When was National Assembly 2024?
The Emmaus National Assembly 2024 took place on Sunday 6 October and Monday 7 October.
Ahead of World Homeless Day, over 200 people attended the two-day conference at the University of Warwick in Coventry, bringing together people with experience of homelessness who are helped by Emmaus, called companions, and Emmaus community and group staff and volunteers from 30+ Emmaus charities in the UK.
The theme of the event was ‘Amplifying Our Action: The Power of Partnerships’, as delegates came together to explore how we can work better together and strengthen our collaborations with others outside the UK federation.
Speech from our CEO
In a speech to Assembly, Charlotte Talbott, Chief Executive of Emmaus UK, praised colleagues across Emmaus and highlighted how the federation is creating a powerful movement which can “drive greater change” in every part of the country.
She said: “Some things externally have changed – a new government with a clear focus on housing brings tentative hope. But we know the issues facing our country are complex and challenging.
“Many people are struggling and the demand for the support our communities provide is increasing. The importance of community and collaboration is clear. The question is how can we work together to help even more people?
“It is critical that we have a voice and continue to influence national policy as it is developed – doing this alongside our sector colleagues will only amplify our arguments.”
Reinforcing the partnerships message
BBC Radio 2 quizmaster and homelessness campaigner Jay Flynn MBE pledged to walk alongside Emmaus in our mission to end homelessness, as he spoke during his after dinner speech of his personal experience of homelessness. Jay also hosted a quiz as part of an awards evening at National Assembly celebrating the achievements of individuals and Emmaus communities and groups.
The partnerships message was further reinforced on day two of National Assembly in a keynote delivered by Labour MP Paula Barker. As co-chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Ending Homelessness, she pledged to champion Emmaus in parliament and be a “thorn in the side” of the new government to ensure homelessness and housing is prioritised.
Representatives from Crisis, Homeless Link, Trussell, Worthing Homes and the Single Homeless Project were also at National Assembly to share their expertise and exchange ideas during a panel discussion on the topic of working together to create change.
National Assembly was sponsored by several companies and non-profit organisations which are making a positive difference in their communities. Exhibitors included Blind Owl Coffee, a coffee merchants from Bristol which put on a ‘barista masterclass’ for attendees, and Allia Homes, which promotes modular housing as an effective alternative to ‘move-on’ accommodation for people who have experienced homelessness.