We were thrilled to showcase our community’s diverse talents at this year’s Emmaus UK National Assembly, held at the University of Warwick on Sunday and Monday (6 & 7 October).
The Assembly is a highlight of our charity’s year and sees representatives from our UK communities, the wider federation and central team joining together to socialise and enjoy fun activities, guest speakers, workshops and panel discussions. One of the workshops included an exploration of scents by our long-term supporters CPL Aromas, who ran a similar workshop in our St Albans community last year.
I’m Still Here screening
This year’s theme was ‘Amplifying Our Action: The Power of Partnerships’, and we were proud to share our involvement in the film ‘I’m Still Here’, featuring our companion Chris, which was screened at the Assembly.
Powerfully demonstrating the strength of partnerships. ‘I’m Still Here’, captures the selfless acts of kindness by volunteers from homelessness charity Under One Sky, who supported homeless people like Chris during the Covid-19 lockdown.
The volunteers defied the virus to distribute vital food, drink and companionship to Chris and his contemporaries, sustaining them during those disturbing times.
Mosaic workshops
As well as the film screening on Sunday evening, our community was involved in hosting three Mosaic Making workshops at the event, thanks to our talented companion Rosemary.
Rosemary has been taught this wonderful skill by Audrey Barnett of Montet Designs, who holds workshops in our community every week. Rosemary is now able to share her expertise and encourage other communities to create mosaic pieces such as coasters, trays, bird boxes and placemats, to boost their social enterprises.
Wooden awards from our workshop
This wasn’t the only contribution to the Assembly from our workshop; our talented companions produced stunning wooden awards, engraved by Trotec Laser engraving technologies, which were presented in the Community Hero Awards at the event.
The awards recognised outstanding community endeavours and winners were announced by BBC Radio 2 Quizmaster Jay Flynn MBE, a guest speaker at the event. The awards were presented by Sir Terry Waite CBE, Emmaus President.
Showcase reel
Our community also featured in a UK-wide Community Partnership Showcase reel, which was rolled out on big screens at the venue, giving examples of collaborations that have enhanced Emmaus communities.
Our Business Development Manager, Gemma Beckett said: “We’re thrilled and enormously proud to have played such a pivotal part in this year’s National Assembly, which for that reason, is a particularly special and memorable one.
“It’s incredible to be able to showcase the diverse talents and contributions of our companions, who never cease to amaze us, and are perfect examples of the power of partnerships, the theme of this year’s Assembly. Their individual journeys show how collaboration and support can transform lives and enable people to get back on track and fulfil their potential after experiencing homelessness.
“Huge thanks to all who contributed to the National Assembly, for inspiring and enlightening all who attended and making the two days so enjoyable.”
As well as speeches made by Charlotte Talbott, Emmaus UK’s Chief Executive, other keynote speakers included Paula Barker MP, co-chair of the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ending Homelessness, whose address was ‘Tackling Homelessness Together’.
