Emmaus are an ideal partner, as they work with people to realise their potential, something that reflects in how we support our clients.
At Gradient, we have always been a community-conscious business. For 2020, we decided it was time to step it up and connect with and support a charity local to our office in Padiham, Lancashire – just a stone throw away from the town of Burnley.
According to the 2019 Index of Multiple Deprivation (IMD), Burnley was ranked as the 11th most deprived area out of 317 districts and unitary authorities in England. The IMD is the official measure of relative deprivation and takes into account several separate indicators to determine whether an area or individual is classed as deprived. What rings true is that one or a combination of factors from lack of affordable housing to trouble finding employment can make a person more likely to end up homeless; furthermore likely in a deprived area.
Emmaus Burnley
Emmaus Burnley is a charity that offers support to people who have experienced homelessness. The charity provides a home and meaningful work to its companions. Emmaus companions actively contribute to the success of the charity by working in one of two large charity shops that form its social enterprise. These shops sell a wide range of items, and all of the money raised helps to sustain the Emmaus Burnley community.
Emmaus is not about giving hand-outs, and this is not how Gradient support the charity. Our employees will be taking part in activities throughout the year. Yes, of course, to raise money but more importantly to raise awareness of the challenges of living without a home and also to add value to the lives of those living at Emmaus Burnley.
We plan to join Emmaus at this year’s Turf Sleepout, an event aimed at increasing the awareness of the rising epidemic of homelessness in the UK. Gradient intends to offer 1-to-1 support to the companions with advice on personal issues, training and employment after Emmaus. We have also pledged to support Emmaus with a software selection project in order to develop the social enterprise.
To find out more or support Emmaus Burnley head to https://emmaus.org.uk/burnley/. To get involved or donate an item, please call 01282 430 860 or visit the Emmaus Burnley Superstore at Ivy Street, Burnley, BB10 1TD.