When was National Assembly 2023?
The Emmaus National Assembly 2023 took place on 8 and 9 October in Hinckley, Leicestershire.
The event brought together more than 200 delegates from Emmaus communities across the UK, including those with experience of homelessness, staff and trustees, guests from Emmaus Europe and Emmaus International, plus representatives from partner organisations and those outside the sector.
The theme of the event was ‘Creating a Powerful Movement’ and proved a fantastic opportunity to bring together all parts of Emmaus, share ideas and to inspire each other.
Speech from our CEO
In her speech to National Assembly 2023, our CEO Charlotte Talbott decried a “broken” housing system in the UK.
She described how a “chronic shortage of social homes” has led to a significant rise in rough sleeping and has put many at risk of losing their homes for the first time.
“129,000 young people approached their local authority for help last year, and we know that this is just the tip of the iceberg.”
Charlotte also spoke about the need for Emmaus communities across the world to unite to tackle poverty and social injustice.
Creating a powerful movement
National Assembly 2023’s theme was ‘creating a powerful movement’ – designed to bring the UK federation of Emmaus communities and groups closer with our European neighbours and International allies.
The event was attended by Carina Aaltonen, Chair of Emmaus Europe, and Anaïs Gournay, Head of Advocacy at Emmaus International.
The pair joined other attendees, including our President Sir Terry Waite CBE, fashion designer Wayne Hemingway and fellow co-founder of Charity Super.Mkt initiative, Maria Chenoweth, plus representatives from Bail for Immigration Detainees.
Workshops, panels and awards
The event hosted a diverse range of activities, workshops and discussion panels, which offered the chance to explore activities linked to our strategic plan to help more people, work smarter, shout louder and work together better.
This included sessions focused on the Emmaus brand, sustainability, our Theory of Change, solidarity and how the UK federation can strengthen its ties with the international Emmaus movement.
And a series of awards presented by Emmaus UK Founder, Selwyn Image, formed part of the evening celebrations.
In pictures | Highlights from National Assembly 2023
National Assembly 2024
Our next event will take place in October 2024.
We are planning an exciting line-up with influential speakers and interactive workshops.