Newly-elected MPs from all three main parties have been visiting Emmaus charities across the UK to better understand the positive impact they have on local areas.

Liberal Democrat MP Charlotte Cane and Councillor John Trapp visited Emmaus Cambridge on Wednesday 21 August, whilst Labour MP Gareth Snell visited Emmaus North Staffs and Conservative MP Richard Fuller visited Emmaus Village Carlton on Wednesday 28 August.

They met with staff and people we support, known as ‘companions’, before receiving exclusive tours of the accommodation buildings, workshops and social enterprises. All MPs said they were impressed with the unique model Emmaus runs and the facilities offered to companions and the wider public.

Charlotte Cane has also backed our ‘Action on Homelessness’ manifesto demands to improve supported housing and increase the supply of social housing, whilst others expressed support for our call to have a cross-party and cross-government approach to tackling homelessness.

Following her visit, Charlotte said to staff:

“Thank you very much for showing me around Emmaus and thank you to the companions for speaking to me about what it’s like to live and work here. Thanks also to those who allowed us to go in and see their homes.

“It’s really excellent work that you’re doing here and I hope you are able to continue. I will support your campaign to try and get more supported housing, so that when people are ready to move on into their own home, there is somewhere for them to move to.”

Donna Talbot, CEO at Emmaus Cambridge, said:

“We were delighted to welcome Charlotte and John to our community and thank them for taking a genuine interest in our special model. It is wonderful to share our work in transforming homelessness into hopefulness through providing a welcoming home, tailored support and opportunities to gain new skills.

“We were heartened that Charlotte has pledged to support our Action on Homelessness Manifesto UK campaign for more supported housing, a huge step in the right direction.

“The manifesto provides the new government with a crucial opportunity to end the cruelty and injustice of homelessness for good. As well as the vital work done by different charities and organisations across the country, we would like to see urgent political action taken on homelessness.”

Charlotte Talbott, CEO at Emmaus UK, said:

“It is so inspiring to see our fresh approach to policy and campaigning in action with visits from MPs across the political spectrum. This initial engagement is just the start of our work to ensure the new parliament prioritises homelessness and housing.

“With over 110,000 households stuck in temporary accommodation in England and many more at risk of homelessness, now is the time to take action on homelessness. We want more support for community-based approaches like those provided by Emmaus communities and groups, more social housing being built, and a cross-government approach to address the root causes of the issue.

“I’d like to thank the communities who have hosted visits so far for showing the transformational support our federation provides. Our door is always open to policymakers looking to make a difference and anybody who would like to see the impact of our unique model.”

The launch of our manifesto earlier this year signalled a fresh approach to policy and campaigning, with our team now proactively engaging with government officials to take action on homelessness and protect our unique supported housing model.

(Image caption: L – R Cllr John Trapp, Charlotte Cane MP and Donna Talbot, Chief Executive at Emmaus Cambridge.)

For more information about the Emmaus UK manifesto, click here.