lancashire, Preston , PR1 2HE

14:30 - 15:30

Celebrating 50 years of KTP
UCLanAerialCampus.jpg.jpg
LBV Hub Networking
07 May 2025 - 07 May 2025

Celebrating 50 years of KTP

University of Central Lancashire , Preston, PR1 2HE

16:00 - 18:00

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 Lbv121 Online Graphic
Subscribe now

Weekly news bulletin