Homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley is celebrating its 25th anniversary this month with a day-long charity event including a carnival and giant puppets.

The charity’s ‘25th Birthday Carnival’ will take place on Saturday, September 17, and mark 25 years since the opening of the Emmaus Mossley community. 

The event will include live music, a 75-member carnival band, giant puppets, food and drinks, activities for children, and the relaunch of the charity’s Scrap Shed.

The Emmaus Mossley ‘25th Birthday Carnival’ will take place between 10am-4pm, at Emmaus Mossley, Longlands Mill on Queen Street in the town.

Gary Barton, one of the people supported by Emmaus Mossley, said: “Emmaus has evolved a lot in the years I’ve been here, including all the work that was done during the lockdowns to improve our Secondhand Superstore. 

“Our supporters have shared that journey with us over the years, helping to keep Emmaus going and a roof over our heads.

“The main thing I’m looking forward to at the 25th Birthday Carnival is seeing the many customers and supporters, along with our volunteers, who together are such a big part of the Emmaus family. Celebrating and sharing the day with them will be a such a special occasion.”

Emmaus Mossley supports 26 formerly homeless people by providing them with a home, work, companionship and individual support. The charity opened in 1997 as the first Emmaus community in the North West. Since then, Emmaus Mossley has supported more than 500 people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.

To help the charity celebrate in style, carnival experts Global Grooves, based at The Vale in Mossley, will deliver a showpiece carnival performance. Around 75 volunteers have signed up to be part of the carnival as drummers, dancers, brass and reed players.

Alison Hill, Director of Emmaus Mossley, said: “We’re really excited to be hosting this special anniversary event, bringing together friends, volunteers, supporters and members of the wider community. 

“Our plans include a fun-filled day of celebration and charity shop treasure hunting, along with a few surprises, which we hope will be the biggest event in Emmaus Mossley’s 25-year history.”

Over the years, Emmaus Mossley’s Longlands Mill base has steadily developed and the community has grown. 

The charity’s main income is raised from their large Secondhand Superstore which sells donated and refurbished furniture, clothes, bric-a-brac and vintage items. Emmaus has also become a hub for the local community, hosting events, voluntary groups and as a valuable resource for reuse.

To find out more and support Emmaus Mossley, visit emmaus.org.uk/mossley/ 

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