Bedfordshire homelessness charity Emmaus is set to reopen after 15-week closure

Bedfordshire charity Emmaus Village Carlton will reopen its shop doors after a 15-week closure due to the pandemic.

The charity, which helps people out of homelessness, is preparing to welcome customers back into the shops on its site near Carlton, on Wednesday, April 14.

Emmaus Village Carlton sells furniture, clothing, upcycled goods, homeware, toys, books, music and electrical items from its home store, boutique and bric-a-brac shops. Drinks and food are available to takeaway or eat outside from the bistro.

For every week closed during lockdown, Emmaus Village Carlton has been losing valuable income that is used to provide a home, food, and support to help people rebuild their lives after being homeless. The charity estimates it will have lost around £200,000 of trading income due to the pandemic.

As well as providing vital funds for the charity, the Emmaus Village Carlton shops and bistro provides work experience, training, and a sense of purpose for the 42 people it supports and are key in helping people regain their confidence and self-esteem.

Angela Foll, chief community officer at Emmaus Village Carlton, said: “We have followed advice from the Government and Charity Retail Association to implement measures to keep everyone safe. These include limiting the number of customers at any one time, installing markings and signs throughout our shops and hand sanitiser stations at all entrance doors."

Anyone wishing to donate quality unwanted items for sale can call 01234 720826 to book a drop-off appointment or arrange for the charity to collect larger items from their home or business.

The Emmaus Village Carlton shops and bistro on School Lane, Carlton will be open Wednesday to Saturday 9.30am – 4.30pm and Sunday 10am – 4pm, from Wednesday, April 14.

To find out more visit Emmanus' website.