This year we’ve partnered with Emmanuel House to support those who are homeless, rough sleeping, or at risk of homelessness.

As a business, we pride ourselves in supporting our local community.

We don’t take for granted how lucky we are to be in the position we are. We know we’re privileged to be able to write this. 2020 has been a difficult year for so many – not just here in Nottingham, but right across the country – and with Christmas just on the horizon, we want to give something back to those that need it most. 

And that’s why our team has decided to support the Emmanuel House’s Winter Appeal. The charity launched a poignant new short film about homelessness in Nottingham – titled Lone – at the beginning of November to kick-off the campaign. A short snippet of that video can be seen below: 

Directed by BBC One’s Soul Boy, Luke Radford, and Toby Curson, the full 10-minute feature can be watched here.

Only last month, new statistics showed that nearly 1,000 families across Nottinghamshire were made homeless or threatened with eviction during the first lockdown. While this represented a drop from the same period last year, the number of families being housed in temporary accommodation increased during the first lockdown.

And that’s where charities, like Emmanuel House, come in. Their team does an incredible job on a daily basis supporting the homeless, vulnerable, and isolated adults across Nottingham.

That said, like most charities, they are also independent and rely mainly on the support of individuals, groups, organisations, and Trusts – like us. 

Several of our colleagues will be volunteering their services, raising awareness, donating, gathering essentials, and providing training that will, hopefully, help Emmanuel House in the future.

We acknowledge that there is only so much we can do as a business, but, together, we can all make a difference to peoples’ lives this winter.

Speaking about the partnership with Emmanuel House, Jake Third, Managing Director at Hallam, said: “I am grateful to be supporting Emmanuel House Support Centre on their Winter Appeal. The team have rallied behind the cause and I am really proud of their response.

“I would highly recommend watching Lone, an eye-opening short film highlighting the issue of homelessness. Emmanuel House is the kind of organisation that holds our society together during the toughest of times and it was a privilege that we have been allowed to play a very small part in what they’re doing this winter.”

Denis Tully, CEO at Emmanuel House, said: “We are delighted to be working with Hallam and are incredibly grateful for all their support so far.

“Our winter appeal is our most important fundraising event – we need it to sustain the running of the charity all year round. Emmanuel House is facing a £70,000 income shortfall as a result of the pandemic, as our sources of income and community fundraising have drastically been reduced. We rely on donations like these and without them, all Emmanuel House does would not be possible.”

How can you help? 

Want to know how you can help out? We’ve listed a few options below…

• You can make a financial donation to contribute to the running of Emmanuel House’s services via VirginMoney or make a bank transfer (download this form for the charity’s bank details and send it to [email protected]).
• Text 70450 to donate £5 (texts cost £5 plus one standard rate message), or text WINTER10 to donate £10, WINTER15 to donate £15, and so on.
• Share the trailer of Lone and direct people to watch the full film on the Emmanuel House website
• Share the campaign’s assets on social media – Facebook banner, Twitter banner, Instagram feed, and story templates too.
• Show your solidarity by downloading and printing this poster, put it in your window, or ask permission at local community venues (suggested donation welcome).
• Ask for an A3 version of the poster for your business and Emmanuel House will post one to you.
• Take photos of the mural and post them on social media.

About Emmanuel House

Since it re-opened in July, Emmanuel House’s drop-in centre has supported 165 individuals who made 450 visits to the centre and supported 22 people into accommodation. 

The support team provided 90 sessions of benefits advice, resulting in 11 people receiving their full benefit entitlement.

Since the night shelter moved into a local hotel on 27 March 2020 in response to the Government’s ‘Everybody In’ initiative, the charity has supported a total of 200 guests and rough sleepers, providing them with shelter, food, support, and en-suite facilities. 

As a result of the quality of care from all involved, 96 people have moved on from the hotel. The Nottingham Night Shelter has been working in conjunction with local councils and agencies and has received referrals from a variety of sources.

Thumbs up from delivery to helping with stock control