Emmaus volunteer, John
A local homelessness charity is urgently calling on volunteers to help its social enterprise, which generates the funding needed to support formerly homeless people as they rebuild their lives.
Emmaus Hertfordshire has five charity shops across the county selling quality second-hand items and has several roles available for individuals who are looking to use their skills and experience to help a good cause.
Volunteer roles within the charity include van drivers, stock sorters, till and customer service assistants, and multiple roles within its eBay team for people with a flair for fashion or an interest in books. The charity is also keen to hear from people with professional experience in marketing, business and social work.
Redbourn-based volunteer, John, has been at Emmaus Hertfordshire for five years as a volunteer van driver and is sharing his experience to encourage others to apply:
“I wanted to find something useful to do with my spare time when I retired – apart from playing golf – and my daughter recommended Emmaus after she made a furniture donation to one of its shops. I enjoy volunteering at Emmaus and help out once or twice a week delivering orders and collecting donations.”
For people who have experienced homelessness, Emmaus Hertfordshire offers a place to live for as long as needed within a supportive environment and the opportunity to gain new skills by working in its social enterprise. Volunteers work alongside the people the charity supports, meaning they see first-hand how they are helping others, as John explains:
“It is great that there is an organisation like Emmaus which not only helps people who have been homeless by giving them somewhere to stay but gives them the chance to learn new skills and get back into working life – I think it’s a cracking idea.
“It is a nice community here, and all the guys and girls are great. The staff team is brilliant, and everyone makes it a nice place to volunteer. I would say to anyone thinking about volunteering at Emmaus to definitely go for it – I’ve really enjoyed my time here.”
Emmaus Herefordshire offers all volunteers an opportunity to develop their skills and gain experience for a worthwhile cause. All volunteers receive lunch on the days that they volunteer and 20% discount in the Emmaus Hertfordshire St Albans, Boxmoor, Harpenden, Hertford, and Tring stores.
To find out more about the volunteer roles on offer, please visit: www.emmaus.org.uk/hertfordshire/support-us/volunteer-roles or call the Area Retail Manager, Karina Griffiths, on 07785 615155.
