Giving back during Volunteers’ Week
It is not every day that the team at Ashtons get to step away from their desk, pick up a paintbrush or a toolbox, and make a real difference in your local community.
During Volunteers’ Week, our team at Ashtons spent the day with Emmaus in St Albans. Upon arriving, it quickly became clear this would be more than just a volunteering day. It was a chance to connect with an inspiring organisation and the people at the heart of it. Volunteering has a powerful impact, not just on the communities it supports but on those who take part. In fact, 77% of volunteers say it improves their mental health and reduces feelings of isolation, and it contributes an estimated £23 billion to the UK economy every year.
Why volunteering matters at Ashtons
One of the biggest barriers to volunteering is work commitments. That is why, at Ashtons, we offer our employees two paid volunteering days each year, giving our teams the time to support causes that matter to them and give something back. Emmaus is a local organisation that supports people experiencing homelessness by helping them rebuild their lives and reintegrate into the community. They welcome people as Companions, offering a safe home, meals, support and advice, while helping them develop skills for work and independence.
Mick, an Emmaus Companion
A day making a difference
Our team got stuck in throughout the day, organising donations, refreshing the shop floor, working in the garden and upcycling furniture in the workshop. Chloe from Sales Progression and Emily from Client Services also created a fantastic upcycled piece in the workshop, guided by Paul, a Companion who once received support from Emmaus and now works alongside Mick creating furniture.
Chloe and Emily with their workshop creation
A real highlight was hearing first-hand from Graham, who guided us during the day. He shared his story of being made homeless 13 years ago and how Emmaus helped him rebuild his life. Through determination and hard work, he has transformed his future and is now a leading figure within the charity. His story brought real perspective to the day and highlighted the impact Emmaus has on the people it supports.
Graham with some of our team members
Looking ahead
The Emmaus team and Companions could not have been more welcoming, and we are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to support their work and hear their stories.
If you would like to learn more about the work Emmaus does, click here. And if you are a local charity looking for an enthusiastic team of Ashtons volunteers, please contact us, we would love to support you!
