A HOMELESS charity is about to open a new shop and cafe run by formerly homeless people.

Emmaus will open the shop in Crouch Street this summer as part of its tenth anniversary celebrations.

Emmaus Colchester provides a home and meaningful work for up to 31 companions who have experienced homelessness.

Companions volunteer full time while they are at Emmaus, selling second-hand furniture and household goods at two Emmaus charity shops in the High Street, an Emmaus Works shop in Osborne Street and a warehouse in Arthur Street.

The new retail operation, ‘Emmaus New Life’, will sell top-end donated goods and one-of-a-kind upcycled items that have been restored by companions who are skilled in refurbishing.

The cafe will be staffed by companions with NVQ Level 2 in Food and Hygiene, and will serve hot drinks, cake, and snacks.

The new shop and cafe will be in the former Lloyds Bank building.

Darren Scott, business manager at Emmaus Colchester, said: “We’ve got every trade in the book at Emmaus Colchester, companions that can do plumbing, carpentry, or woodwork.

"On paper, they are homeless, and people often forget they do have skills and experience just like anyone else.

“Customers that come into our shops don’t realise the people behind the tills, or volunteering in the shops, are companions.

“The companions work so well, they run the business side of Emmaus really. The expansion of a new shop and café means we can provide more opportunities.

"It will also mean there will be a wider variety of roles in our social enterprises, more upcycling, and more training available.

"Working in a cafe setting will definitely broaden their horizons for the future too."