More than 200 people from across the Emmaus movement came together this October for the 2025 Emmaus National Assembly, held at the University of Warwick in Coventry.
The two-day event brought together Emmaus companions (people with lived experience of homelessness), staff, trustees, volunteers and sector partners from across the UK. It was a chance to learn from one another, share ideas, and explore how we can build sustainable futures — for individuals, for communities, and for wider society.
Energy, connection and learning
The Assembly opened with Junk Funk, a lively music and movement activity that set the tone for two days of creativity, connection and teamwork.
That spirit of collaboration continued with the Community Partnership Showcase, where Emmaus communities shared innovative projects — including training and employment programmes designed to help people build new skills, creative enterprises, and trauma-informed approaches to support.
The showcase captured what makes Emmaus unique: communities learning from each other and sharing ideas that help people move forward with hope and purpose.
Chief Executive Charlotte Talbott opened the event by highlighting this theme:
“Thousands of people across the UK are still without a home or a sense of belonging. The need for what Emmaus does has never been greater. The question is — how can we work together to do more, in a way that has lasting impact?”
Real voices, lasting impact
The final session of the two day event, Turning Points, saw Emmaus companions Costi and Leighann share emotional reflections on their journeys out of homelessness. They were joined by campaigner Kerri Douglas and Emmaus Ambassador Jay Flynn MBE, who both have lived experience of homelessness and spoke about their own journeys of recovery, resilience and hope.
A clear message ran through the session: people don’t heal in systems — they heal with other people.
One delegate said:
“It was really uplifting and a meaningful reminder of why we do what we do.”
Working together for change
Day two featured a major panel discussion on the State of the Sector – Save Our Supported Housing, with speakers Sophie Boobis from Homeless Link, Sarah Finnegan from the National Housing Federation, Emmaus UK, and Emmaus Companion Researchers.
The discussion explored the future of supported housing and the need for quality, consistency and fair funding. It also showed how collaboration between charities, housing providers and people with lived experience can drive real policy change.
Learning, creativity and celebration
Across the two days, delegates took part in more than 20 workshops, covering everything from reflective practice and trauma-informed support to legacy fundraising, private renting pathways, neurodivergence-affirming services, charity retail trends, modular homes, and much more.
There was also time to celebrate, with the Emmaus Awards presented by Sir Terry Waite KCMG CBE and Jay Flynn MBE, recognising inspiring people and projects from across the Emmaus Federation.
A shared commitment
Throughout the event, one theme stood out: the power of community.
Emmaus is about people coming together to rebuild lives, to find purpose, and to create change that lasts.
Thank you to everyone who made the 2025 National Assembly possible, from our speakers and organisers to every Emmaus companion, staff member, exhibitor, volunteer and supporter who took part.
Together, we’re building sustainable futures — for individuals, for communities, and for wider society.
Keep an eye out for more photos and highlights from this year’s Assembly which will be shared soon on our website and social media channels.