Estate agent launches Winter Warm Up Appeal

A Preston estate agency is collecting donations of warm clothing for a homelessness charity to give to people sleeping on the streets this winter.

Drop off points are available at Roberts and Co offices in Penwortham and Lostock Hall in Preston for people to drop off new and second-hand jumpers, hats, and gloves as well as new socks and underwear in the run up to Christmas.

Reaching out on the streets

Everything collected will be distributed by homelessness charity Emmaus Preston’s outreach team, whose Free Streets workers support people sleeping rough with clothing and advice in key towns across the North West.

Emmaus Preston provides accommodation, support and meaningful work in social enterprises for more than 50 people in Lancashire. This is mainly funded through the sale of second-hand and new household goods at three charity superstores in the city.

Winter Warm Up Appeal

Managing director of Roberts and Co, Emma Roberts, said: "We chose Emmaus Preston as our charity of the year because we like the ethos of Emmaus. People are given a hand up and not a handout, with supported work opportunities and training as well as accommodation. We want to help Emmaus Preston reach out to people living on the streets this winter and hope people will take part in our Winter Warm Up Appeal by dropping off new and second hand clothing to our office collection points."

As part of the estate agent’s drive to support Emmaus Preston this year, they have generously pledged a share of housing sales, raising a total of £1,390 to date. Earlier in the year, Roberts and Co also held free information sessions at the charity, providing tenancy advice for when people supported at Emmaus are ready to move on.

Help for people sleeping rough

Director of Emmaus Preston, Stephen Buchanan, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Roberts and Co for the support they have shown us this year. Every item of clothing you can give to the Winter Warm Up Appeal will help Emmaus Preston support people sleeping rough, as we aim to bring more people in from the cold across the North West this winter.”

Emmaus Preston is one of 30 Emmaus communities in the UK, supporting 850 people with experience of homelessness. To find out more please visit: www.emmaus.org.uk/preston/

Drop offs are welcome during opening hours at Roberts and Co Estate Agents Penwortham, 36 Liverpool Rd, Preston, PR1 0DQ and Lostock, 50 Watkin Ln, Lostock Hall, Preston PR5 5RD. Open 9-5pm Monday to Friday and 9-4pm on Saturdays.