A HOMELESSNESS charity has been forced to think outside the box to keep up its fundraising activities during lockdown... turning to selling its wares via social media.

Emmaus Colchester has seen its online sales soar during the coronavirus outbreak thanks to its tech-savvy staff moving its shop sales to Instagram.

With its supporters using the social network to purchase goods, the charity has been able mitigate lost income from the closure of its four town centre shops.

Retail manager Gemma Aylesbury has been leading on the project.

She said: "Since the closure of our shops we’ve seen an exponential leap in online sales.

"We’ve had such a great response from our supporters since we opened up our Instagram account to sales, and we’ve seen an increase in followers and engagement.

“We've received lots of positive comments, and our customers are particularly pleased we’re still open for business.

"They seem to be going out of their way to support us and the work we do in the community.

“Whether our customers are making a furniture purchase to upcycle or to use as it is, making a purchase is giving them something to look forward to while we are all stuck at home.”

Whilst the charity's sales are skyrocketing, its stock are rapidly decreasing.

Gemma said: "We’d like to urge the public to hold onto their preloved furniture and household items and keep us in mind when the lockdown eases.”

Denise King, chief executive officer of Emmaus Colchester added: “We are delighted with the sales from Instagram. Even in these challenging times, our supporters on Instagram have shown there is still a demand for secondhand furniture and other home items.

“Of course, we all miss the shops and can't wait to welcome our customers as soon as they reopen.

"In the meantime, you can find us on Instagram @emmauscolchester where we will continue to sell our items online.”

Once items are purchased, Emmaus Colchester can hold on to them for future collection or delivery when it is safe to do so.

Emmaus Colchester supports up to 33 formerly homeless people by giving them a home and work to help them rebuild their lives.