New bedrooms for homeless opened

TERRY Waite, front left, opens new rooms at Emmaus. Back, from left, Alison Hall (director Emmaus Mossley), Irene Raddings (Mayoress of Mossley), actor John Henshaw, Councillor Greg Brett (Mayor of Mossley), Darren Phillips (companion), Richard Darlington (president Emmaus Mossley). Front, Terry Waite, Frances Hirst (Emmaus Mossley chairman of trustees), and Jonathan Reynolds MP

HUMANITARIAN Terry Waite has opened new bedrooms for the homeless at a Mossley charity.

The long-running supporter of those facing social exclusion cut the ribbons at Emmaus to coincide with World Homeless Day.

Formerly homeless residents who are supported by Emmaus Mossley were also present at the opening yesterday afternoon.

Including the two new bedrooms and accompanying kitchen, the Queen Street site accommodates 26 formerly homeless residents, known as companions.

President of Emmaus Mr Waite (77) said: "There are a lot of people who have been instrumental in making sure that this community could serve the homeless.

"When I first came to the building it needed a lot of work.

"But I want to give a word of thanks to everybody who has made today possible.

"We are expanding to two more rooms which means that two more people will have somewhere to live and have a better standing to get back into life.

"Some people stay with Emmaus for a short time and others for a long time but what really matters is that the individual who comes to us has the opportunity to grow into who they want to, living as full a life as possible."

The former envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury previously faced social isolation when he was taken hostage in Beirut.

He had travelled to Lebanon to negotiate the release of Western hostages when he was captured by Hezbollah in 1987.

He was kept in solitary confinement for more than four years, with 2016 marking the 25th anniversary of his release.

Mr Waite said: "After being kept away for five years it took time to adjust to the world.

"But I was very lucky and was able to get back into life at a reasonable pace.

"One of the things captivity did for me is enable me to turn my sympathy into empathy.

"We always need to keep in mind that homeless people should never be stigmatised negatively.

"When you hear the stories which people have to tell about their backgrounds, there are a whole combination of factors that lead people to be on the streets."

Also at the opening was actor John Henshaw, a patron of group.

Companions accessing Emmaus Mossley are encouraged to take up work in its social enterprise, with several members helping with this latest renovation.

Darren, an existing companion, said: "I helped on the ceilings and with the decorating of the new rooms.

"I enjoy being part of Emmaus Mossley and feel proud that I have contributed to the creation of the new bedrooms."

Chair of trustees Frances Hirst said: "We have had 24 rooms here for a long time but we wanted to expand.

"Although we have limited space we have managed to squeeze in two rooms which means we can help two more people.

"The new companion rooms have a bathroom, a mini kitchen and beautiful big windows with lovely views.

"It is important for us that when companions come here they have a room and work but when they leave us they will still need support."

For information visit the website at emmaus.org.uk.