Searching for a good life in Emmaus (Tobias Jones)
In his new book, Tobias Jones describes his time as a volunteer at Emmaus Bristol. _Utopian Dreams _is Jones' account of a year living in various types of community in order "to cross examine the values by which we, in the so-called 'real world' live".
The communities described in the book vary widely, from a New Age community in Italy to a village for the elderly in Yorkshire. Jones examines both what makes community life work and also what implications this has for wider society.
Back at home in Bristol, Jones started to get involved with Emmaus, helping to drive the van to collect donated furniture or deliver items that people had bought in the shop.
"I had always liked their slogan 'Giving people a bed and a reason to get out of it'. It seemed to epitomise that paradoxical combination of relaxation and urgency. It offered people not only the means, but also the reason to live".
Jones found volunteering at Emmaus Bristol a rewarding experience: "Emmaus opens up the world", he explains. "It introduces you to people you would never otherwise meet. Some of the 'companions' become good friends".
Published on 15th January, 2007
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