Emmaus Suffolk is a charity which works with vulnerable, socially isolated or long-term unemployed people and those at risk of homelessness across the county.
We are part of a global movement of Emmaus communities, including 29 found in towns and cities across the UK.
Our ambition is to introduce to Suffolk new ways of tackling entrenched homelessness and unemployment by enabling and empowering people to help themselves through meaningful activity that will benefit both themselves and others.
Our Shops
Like all Emmaus communities in the UK, we aim to be a self-funding as possible, using our social enterprises to general income for our charity.
We currently have three shops located in Ipswich and Felixstowe which sell a whole range of high quality secondhand items, from furniture to clothes and everything in between.
Our shops also sell online via eBay, Instagram, Gumtree and more.
Volunteering
By offering volunteering roles within our social enterprises we give people the chance to make a difference for themselves and contribute to the community.
We welcome volunteers from a range of backgrounds, from those wanting to put something back into the community in their spare time, those people who are looking for a route out of long-term unemployment and want some hand-on work experience, and those who would otherwise be facing isolation or social exclusion.
Our staff team offer support and training to our volunteers in a friendly, social, relaxed environment.
Our Hubs
We run regular groups at our hubs in Ipswich and Felixstowe. These groups are free to attend and are a great opportunity to meet new people in a safe, supportive and encouraging space and to chat with our support staff.
Join in with arts and crafts, play a game of chess or other board games, or simply enjoy a chat over a cup of tea. Our support team will be on hand to help with advice on budgeting, physical and mental wellbeing, job seeking and much more.
Anyone who attends will be given the opportunity to volunteer within our social enterprises, although there is no obligation to do so.
Community House
Our Community House gives people who would otherwise be homeless or insecurely housed a safe place to call home.
All tenants live independently, and are responsible for cooking for themselves, shopping and managing their own budget. However they do this with the support of the Emmaus Suffolk team, if they need it.
People living in our Community House are asked to volunteer for up to 15 hours a week in our social enterprises, helping them to build their confidence levels and gain practical, hands-on work experience.