Celebrate the season of goodwill by giving something back

And  Homelessness charity Emmaus Bolton is providing exclusive behind-the-scenes insights into a range of voluntary roles at a special volunteer open event.

The event will take place at the charity’s shops and services off Fletcher Street in Bolton on Wednesday, 27 November from 11am to 1pm, and is open to anyone interested in volunteering in Bolton.

Visitors can take a sneak peek inside ‘the sorting room’ for donations and open the doors at the back of The Wardrobe, the charity’s preloved vintage fashion aisle.

People will be guided around the café, which includes one of Bolton’s first charity ice cream parlours, and see the bric-a-brac, second-hand bookstore and vinyl boutiques.

People attending the event will be able to look at how donations are broken down for parts in the on-site recycling centre and learn how this helps stock the scrap store of recycled art and craft supplies.

There will also be the chance to get a glimpse of the back-office operations of the charity’s food pantry, which serves more than 400 families in need in Bolton.

Emmaus Bolton social enterprises provide affordable goods for people and help raise the vital funds needed for Emmaus to provide a home, support and training for up to 22 people with experience of homelessness.

People supported by the charity, whom Emmaus refers to as companions, help in the social enterprises alongside volunteers to assist in the smooth running of the charity.

Jackie Emmett volunteers in the charity’s food pantry.

Jackie said: "Emmaus Bolton is unique because you are volunteering alongside the people the charity supports. Realising these people are getting on and trying to improve their lives is what makes the experience even better."

Tony Stephenson, Chief Executive Officer of Emmaus Bolton, said: “We’re excited to welcome potential volunteers to our Volunteer Open Event to learn more about the difference volunteering can make for you and for the lives of others.”

Anyone interested can come along to the Volunteer Open Event, where they can learn more about the benefits of volunteering, Emmaus Bolton’s volunteer policy and the application process.

Volunteering at Emmaus Bolton is governed by the Bolton Volunteer Charter which the homelessness charity helped create in partnership with Bolton Community and Voluntary Services