VOLUNTEERS at Emmaus Colchester do much more than serve customers and sort donations.

For the 32 homeless people the charity supports, the volunteers are a lifeline.

The charity gives homeless people a roof over their heads, a basic human necessity.

But they are also given vital support on the road back to independence through work.

This, in turn, gives them the opportunity to regain lost-self esteem and rebuild their lives.

Now volunteers at Emmaus, which has two High Street shops in Colchester, two warehouses and a workshop, have been thanked for the selfless work they do.

University student Ding Yi, a volunteer at Emmaus Colchester, has been giving up his time since the beginning of this year.

“It is part of the reason why my first year in university has been so fantastic,” he said.

“I have made a lot of friends here and have learned plenty of new skills.

“I am part of a group called Caring for Colchester where helping people is the first priority. I have to say the opportunity to volunteer with Emmaus Colchester was definitely a good choice and I love it.”

Homeless people using the service, who are known as companions, work closely with the volunteers. Darren Scott, business operations manager with Emmaus, described the 16 volunteers affiliated with the charity as a blessing.

He said: “The bottom line is it’s a three-way process between staff, companions and volunteers.

You take one of them out and everything collapses. They really are a lifeline, I imagine people have perceptions but they are absolutely instrumental. They are worth their weight in gold.”

The homeless undertake a work assessment and are given till training, before being given the opportunity to work in the High Street stores.

Mr Scott said they come out the other side as completely different people.

“When they come in they are quiet as it is somewhere new, but their personalities come out and the job helps with that,” he said.

“In the shops they are talking to members of the public and after a couple of months they are focussing on what they want to do when their confidence is back up.

“It’s a big buzz as you see them as a different person.”

Homelessness is still unfortunately on the rise as more people are finding themselves sofa surfing.

But Mr Scott said there was a reward in seeing the companions move on to better things after receiving support.

He thanked his volunteers during National Volunteers’ Week, which took place at the beginning of the month.

To give back to the community, a number of activities are taking place including a birdhouse-making workshop on Saturday and a tea party on June 20 at Lexden Springs School for all the volunteers there.

Mr Scott said: “We are truly grateful for all of our volunteers for bringing their skills and devoting their time to our charity.

“We have a wonderful group of people who become part of Emmaus family and who are instrumental for the development of the business and companions.

“We’d like to say a huge thank you to every volunteer who contributes to the vital work we do. We’d also like to encourage anyone considering volunteering to get in touch and find out more

“Volunteering is a good way to meet new people and it’s also a great way to pick up new skills, look for a new challenge or take your career in a new direction. All that’s required is a smile and willingness to roll up your sleeves to help us out.”

For more information call 01206 541616 or visit www.emmaus.org.uk/colchester.