A team of formerly homeless people from local charity, Emmaus Salford are using their skills to volunteer with Helping Hands – a social enterprise offering minor repairs and handyperson support to vulnerable Salford residents.
The partnership has seen five formerly homeless people from Emmaus Salford give their time to support Helping Hands over the past six months.
Typically at least one person from Emmaus Salford volunteers each day, working with Helping Hands staff to carry out a range of services from replacing light bulbs to sprucing up garden areas.
Robbo Francis, a formerly homeless person who now lives and works at Emmaus Salford, is one of the team volunteering at Helping Hands.
Robbo said: “I’ve really enjoyed working with the team at Helping Hands and getting stuck into the gardening work. I’ve learned loads and gained lots of experience. My family are happy that I’m doing something I enjoy and find rewarding.”
Helping Hands improves the quality of life for Salford residents by providing a reliable, affordable and trustworthy minor repair service, particularly to people who are disadvantaged and vulnerable. The social enterprise can support anyone but offers a free service to people aged over 65 and in receipt of benefits or individuals with physical, sensory or other disability.
Joan Fielder, CEO at Helping Hands, added: “Helping Hands and Emmaus have developed a strong partnership. The volunteers from Emmaus work side by side with our team. It has been a great success and what great volunteers they have been! Their contribution is highly valued by me and other colleagues here at Helping Hands, long may it continue.”
