Emmaus Sheffield
Unit 5, Sipelia Works, Cadman Street, S4 7ZG Phone: 07783 126 604 Emmaus Sheffield is charity with a difference – striving to help formally homeless people rediscover their dignity and pride as part of a working community. As South Yorkshire’s first such community, Emmaus (pronounced E-may-us) Sheffield is a haven for the formally homeless, a safe and welcoming environment providing a home, work and companionship. The scheme is geared towards becoming self-sufficient through social enterprise, helping people get back on their feet. Emmaus was first founded in Paris in 1949 by Father Henri-Antoine Groues, better known at the Abbé Pierre, a Catholic priest and MP. Arriving in the UK in the early 1990s, Emmaus was introduced by a businessman called Selwyn Image, who remembered his time as a volunteer at the Emmaus Community in Paris after talking to a homeless man. The first Emmaus Community in Britain opened near Cambridge, with this and the following Communities across the UK being based upon the Abbé Pierre’s founding principles of acceptance, sharing, working for others in greater need and self-respect. In the Emmaus Community, each person has his or her own room, and lives and works for the Community. In return for this opportunity, the members agree to refrain from drugs, alcohol and violent behaviour, to sign off from primary benefits and work to the best of their ability in the Community business. The job roles can involve refurbishing and repairing
broken furniture and electrical goods, which are then sold in the Community’s shop, and as a result of this work, the members of the Community (or Companions, as they are called), learn many valuable skills, helping the Community reach its self-sufficiency goal.
Lawrence Buckley launched the boutique with clothes collected from the universities. Another feature of the store is Tam’s Bric-A-Brac, selling collectables, glassware, pottery, paintings, records, gifts, toys and games, where customers can discover plenty of surprises.
The Emmaus Community is an indispensable way for people to move away from dependency, to self-reliance and self-respect – something individuals would find incredibly difficult alone, but alongside the support and guidance of Emmaus, this challenge becomes a whole lot more achievable.
All products in the store are kindly donated by the public, and Emmaus Sheffield offers a free collection service. Items must be in a saleable condition – check out the website for a full list of what is accepted.
The Sheffield Community is based in Sipelia Works – a former cutlery factory and Grade II listed building, near the city centre. Their shop opened in August 2007, and in January 2008 once the conversion of the first floor accommodation was completed, they welcomed their first Companions. The Community Shop is located on Blast Lane, the heart of the Community where the Companions sell their recycled goods. Items such as beds, dining tables, sofas, chairs, wall units, coffee tables, lamps, pictures, pedal bikes, barge paintings, cookers, washers, dishwashers, fridges, freezers, toasters, kettles, books, DVDs and CDs are all waiting to be discovered in the shop. Unlike other secondhand shops however, Emmaus Sheffield is very careful about the items they take in, meaning their customers receive the very best quality used goods. Within the store lies La Boutique – a vintage clothing store created by French business students Charlotte, Charlene, Eva and Justine. Using the fashion and business expertise from the four students, on volunteer placement from La Rochelle in France, Community Manager
It’s not just all about the shop, however – the team at Emmaus Sheffield can offer a range of services including garden and grounds maintenance and clearance, drive and path power washing, plus a full PAT testing service, all at fantastic rates for homes or businesses. Emmaus Sheffield is run by volunteers, who undertake an amazing job to help the former homeless get back on their feet. Volunteering is a fantastic way to gain experience and skills, helping your CV to stand out from the crowd. Many volunteers go on to gain employment thanks to the skills and references gained at Emmaus Sheffield. The charity is always looking for new volunteers, so if you think you can help in the retail, recycling, gardening, driving or housing sector then get in touch with Emmaus Sheffield, and help them to help you. Follow the Community at Emmaus Sheffield on Twitter at @EmmausSheffield and Facebook, ‘Emmaus Sheffield’. Purchases from their shop can also be made on Ebay – search for ‘emmaus-sheffield’.
www.emmaus-sheffield.org.uk