Shop where you can find a used sofa... or even a new life
WHEN Gary Barton first stepped foot inside Emmaus Mossley, he had no idea that someday it would save him from a life on the streets.
What to him was just that ‘big second-hand furniture shop’ would become his home.
It would give him a family, a job, a purpose – as well as opportunities he never thought possible.
For Emmaus Mossley is not your ordinary second-hand charity shop.
It first opened its doors on a hilly, cobbled street in Tameside 22 years ago with Longlands Mill, which it occupies, empty and starting to fall derelict. Two decades later, the charity shop is home not only to the second hand superstore, but also to around 26 ‘companions’ – people who without it could have ended up sleeping out in the cold.
Emmaus gives them a bed and a job – a chance to turn their life around, learn new skills, travel and earn qualifications. The companions’ bedrooms and living area take up just a small space away from the store inside the vast mill.
Alongside the second-hand furniture for sale, the mill also boasts a cafe, thousands of books, clothing, bric-a-brac and collectibles, as well as workshops – all manned by the people living there. Gary arrived at Emmaus in 2013. He was just one week from being kicked out onto the streets.
Gary, 51, from Mossley, said: “I thought I’d only stay a few months while I got my head together and got sorted. Six years later I’m still here, it’s brilliant. Emmaus saved me and I owe it so much.”
Gary has also been given the opportunity to travel with Emmaus, and has been to Germany, Holland,
France and Spain, as well as Bosnia, where he was part of a team helping people in the country.
He’s also made friends within the Emmaus Mossley community.
“Like in any workplace, you get on with some people better than others,” Gary added. “Overall though it’s a really great atmosphere.”
People are able to self-refer to Emmaus Mossley, but the majority of placements come through partners and charities such as Tameside council and the A Bed Every Night Scheme.
Everyone living there is expected to work to the best of their ability – they are given bed, board and a weekly allowance, with housing benefits going straight the charity to cover costs.
Companions are not able to claim Jobseeker’s Allowance.
● For more information on Emmaus Mossley, visit https://emmaus.org.uk/mossley/