Last week, we were asked to join organisations from across the country in a reception at 10 Downing Street to recognise our work in alleviating poverty and deprivation.
We were invited by Rt Hon Mel Stride MP Secretary of State for Work and Pensions in a celebration of 20 years of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ) and because of our previous win of the centre’s awards. Emmaus Cambridge won an award in 2005 for our transformational work in the homelessness sector, providing long-term solutions for people experiencing insecure housing, poverty, and homelessness.
The reception, was held on Wednesday 22nd May and encountered last-minute scheduling changes due to the announcement of the general election. Our Chief Executive Donna Talbot, and other guests watched the news break on big screens before entering into Downing Street.
CSJ is an independent Think Tank, founded in 2004 with a mission to help the most disadvantaged communities in Britain to flourish and reach their potential. The CSJ awards are bestowed annually to grassroots organisations working to reduce poverty.
Donna Talbot, Chief Executive of Emmaus Cambridge says “It was a privilege to represent Emmaus Cambridge and the wider Emmaus movement at 10 Downing Street. Being among so many fantastic people, doing great work was inspiring. Andy Cook, CEO of CSJ spoke of his pride and his passion for helping small charities, which he considers the backbone of their communities, to be recognised and their voices heard. He continued to speak of how he deemed it fitting that a group of grassroots organisations were the first to meet in No.10 following the news of an election, a group that he stated, remains the game changers of the future”.
We want to thank all our brilliant supporters, customers and donors who make our work possible and the CSJ for recognising the importance of our work.