HOPE for the Homeless. That was the overriding theme of the Emmaus Hampshire Garden Party held recently.

More than 120 guests enjoyed refreshments provided by the Emmaus Companions (residents) and had the chance to see the beautiful gardens at the charity’s facility in Bar End Road Winchester.

Emmaus provides a structured three-stage programme which includes counselling, coaching, training and work experience for 32 formerly homeless people who live in studio flats on site.

It is currently raising £280,000 for Project 40@20, to create eight additional rooms which will mean the charity can help 40 Companions back to independent living.

During the garden party, the existing companions raised over £5,000 towards this total by auctioning a range of services and through additional donations.

Companion Trevor said: “Many Companions have green fingers and we love to display our work to supporters at the garden party. Not only is gardening great relaxation and therapy but the additional skills we learn in garden design, planting and garden maintenance will stand us in good stead in the employment market when we move on from Emmaus.”

Chief executive Nigel Samuels told the assembled guests about the charity’s success in 2019 and progress on Project 40@20; he said, “Our aim is to secure our fundraising target this autumn, so we can start building the studio flats this December and then we can remove more people from their position of homelessness by next spring.”

He also expressed his thanks to students from Sparsholt College, who earlier this year helped clear the pond which has now been revitalised into a vibrant space for wildlife.

To find further information about Project 40@20 and ideas for fundraising events see the the Emmaus Hampshire website (www.emmaushampshire.org.uk) or by calling 01962 868300.