Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney is a homelessness charity which provides up to 32 people with a home, meaningful employment and support for as long as it’s needed.
We are one of 29 Emmaus communities across the UK. Together, we support more than 800 people, known within Emmaus as companions.
As a result of this support, people are given the chance to regain their confidence and build their self-esteem with no time limit. In addition, there are also five Emmaus groups currently working to open new communities.
We opened our doors in 2011 and now support up to 32 people in our community in rural Norfolk from the site of the former All Hallows Convent.
Our companions all have their own bedroom, and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals served in our communal dining room. They all work in one of our social enterprise businesses, which includes our charity shops and house clearance service. The money raised through these businesses fund the work we do, and we aim to be as self-funding as possible.
There’s no limit on the length of time you can spend living here at Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney. Some people choose to stay a few months before moving on, others stay for years.
You only have to read the stories of some of the people we have supported to see what a difference Emmaus makes.
Watch a tour of our beautiful site below:
We offer people a place to call home for as long as they need it and meaningful work in our social enterprise. Living in a stable environment with the opportunity to gain new skills helps our companions to regain any lost self-esteem and confidence, so they can get back on their feet.
Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney first formed in 2009. The initial development phase took a couple of years of dedicated volunteer fundraising and planning. The Sisters of All Hallows kindly offered our community a long-term base and premises set in several acres in the tranquil convent grounds. Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney first opened its doors to companions in 2011.
Research shows that for every £1 invested in a community, there is an £11 social, environmental and economic return, with savings to the benefits bill, health services and a reduction in crime.