Lee Driver, a companion here at Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, has attended a celebration lunch hosted by Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall at Clarence House to talk about his experiences of homelessness and how Emmaus has helped him to rebuild his life.
On Wednesday 10th November Lee attended the lunch to celebrate thirty years since Emmaus was established in the UK. Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall, is Patron of Emmaus UK and spoke to Lee and other formerly homeless people supported by Emmaus communities around the country about their experiences.
The event was part of Emmaus’ 30th anniversary celebrations, reflecting on what the charity has achieved in the past three decades. Emmaus was brought to the UK from France in 1991 by our trustee Selwyn Image, and there are now 29 communities, supporting more than 850 formerly homeless people by providing them with a safe home for as long as is needed, training, tailored support and meaningful work in a social enterprise.
Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney was established in 2011 and our community house in Ditchingham is home to up to 32 formerly homeless people, known as companions. All Emmaus companions work in the charity’s social enterprises in Ditchingham and Norwich.
Lee joined Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney after sleeping rough for seven years. During his time at Emmaus, Lee has found the space and stability he needs to start rebuilding his life. Like all companions living at Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, Lee works within the charity’s social enterprises, and is an active member of the community.
Lee said: “It was brilliant to attend this event at Clarence House last week and meet Her Royal Highness. I spoke to her about my time at Emmaus and what a difference it has made to my life. It was great to see her chatting to everyone in such a relaxed way, and to meet other people from Emmaus communities around the UK.”
