Safe homes for vulnerable adults in Sheffield

Aim

Providing a safe and warm home to formerly homeless men and women in the South Yorkshire area.

Who we are

Emmaus Sheffield, a charity based in Sheffield’s canal basin, is a unique alcohol and drug free project; it provides a safe and secure home for up to 18 formerly homeless men and women at any one time. Known as Companions, we provide a home, not just for one night, but for as long as they need us. Our aim is to alleviate the burden of social exclusion and remove the stigma of homelessness for the individuals in our Community.

Our vision is to work towards a society where everyone has a place to call home and a sense of belonging.

What we do

We run a social enterprise that is not only a home and Community to the vulnerable adults we support, but a business as well. We work with our Companions offering four core services: accommodation, training, meaningful work and support.  We support those that are unemployed, homeless and socially excluded, improving mental and physical health and boosting their dignity, sense of self-esteem and self-respect.

Training is an important part of Emmaus Sheffield as we try to equip the Companions with skills that will allow them to make a fresh start, have a better chance of employment and integrate back into society with very little stress or anxiety. Our aim is to provide the Companions with the level of training that they require, giving them the best opportunities to gain employment outside of the Community. We understand that providing the right skills can be key to breaking the cycle of homelessness and empowering individuals to move on with their lives.

We provide a Community where people who have been homeless have their own fully furnished en-suite room in a supportive environment, creating a sense of extended family. It provides a safe home, support, improved health, training, a sense of purpose and meaningful work in the social enterprise and when possible, returning Companions to independent living.

Why we do it

We believe that providing a safe home is the first step to restoring their mental health, by removing the obstacles in accessing services and restoring their dignity and self-belief. 

In 2021, Emmaus Sheffield helped 29 homeless adults over the course of the year and we hope to be able to help a similar number every year. We had 11 Companions move on from Emmaus Sheffield last year; three secured jobs and moved into rented accommodation, two moved in with family/friends, two received an inheritance that allowed them to purchase a property together and four chose to move to other Emmaus Communities. Since opening our doors in 2008, Emmaus Sheffield have helped over 280 formerly homeless men and women, over 70% of whom have moved on with a positive outlook, returning to their family, independent living and work.

"Homeless people are some of the most disenfranchised groups in our  society today. Emmaus Sheffield strive to work with them to regain their confidence, self esteem and dignity; helping them to feel valued and accepted members of today’s community."

Graham Bostock CEO

Who we support

Companions at Emmaus Sheffield are unemployed, homeless and socially excluded; they are on the streets, in temporary shelters, or other situations and want to re-establish their lives. Referrals come from many Organisations in Sheffield and beyond and by word of mouth from street sleepers. Most Companions have been excluded from other services or are destitute and come to Emmaus as their only hope of recovery. 

Most Companions have multiple and complex needs emanating from many causes including abuse within the family, relationship breakdown, mental health problems, drug and alcohol abuse, poor physical health and low education attainment. Many have been in prison or, due to extreme vulnerability, been victims of crime. Many lack confidence, self-esteem and basic life skills and suffer from loneliness and isolation.

Our social enterprise is very much at the heart of Emmaus Sheffield. In addition to providing work and training for our Companions, it is an incredibly valuable service to the community. Our charity shop sells an amazing range of good quality furniture, bric-a-brac, clothing and electrical items. Every penny raised from this venture goes directly into providing the support needed by some of the most vulnerable members of society.

Recent economic and pandemic related challenges have created a greater need for quality items at affordable prices for low-income families. Emmaus Sheffield are rising to this challenge, supporting financial inclusion initiatives, and as well as saving families from increased burden of debt, it is helping those people in real need at a time when they need it the most. 

"This is the best charity shop I've ever been to. I found exactly what we needed at a lower price and better quality than other charity shops."

When customers visit the social enterprise, or arrange a delivery/collection, they get a unique experience. They are able to meet and talk to the people they are helping, this can reduce the stigma of homelessness, as customers learn more about the charity and recognise that being homeless is not always tainted with criminality and addiction as is so often assumed. 

From looking around the many bargains on offer, visiting our pet goats, chatting to the Companions or just sitting enjoying a drink in our café; our customers are able to see the work that Emmaus Sheffield is doing and see how their donations are making a real difference.

The need for our services is changing due to people’s circumstances, economic events and their environmental and social conscience. Our in-house workshop makes hand crafted products that are built from reclaimed wood and donated furniture that cannot be repaired or refurbished. We have the edge on our competitors by being able to offer ethical shopping that is local, good value, sustainable, with a friendly and reliable service combined with a personal touch. We are much more than just a charity shop; we are a family and a community, why not be part of it.

James' story

Earlier this year, members of our Community Team noticed that James, one of the Companions, had become quite withdrawn and anxious. When they talked to James about this, it became obvious that he was worrying about moving ever closer to retirement age later this year and what that would mean for him.

"If I have to leave I know I will not be able to make ends meet with gas, electric, council tax, water rates, insurance, food etc. If I got into trouble with my bills I would end up being homeless again and that would kill me. 

I would miss the support of the staff and the friendship of the other companions."

The staff at Emmaus Sheffield decided that something needed to be done to address this problem, and we have been able to complete work on our first retirement flat.  This is a fantastic opportunity for James, he will still have the support of Emmaus Sheffield and he can play an active part in the community as a volunteer.

"I have lived on my own before but I found it very difficult and I became socially isolated and I was very lonely which made me very depressed.

To be able to stay at Emmaus and still be able to volunteer in the community is the best thing that could ever happen to me as I am part of a big family."

James is now settled in his new flat and is looking forward to enjoying his retirement with the support of his Emmaus Sheffield family.

Why support us?

As a homeless charity, potential donors commonly overlook us in favour of more appealing groups. When people think of homelessness, they tend to associate it with drink and drug use. Whilst this is sometimes true, it is not always the case. Homelessness is caused by many other factors, and the beneficiaries within our care are homeless for many different reasons. We work with each Companion to create individual support and training packages to enable them to overcome their past, face their problems and start to look forward.

Funds raised will be used to continue to support our vulnerable adults and improve our services.  We will also use the funds to help Companions keep warm and renew their winter clothing at a time when we are asking them to help energy efficiency measures in the Community.

A new coat or new boots can make a lasting impression on someone who is not used to having very much, let alone anything new. This support will have a massive impact on the mental health and wellbeing of our Companions.  Supporters show Companions that they are not alone as they try and navigate the world, and that there are people who are willing to help a person in need.  By supporting their journey at Emmaus Sheffield, you solidify the message that we try to instil in them, that they are worthy. 

This project successfully funded on 30th January 2023