Our ambition is to introduce new ways of tackling entrenched homelessness, loneliness, isolation and unemployment. We do this by enabling and empowering people to help themselves through meaningful activity that will benefit both themselves and others.

We provide front line services to those people facing the prospect of homelessness to try to prevent it happening, while also supported those who are experiencing social exclusion or long-term unemployment. We do this in a number of different ways:

  • Our Hubs – Our hubs provide a relaxed, friendly and welcoming space for people to meet for a cuppa and a chat.
  • Volunteering Opportunities – Volunteers provide a valuable resource by giving their time, dedication, skills and knowledge. In return, we offer valuable work experience, access to training and support, as well as social activities and free use of our craft and upcycling workshops.
  • Support Team – our experienced Support Team can help visitors to our Hubs and our Volunteers with applying for jobs, access to benefits, budgeting, health & wellbeing advice and much more.
  • Our Community – We offer housing for people who would otherwise be homeless or insecurely housed in our Community House and Companion Rooms. These two options provide both independence and ensures people have a safe and stable place to live. Companions who live at Emmaus Suffolk volunteer in our Social Enterprises to gain new skills and build up self-esteem.

 

Emmaus around the world

Emmaus around the world

Emmaus is a solidarity-based movement, acting against poverty and exclusion. The Emmaus movement began in France in 1949 when the first Emmaus  communities were set up. In the middle of a housing crisis, the first companions built accommodation to re-house numerous families.

When the authorities failed to take action, Abbé Pierre made an appeal on 1 February 1954, which had a substantial impact in France and beyond.

Today Emmaus communities are spread across the globe, from Argentina and Guatemala to Bangladesh.

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Emmaus in the UK

Emmaus in the UK

There are currently 29 Emmaus communities across the UK, helping more than 800 “companions”, the name we sometimes give to the people we offer support to.

We work differently to most of the Emmaus communities here in the UK . The traditional model of an Emmaus community is to provide a home and work for “live-in” companions who have experienced homelessness. Instead, we work to prevent homelessness before it happens and to tackle social isolation, complimenting the work of Emmaus communities around the UK.

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