'Purveyors of Good Times' help homeless people in hard times

Kelly Finnis of Emmaus with homeless guests (from left) Lee Thompson, Phillip Hill, Neil Barry and Daryl Peachey.

HULL'S hottest new dining, drinking and dancing venue welcomed more than 40 guests from the city’s homeless community and served up a Christmas treat to remember.

The Barrow Boys – known far and wide as Purveyors of Good Times – demonstrated their commitment to helping people through hard times by opening its doors for an afternoon of festive fun.

The bar joined forces with Emmaus Hull & East Riding to provide homeless people with a traditional Christmas lunch with all the trimmings in the plush surroundings of the bar in Humber Dock Street, Hull.

And the event was also much more than a meal, with live entertainment and a winter warmer pack donated by the Tommy Coyle Foundation, which covered the costs of the food and non-alcoholic drinks and equipped guests with hats, scarves and gloves.

Homeless guests who joined Kelly Finnis, Director of Emmaus Hull & East Riding, thoroughly enjoyed their afternoon out.

Lee Thompson said: “It’s amazing that they have done this. Not many people give a toss about people who are on the streets.”

Phillip Hill said: “I came last year and it was brilliant. They all give up their time and it means a lot to us.”

Neil Barry said: “I came two years ago but not last year because I got a job and moved out of Emmaus, but then I got laid off and moved back in. This is a great idea. More people should get involved and try to help.”

Daryl Peachey said: “I’ve been with Emmaus for two years and they’ve sorted out my mental health and my work ethic. I haven’t been to this before but the people who have told me it would be brilliant and it is.”

Tommy Coyle, co-founder of The Barrow Boys and Managing Director of the Tommy Coyle Foundation, said: “Boxing has been good to me and the people of Hull have supported me not just in victory but in defeat as well and this is just one of the ways I like to try give something back to the city I am extremely proud to be from.

“I have a real soft spot for those in need and those experiencing hard times. I have had plenty of help in my life and I believe if one should get to a higher place then they should send the elevator back down. The end game is to lift the Christmas spirit in our area and try to inspire others to do a good deed and spread the love.”

Dan Poole, Director of Barrow Boys, provided the venue and the services of his chefs, bar staff and front-of-house team free of charge.

He said: “We’re known for good times here at Barrow Boys, serving great food and drink and presenting top quality entertainment, and we wanted to share that experience with people who are less fortunate.

“We’re grateful to everyone at Emmaus and to the Tommy Coyle Foundation for helping us to make the event such a success and for ensuring our homeless guests take away some lasting benefits.”

Emmaus took the opportunity to promote the homeless app which it launched recently and which enables users to send instant information about rough sleepers.

Kelly said: “Emmaus are delighted to be supporting this special Christmas initiative funded by The Barrow Boys and the Tommy Coyle Foundation.

“This isn’t the first time we have helped with this annual event which supports those affected by homeless. I’ve always been blown away by Tommy’s generosity, kindness, and above all desire to give back to those less fortunate.  This event offers plenty of festive cheer and will be a lasting memory for all those who attended.

“Tommy works hard supporting social development in our city in a variety of ways.  We want people to be aware that homeless charities in Hull have always been supported by the Coyle family at Christmas time. Certainly, during my time for over a decade, the family have always shown their generosity for those most disadvantaged.

“The team at Emmaus work on the streets to actively support rough sleepers seven days and nights every week.  The new app enables anyone who is worried about a rough sleeper to alert us instantly – it uses a GPS feature to tell us exactly where the rough sleeper is located.  Humberhelp offers a directory of all services and anyone concerned can find a whole directory of support available there.  Let’s work together to help those who need it most this Christmas.”

To find out more about the app and the services of Emmaus Hull & East Riding please visit www.emmaushull.org.uk