Brighton homelessness charity calls upon gardeners for donations

Throughout this week Emmaus will welcome donations of garden furniture, tools, pots, books and bric-a-brac to fill its popular plant shop in Portslade.

The Greenhouse Emmaus, Drove Road, Portslade has relied on the generosity of the community since its opening in 1996 and is one of six Brighton and Hove Emmaus shops thats sells pre-loved items to raise the funds needed to provide a safe home, nutritious food, meaningful work, training and individual support for those who have experienced homelessness. National Gardening Week is close to the hearts of those at Emmaus, as this spring they have a group of nine companions who have started their own allotments in the grounds of the charity.

Companions are people who have experienced homelessness and have been helped by Emmaus, one of the companions who has taken on an allotment is Sian, who experienced homelessness on the streets of Worthing.

She said: “In my allotment, I’m growing two varieties of potatoes, onions, radishes and runner beans.

“It’s great to get outside in the fresh air, and so good that we’ll be able to put our own homegrown food on the table for the community.”

Joel Lewis, business manager at Emmaus Brighton & Hove, adds: “We are very lucky to have such amazing gardens and grounds here at Emmaus.

“We’ve had an excellent uptake of companions wanting to get involved in the community food garden.

“I think between all of the plots, we will see around 18 different varieties of vegetables grown this year.”

If you’re able to offer your support to Emmaus Brighton & Hove, visit emmausbrighton.co.uk/support-us to find out how you can donate your unwanted shed treasures this National Gardening Week.