B&Q creates a home environment for Sheffield charity

Emmaus Sheffield is the drug and alcohol free project that provides a home, support and work for formerly homeless people in the city.

Through its Social Enterprise programme it aims to provide meaningful work and enable the people it supports – known as companions - to eventually become self-supporting once more.

A £5,000 grant from the B&Q Foundation has already helped to a new kitchen.

And now the remaining money has also been use to freshen up the charity’s communal lounge space.

“This area is important, giving our companions somewhere to socialise and unwind after work,” said Deputy Manager Charley Fedorenko.

“Providing a lounge room makes it feel more like home and encourages the companions to share time together socially, building friendships and helping to combat the feeling of loneliness and isolation that homelessness can bring.

“The money from B&Q has really helped us turn our project into a home by helping us to update areas that were no longer fit for purpose.

“It has had a positive effect on our Companions, bringing the community together.

“The creation of a comfortable and inviting communal lounge room, now means there is a space to sit, relax, chat, and watch television together like a family.”

To find out more about the work of Emmaus Sheffield visit emmaus.org.uk