Last week, our very own Dominique got the opportunity to attend a lunch event at Clarence House, the residence of the Emmaus UK’s Patron, Her Royal Highness, The Duchess of Cornwall.
We’re celebrating five years of Emmaus Suffolk this year, but the Emmaus movement has been in the UK for 30 years, with the first community established by Selwyn Image in 1991. To celebrate, thirty people who have been supported by Emmaus communities across the UK were invited to the lunch with The Duchess, including Dominique. They all shared with her how the charity has made a difference in their lives.
Each of the primary guests invited someone who has been part of their journey at Emmaus to attend as their guest, so Dominique was joined by Emma from our Support Team.
Speaking about the event, Dominique says:
“The day was an experience from start to finish, It was lovely to meet so many people involved in the charity, and talking to Her Royal Highness about the work we do and my journey with Emmaus was just the icing on the cake.
“I felt very proud of all we do, but I also know without the support I’ve received from Emmaus I could not be where I am today. Thank you so much”
Dominique first started visiting Emmaus Suffolk in 2018. She had been locked away at home for three years before, struggling with anxiety brought on by a family bereavement and the effects of Fibromyalgia which forced her to close the beauty salon she owned.
Living just down the road from Emmaus Suffolk, she made it her goal to walk to our shop once a week for a chat and a coffee with our volunteers and then decided to join as a volunteer herself. As an Emmaus Suffolk volunteer, Dominique accessed our support services which put her on the right road to recovery.
Today, Dominique is a member of staff here at Emmaus Suffolk, and runs her own business alongside fellow volunteer Jude creating beautiful homemade eco products, clothing and equipment.
Read more about Dominique’s amazing story here