Mossley charity hosts action-packed Volunteers’ Week celebration

Homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley kick-started national Volunteers’ Week 2023 with a special celebration to thank the many local volunteers who provide support.

Emmaus Mossley hosted an afternoon tea celebration event to thank all volunteers with scones donated by Scóna in Greenfield.

Specific recognition was given to Brenda Cricket who is retiring as a volunteer after 16 years, and Molly Ridgway, who has been shortlisted in the Young Volunteer of the Year category of the national Charity Retail Awards.

Molly, who helps as a social media volunteer, said: “Emmaus is always the highlight of my week because it’s my opportunity to get creative and make content for a community I really care about, and have a good laugh with everyone at the same time.

“The Volunteers’ Week event was wonderful because it celebrates the hard work that all the volunteers do for Emmaus Mossley, which is usually behind the scenes.

"I’m also now a big fan of scones!

"To find out that I have been shortlisted for an award definitely caught me by surprise and I can’t stop smiling.”

Emmaus Mossley supports 26 people who have experienced homelessness by providing them with a home, work, companionship and individual support.

Over 40 volunteers help at the charity on a weekly basis and even more volunteer to support events and specific projects.

In addition, there are a further 12 volunteers who give their time and expertise as trustees of Emmaus Mossley.

The event also marked the 90th birthday of one of the first volunteers of Mossley Heritage Centre, located within Emmaus Mossley’s Longlands Mill base.

Marie Clues, a founder member of Mossley Civic Society, was involved in many activities organised by the group and continues to volunteer as the Society’s Honorary President.

Hazel Hodkinson, Retail Manager at Emmaus Mossley, said: “Volunteers’ Week is a fantastic opportunity to thank all of the amazing people who support Emmaus Mossley as volunteers.

"As a charity, we could not achieve all we do without their dedication, time, skills and input, and for that we are extremely grateful.”

2023 marks the 39th year of Volunteers’ Week (June 1-7) and Emmaus Mossley is one of thousands of charities and voluntary organisations recognising the contribution volunteers make across the UK.

This year’s theme of Volunteers’ Week is ‘Celebrate and Inspire’, encouraging people to be the change that they want to see and get involved in volunteering in whatever way works for them.

To find out more and support Emmaus Mossley, click here

---

Do you have a story for us? Want to tell us about something going on in and around Oldham? Let us know by emailing news@oldham-chronicle.co.uk , calling our Oldham-based newsroom on 0161 633 2121 , tweeting us @oldhamchronicle or messaging us through our Facebook page. All contact will be treated in confidence.