The Companion Committee meeting is a companion-only space to be able to discuss priorities and ideas. If you are not already a Companion Representative but are interested in the role or to see what it’s all about, you are welcome to join this open meeting.

Led by: Maria-Angela Wells, EUK & Verity Sinetos-James, Emmaus UK

This workshop will combine lived experience and data on the significant harms that can be caused by gambling in order to raise awareness to address this complex social issue. The workshop is designed to motivate and inspire people to reflect on how supportive life in their community is for those in recovery from harmful gambling.

Led by: Emmaus Hampshire and Cat Gordon, Emmaus UK

Learn more about legacy fundraising and how to promote gift in Wills to Emmaus supporters. Find out about the resources available and the steps to take when someone wants to leave a gift in their Will.

Led by: Dan Booth, Emmaus UK

Learn more about the government’s Supported Housing Act and discuss how the new standards and licensing regime for supported housing will impact on Emmaus communities.

Led by: Sam Dalton and Steph Mason, Emmaus UK

Ongoing reflection is a vital part of working in a trauma-informed way, helping teams stay grounded, resilient, and emotionally attuned to the people they support. In this session, participants will hear from BGPS, specialists in delivering reflective practice within homelessness services, and learn how this approach works in practice. The session will offer practical tips for embedding reflective practice in your organisation and techniques to support staff wellbeing.

Led by: Simon Binns, BGPsychs

Please note, this workshop is for community staff only.

This workshop will focus on building supported modular home communities, and how this is a big step towards greater independence. Including sharing experiences from Emmaus communities who have built them. Plus information on how you build them, and opportunities for companions to help the building and learn new skills.

Led by: Alia Homes and Emmaus Cambridge

This session will explore the ‘state of the nation’ with homelessness in the UK, highlighting trends, policy and how the sector is responding to homelessness. This will include exploration of the annual homeless monitor data in the context of the the policy and political environment.

Led by: Francesca Albanese, Executive Director of Policy & Social Change at Crisis

This creative, hands-on workshop will teach food craft in the form of cake plant pots and modelling fondant flowers. It’s an accessible craft, suitable for all skill levels, and participants will create a finished product that is both unique, handcrafted and delicious!

Led by: Talia Johnson, Emmaus Merseyside

Learn more about the government’s Supported Housing Act and discuss how the new standards and licensing regime for supported housing will impact on Emmaus communities.

Led by: Sam Dalton and Steph Mason, Emmaus UK

This workshop is an opportunity for support workers to discuss how a peer group might support them in their work and how this could be set up. We will be discussing good practice, challenges and professional development, and seeking ideas on how this could be implemented.

Led by: Verity Sinetos-James, Emmaus UK and Harley Scott, Emmaus Hertfordshire

Please note, this workshop is for community staff only.

Sustaining a tenancy and living independently on a limited budget can be a challenge for any of us. This workshop will showcase some of the resources from the Crisis Renting Ready course giving participants an opportunity to think about how practical tips on living well with your neighbours and prioritising bills can help anyone who is ready to move on into independent living.

Led by: David, companion at Emmaus Bolton & Cat Gordon, Emmaus UK

Led by: Tony Wells and Susie Grundy Roberts, Emmaus UK

A workshop for those involved in local governance exploring how governance is delivered locally in a way that is sustainable and practical ways that governance enables the sustainability of your local group. Opportunities to share best practice and identify areas for future support.

Led by: Maria-Angela Wells, Emmaus UK

This creative, hands-on workshop will teach food craft in the form of cake plant pots and modelling fondant flowers. It’s an accessible craft, suitable for all skill levels, and participants will create a finished product that is both unique, handcrafted and delicious!

Led by: Talia Johnson, Emmaus Emmaus Merseyside

A session covering the Investors in the Environment (iiE) framework and how this helps embed sustainability, all the benefits it brings, including cost savings, staff engagement, increased funding, staff retention, and waste reduction. Genee’s work with Emmaus North East will be used to demonstrate some of these in practice.

Led by: Jo Holmes at Genee

How can services be developed which are inclusive of, and support, people with neurodivergent conditions? This workshop will explore this question and link it to the work of Emmaus communities.

Led by: Changing Futures Nottingham

An interactive session to discuss the findings from Emmaus UK’s research on supported housing, including about what good support looks like, move-on, and other key topics. This session will follow the presentation on the main stage earlier in the day, to launch the research findings.

Led by: Sam Dalton and Martin Burrows from Emmaus UK, Companion Researchers & National Housing Federation Head of Policy

Gain an overview and insights from the current performance of the charity retail sector in the UK. This workshop will focus on trends in the sector with a spotlight on how charity retailers can become more sustainable for the future.

Led by: Robin Osterly, CEO, Charity Retail Association

This workshop session explores good practice in supporting people with  to have sustainable futures. It looks at helping people settle their status, integrate into communities and progress into housing and employment.

Led by: Tom Macpherson & Katie Fawcett, NACCOM (the No Accommodation Network)

Learning from organisations who do vital work every day to help people with private renting, this workshop will look at how Emmaus communities can support people into private renting, and how we can help ensure the private rented sector is an option for people looking to move on.

Led by: Greater Manchester Better Outcomes Partnership and Fat Macy’s

The session will be aimed at participants to gain an understanding of the importance of nature in urban environments and take part in a hands-on practical activity to boost biodiversity back at communities. 

Led by: wienerberger UK

Take part in this introductory workshop, highlighting the steps needed to develop a business plan and start your own business. Gain useful information and links to work towards becoming your own boss.

Led by: Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce