Here at Emmaus Hastings and Rother , we support 23 people who have experienced homelessness by providing them with a home, individual support and work opportunities. The Community manager is supported by the Deputy manager, Business manager, Logistics and Operations team, Support Worker , Retail assistant and Finance assistant to provide daily support, guidance and assistance to the Emmaus companions, (the name we give to our residents) Any specialist services that are required are provided by local agencies and organisations.
Emmaus Hastings is not just a large charity shop – it’s a thriving community that is a home for up to 23 people at any one time. We don’t just give people a bed for the night; we offer a home, support, stability, companionship and a sense of belonging.
Our charity
At the heart of Emmaus Hastings is our companions – the people we support. Our charity’s main focus is on supporting people, providing a home for as long as someone needs it and work opportunities within our social enterprise. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity to contribute helps our companions to regain lost self-esteem and the confidence to get back on their feet.
Emmaus Hastings is an independent local charity that is governed by a board of trustees. Whilst our work is focused locally, we are also proud and active members of the Emmaus UK federation, Emmaus Europe and Emmaus International.
Our community
When we talk about our community, we mean both the building that provides a home to our companions and the diverse range of people who support the Emmaus Hastings charity.
The Emmaus Hastings community includes our companions, staff, local volunteers and trustees, as well as all the people who shop with us, donate goods and fundraise to support our work.
Our social enterprise
Our social enterprise activity is centred around the large secondhand superstore where we collect and sell a wide range of donated items.
We have our own workshop where donated goods can be refurbished or upcycled. Within our social enterprise, companions are offered the opportunity to learn a variety of skills and gain valuable work experience.
You may find our companions on the tills serving customers, helping customers on the shop floor, answering phone enquiries, helping you with your donations, sorting, processing and pricing donated goods, upcycling items, refurbishing furniture in the workshop, testing electrical items, and being part of the van crews that collect and deliver furniture in the wider community.
This contribution from Companions supports the community financially and enables them to develop skills, discover new talents and get training in new areas, it also helps to rebuild their self-respect and confidence along the way.
You can find out more about us by reading some of the personal stories from the people we support or by watching this film to see how Emmaus Hastings & Rother helped Dave and Mary – two of our former companions.
Emmaus in the UK
There are 29 Emmaus communities right around the UK providing a home and meaningful work to previously homeless men and women. The first community was opened in 1991 in Cambridge and Emmaus has since spread nationwide.