On the 13th of December, Camilla, the Queen Consort visited Emmaus SLC to look around our community and show her continued support for our solidarity efforts.
Her Majesty was given an extensive tour of our Knight’s Hill Boutique by Rachael, our Head of Business. The Queen Consort enjoyed browsing our selected of preloved goods and commented on how impressed she was with our stock. Whilst in the boutique her majesty spoke with Jon, one of our companions.
Speaking about the royal visit, Jon said:
“I think it highlights the fact that Emmaus does have that royal patronage and a lot of people see that, and they might think “that must be a good charity then”. It’s important not just for Emmaus, but here at SLC, to put us on the map.”
When asked about what it was like speaking with the Queen Consort, Jon said:
“I found her to be really pleasant she laughed at my jokes so that’s always good!”
Her Majesty was then shown to the community area where many members of staff, companions and trustees were eagerly waiting to greet her. Her Majesty sat down with Charlotte (Chief Executive of Emmaus UK) Vanessa (Emmaus SLC Community Manager) and Carolina (Emmaus SLC companion) and they discussed the possibility for an all-women Emmaus community to be established in the future. Her majesty showed great interest in the idea and recognised its potential.
Following this her majesty delivered a brief but complimentary speech to the community, praising Emmaus SLC for our harmonious community and solidarity:
“Every time I come and visit one (an Emmaus community), I always come away with the same impression that, you know, you have this wonderful feeling of community and people looking after one another – and that’s what Emmaus communities are all about.”
“So, I’d like to thank everybody who’s involved, for in making it all work and of course all of the companions – I’ve talked to so many and they always say the same thing, it’s obviously their confidence (that) gets boosted by coming here and they find a path into starting their life again.”
Her Majesty has been a patron of Emmaus in the UK since 2006 and has always been very passionate about our efforts to provide solidarity to the formerly homeless, and to elevate the effects of poverty. The Queen consort was very impressed with our community and has expressed appreciation for our charity. Talking about Emmaus SLC she said “It’s an incredible charity” and “you won’t believe it until you see it”.
Solidarity is a key part of the Emmaus ethos, and it is important to assist those who are vulnerable, especially during the Christmas period. Please consider those who are sleeping rough during the winter time as due to the low temperatures and harsh weather conditions many rough sleepers will be exposed to illnesses and injuries.
If you see someone sleeping rough who you think may need help, please contact Street Link via the contact details below:
Email: www.streetlink.org.uk
Phone: 0300 500 0914
They will contact services in your local area who can provide assistance.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank her majesty for visiting our community and showing her support in person.