A brand-new community hub and coffee shop at Emmaus Merseyside has hosted a special preview event, prior to opening fully in the new year.
On Thursday 28 November, we welcomed special guests, supporters and friends for a preview inside our new Hub & Coffee Shop. Guests including Sir Terry Waite, President of Emmaus UK, Mark Blundell, the Lord Lieutenant of Merseyside, Dr Ruth Hussey CB, OBE, DL, High Sheriff for Merseyside, and MP Peter Dowd, enjoyed fresh coffee, homemade cakes, canapés and food inside the brand-new facility.
Emmaus Merseyside is an award-winning charity that provides a home, training, work opportunities and individual support to people who have experienced homelessness. Our new Hub & Coffee Shop is located in the grounds of our residential community, home to 30 companions – residents supported by Emmaus.
Sir Terry Waite, President of Emmaus UK, commented: “The companions are the heart of Emmaus and they have done brilliantly here to make a viable life for themselves and for others. I have to congratulate people for developing this community and all the Emmaus supporters who have put their backs into making this a go. On behalf of the whole of Emmaus, thank you very much and all success for the future.”
While at Emmaus, people are given the opportunity for a fresh start, gaining skills and work experience alongside training and personal development. Our new Hub & Coffee Shop will give people a chance to learn and develop new skills whilst gaining valuable experience within the community.
Stacey, one of the residents supported by Emmaus Merseyside, said: “Getting ready for the opening event was tremendous and it was nice to see members of our community, friends and visitors come together.
“This won’t be your average chain coffee shop – we’re aiming for the very top, to give that outstanding experience. I’ve only just recently trained so I need that experience but once I’ve nailed it, my self-esteem will be boosted and that’ll give me confidence. I’m most excited about developing that relationship with our surrounding community.”
Opening soon
The Hub & Coffee Shop at Emmaus Merseyside will open to the public in January 2025 within the grounds of our community garden. As well as serving drinks, cakes and light refreshments, the Hub will be a new shared space for interaction, learning, personal development and improved wellbeing.
Marc Bamber, Chief Executive Officer at Emmaus Merseyside, said: “The opening of our new Hub was a very proud moment for everyone involved with our charity. I want to give huge thanks to the companions, volunteers, trustees and staff at Emmaus Merseyside for their hard work in bringing this new facility to life, and to everyone who attended to share this milestone with us.”
“This project was only made possible thanks to the generous support of many individuals and organisations, including construction industry charity CRASH, The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, Reds10, Galliford Try and Crosby Coffee Roasters. We are now looking forward to welcoming our local community and sharing this exciting new space with them.”
Find out more about the Emmaus Merseyside charity and social enterprise.