High Sheriff tours Mossley homelessness charity

The High Sheriff of Greater Manchester, Dr Eamonn O'Neal DL, has visited homelessness charity Emmaus Mossley to meet the team and tour the 26-bedroom residential community.

Emmaus Mossley staff, trustees and companions – people supported by the charity – welcomed the High Sheriff to their community and second-hand superstore.

The High Sheriff toured the Emmaus community home and social enterprise, learning about the support on offer and how the charity has become a hub for the wider community.

Dr O’Neal said: “As High Sheriff, it’s a real privilege to travel around Greater Manchester to see just how much great work is being done within all the communities.

"This is my first visit to Emmaus Mossley and I am absolutely blown away with the scale of the organisation and the way the companions are integrated into the whole of the operation.

“One of the most important things I have seen today, as well as the wonderful social interactions and the stuff you can buy, is the way the companions are empowered to make decisions and be part of the fabric and running of the organisation. 

"Congratulations to everyone – it’s been an amazing visit.”

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

While at Emmaus, people are given the opportunity for a fresh start, gaining skills and work experience alongside training and personal development.

The Office of High Sheriff is the oldest secular title in British history and among the most ancient in the world, dating back more than 1,300 years.

Dr O’Neal was chosen by King Charles as High Sheriff of Greater Manchester and installed in April.

This is the second time he has served as High Sheriff, having previously held the 12-month ceremonial position in 2020.

Darren, an Emmaus companion who welcomed the High Sheriff and provided him with a tour, said: “It was great to welcome Dr O’Neal, and he was very impressed with our community as a whole.

"He was keen to understand how Emmaus Mossley operates and see the facilities on offer to companions.

“The High Sheriff seemed really impressed with our second-hand superstore, especially our new Sound and Vision area.

"I hope his first visit to our community won’t be his last and he’s welcome back anytime.”

The Emmaus Mossley second-hand superstore is filled with a wide range of furniture, homewares, bric-a-brac, clothes, vintage goods and upcycled items.

All proceeds raised within the second-hand superstore go to support the Emmaus Mossley charity and the people who live there.

To find out more and support Emmaus Mossley, please visit: https://emmaus.org.uk/mossley/

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