Homelessness charity hosts Volunteers’ Week Big Lunch

Thursday, 6 June 2024 09:10

Homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley has marked Volunteers’ Week (3-10 June) with a special Big Lunch celebration to thank the many local volunteers who support the charity.

On Wednesday, June 5, Emmaus Mossley organised a shared 'Big Lunch' buffet with attendees bringing food and cakes alongside food prepared by the charity. Twenty-eight of the charity’s volunteers attended and enjoyed lunch together alongside Emmaus staff and companions – people supported by the charity.

Stephen, a volunteer who helps to sort and research items for sale online, said: “I had to retire early on health grounds and found that going from an active, full-time job, I couldn’t do anything at all and was stuck at home. Unable to find anything to do was difficult but then suddenly I found I could help at Emmaus with their eBay.

“I try and identify the weird and wonderful things, so I get to use what brain I’ve got and when I get tired, I get to go home so there’s no pressure. Volunteering gives me my self-worth back and the fact I’m able to help a fantastic organisation helps me as well. It’s a win-win.

“To come in and attend the volunteer celebration event, to see so many people and such positivity, it captured the whole spirit of the Emmaus Mossley community. It’s just a wonderful place and I thoroughly enjoy being here.”

Emmaus Mossley supports people who have experienced homelessness by providing them with a home, companionship, tailored support and work opportunities. The charity is supported by a team of more than 60 volunteers, including people who give their time and skills on a weekly basis, charity trustees and volunteers who help at events and remotely.

Sue, a volunteer and member of the Emmaus Upcycling group, said: “Volunteering at Emmaus is very social. I love seeing all the different materials and wools that come in and thinking what I could do with it. Quite often I can’t think of anything, so it piles up and then I think of something, and it really gives me pleasure. I enjoyed the Volunteers’ Week Big Lunch event and it was nice seeing all the other Emmaus volunteers.”

2024 marks the 40th anniversary of Volunteers’ Week and Emmaus Mossley is one of thousands of charities and voluntary organisations celebrating with their volunteers. Volunteers’ Week is a chance to recognise, celebrate and thank the UK’s volunteers for all they contribute to local communities, the voluntary sector, and society as a whole.

Andrew Kilburn, Chair of Trustees at Emmaus Mossley, said: “Emmaus Mossley is delighted to have had the opportunity to say ‘thank you’ to our volunteers who make such a vital contribution to our project.

“We simply could not provide the range of services available to our companions and the local community without them. Our volunteers give their time, expertise and experience and they do it week in, week out. We are enormously grateful for everything they do for us.”

To find out more and support Emmaus Mossley, head to: https://emmaus.org.uk/mossley/.