On the 12th and 13th of June, Emmaus SLC delegates had the pleasure of travelling up to Leicestershire for the Emmaus Assembly 2022. This was the first Assembly to be held in person in 3 years due to COVID-19, making it even more of a special occasion, and the Assembly did not disappoint. There were discussions, workshops at the event covering topics such as sustainability, homelessness, and charity sectors. Over 200 enthusiastic Emmaus members and several guest speakers attended, proving just how passionate and strong the Emmaus family is.
Amongst the speakers were: Jeremy Swain, Former CEO at Thames Reach who led the Government’s Rough Sleeping Initiative for MHCLG, Peter Smith, Director of Development at Homeless Link, Jon Kuhrt, Specialist Rough Sleeping Advisor at the DLUHC, Nathalie Pere-Marzano, General Manager of Emmaus International, Chief Executive of Emmaus Europe and Carina Aaltonen, Chair of Emmaus Europe.
We sat down with some of the companions who attended the Assembly to find out about their experiences. Chantal said that she wanted to attend as she loves taking on new opportunities and the chance to meet new people.
“It was fun for me; I learnt a lot. I met someone who worked for the number 1 homeless charity in the UK. I like taking on new opportunities”.
Andy, who has attended previous Assemblies, was very enthusiastic about his experience. He appreciated being able to speak to people he had not seen a long time and felt proud to represent Emmaus.
Andy was especially moved by guest spokesman Jason James, a former companion turned support worker.
“I think the part where the guy who started off as a companion but became a support worker was the part that really inspired me, I did choke up a little bit, his story was very similar to mine. It inspired me to work hard.”
Pawel also spoke highly of his experience, stating that there was not one singular aspect which he enjoyed as he found the entire experience to be good. Pawel also referred to Jason James, and how touched by the story he was.
“The story that touched me the most was the one about the former companion. He told us about his life and how he became a better person. The event opened my eyes and let me see a different perspective that I couldn’t see before.”
It is very clear that the experience was positive for the delegates who attended the Assembly and they walked away very satisfied with their experience. The event was closed with an inspiring speech by Emmaus UK president Terry Waite CBE which brought a fitting end to a brilliant couple of days. We are already eagerly anticipating next year’s Assembly!