A member of Emmaus Merseyside’s community has created a bespoke handmade gift for Her Majesty The Queen.
Emmaus Merseyside companion Danny was commissioned to create two wooden dog bowl holders for The Queen’s Jack Russell Terrier rescue dogs, Beth and Bluebell. The Queen, who became Royal Patron of Emmaus UK as The Duchess of Cornwall, was presented with the gift on Thursday 14 December during a visit to Emmaus Bristol to mark the charity’s 25th anniversary.
Commenting on creating the gift for The Queen, Danny, who has been supported by Emmaus Merseyside since August 2022, said: “I enjoyed making the bespoke dog bowl holders and it was a privilege to be asked really. Producing them was very eventful and it felt great to have completed them at short notice. I enjoy making different things, coming up with my own designs and seeing the end product.”
Emmaus Merseyside is an award-winning charity that provides a home, training, work opportunities and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness. The holders were made by Danny at our workshop in Sefton using wood sourced from broken bed frames that were otherwise destined for landfill.
Continued support
Across the UK there are 30 Emmaus communities that offer support to people who have experienced homelessness, poverty and social exclusion. The Queen has a longstanding relationship with Emmaus, since becoming Patron in 2006.
Emmaus Bristol was the first Emmaus site that Her Majesty visited after becoming Patron when she was Duchess of Cornwall, and this latest visit is the first to an Emmaus community since Their Majesties’ Coronation.
At the event, Her Majesty was received by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, Mrs Peaches Golding; High Sheriff of Bristol, Sharon Foster; The Right Honourable Lord Mayor of Bristol, Councillor Steve Pearce; president of Emmaus UK, Sir Terry Waite; and Emmaus UK Chair of Trustees, Jill Garner.
Commenting on the support of The Queen and the difficulties people experiencing homelessness face this time of year, Jill Garner said: “I was delighted to join The Queen and other guests to celebrate Emmaus Bristol, one of a network of Emmaus communities across the UK providing a home and hope for formerly homeless people.
“While many celebrate the festivities with family and friends, this time of year can be particularly difficult for anyone without a place to stay.
“With homelessness rising, more people than ever are on the outside at what should be a time of togetherness and joy, and Emmaus communities are needed more than ever to help those with experience of homelessness to build their lives again.”
This festive season, Emmaus is encouraging shoppers to visit their local Emmaus to find affordable pre-loved items while helping to generate income to support people out of homelessness.
Find out more about the Emmaus Merseyside charity and social enterprise.