Since April 2021, we have supported 187 people. Of those, 102 people were supported out of homelessness and into accommodation.
An update on our Winter Appeal
Since November 2021, our Winter Appeal has raised over £145,000. Thank you to all our inspiring supporters and fundraisers. We’ve seen it all this year, from carolling and choirs to dressing gowns and drawings. This money will contribute towards the key services that receive no statutory funding: the emergency Winter Shelter, our culturally-specific support work, a warm and safe support centre with an Access Team that offers basic services, and our Wellbeing Support Team.
How we make a difference: the Winter Shelter
In 12 weeks, we have supported 44 people at the Winter Shelter.
7 people have moved into permanent acommodation: 3 have a private rented tenancy, 2 have been reconnected with friends and family, 2 are now living in supported housing.
“The Winter Shelter is proving to be an outstanding success. We’re providing consistent, 24-hour support for up to 22 guests every night, whilst meeting all their basic needs – they have their own washing facilities, three nutritious meals a day and access to continuous support. Having smaller rooms offers our guests more privacy. This sort of accommodation and wrap-around care is essential for helping people out of homelessness.”
Viv Dickinson, Shelter Manager
Local businesses and charities have supported the Winter Shelter with incredible food provision – The Vic in Beeston cooked our Christmas dinner, The Cod’s Scallops cooked four nights in one week, Prad Thai delivered Khao Mok Chicken to the door, and not to mention our support worker Sileena’s amazing Boxing Day curry.
How we make a difference: our drop-in service
Tenancy Support Worker Kelly explains the effect the Covid-19 pandemic has had on our drop-in service.
Throughout the winter the approach in our Support Centre has been to provide space and opportunity for staff to spend quality one-to-one time with beneficiaries, focusing on working with rough sleepers, homeless people, Polish speakers, welfare benefits and tenancy support. A key aspect of our work has been conducting assessments and referrals for people accessing the Winter Shelter.
Regular on-site lateral flow testing has helped us run effectively and safely and means that we can build up our activities, with weekly guitar lessons, cooking classes and beneficiary volunteering sessions. We’re planning to reintroduce the Art Group and a Computer Clinic for people struggling with IT.
How we make a difference: the outreach team
Single Support Service
Navigators are supporting individuals who are living at the Winter Shelter and accessing Emmanuel House. Their work involves supporting rough sleepers to access health and housing provision.
Wellbeing Support Team
The team is arranging appointments to support people living in temporary accommodation with their mental health and helping prevent them from becoming street homeless.
County Mental Health Support Team
Asia provides weekly outreach sessions and works with people living in emergency and temporary accommodation in Nottingham county and are experiencing mental health difficulties. She has appointments at her clients’ hostel provision, Emmanuel House or in community settings.
Independent Living Service
Three Support Workers are working to prevent repeated homelessness by supporting people to maintain new and current tenancies and avoid eviction. They’re supporting people living in both private rented accommodation and housed with social landlords.
Culturally Specific Outreach Worker
Kalwant provides support to people from a range of ethnic backgrounds who are experiencing significant challenges in their tenancies. A number of these service users have young children, which adds a different dynamic to the work that Emmanuel House undertakes.
Watch our new short film Sanctuary
Our short film Sanctuary is based on the lived experiences of our service users. It tells the story of Kareem, who has lived with the memories of family trauma and abuse since childhood. Unable to cope with these memories, his life begins to spiral and he becomes at risk of homelessness. The film tells his story and how he seeks to gain closure and, with support from Emmanuel House, move forward with his life. Please note, this film explores themes relating to abuse, suicide and trauma.
New volunteering shifts at Emmanuel House
Volunteering has really grown over the winter. The shop has been well supported and volunteer cooks and servers have been organising hot lunchtime meals and batch cooking for the Winter Shelter. Students are also beginning 30-hour volunteering placements as part of their course. We’re excited to be recruiting more volunteers. They make such an important contribution to our work. There’s something to suit everyone with shifts on every day of the week.
Emmanuel House job vacancies
We’re looking for Winter Shelter Support Workers to work day and night shifts. We also need Early Morning Support Workers to work at the centre.
Interested in fundraising for Emmanuel House?
