North Bedfordshire MP Richard Fuller was given a warm welcome by our community when he visited us last Wednesday (28 August).
Richard, who has served as a Conservative MP for North Bedfordshire since 2019, re-visited our charity for an update on our work and our latest developments.
Our Chief Executive Officer, Donna-Louise Cobban, showed Richard our new drive-through Donation Drop-off Centre, as well as the refurbishment work underway to create a Support and Wellbeing Hub for the people we help.
Donna-Louise also showed Richard our unique model currently supporting up to 42 people who have experienced, or been at risk of homelessness. We provide them with safe and homely accommodation, personalised support and work experience opportunities.
Richard spoke with staff and companions about their experiences at Emmaus and the support they receive. He was also shown the refurbishment work to the central administrative Dom Gregory building, being carried out by Bedfordshire company, Orange Painting and Decorating Services, Ivel Roofing Ltd and DNR Landscaping.to create a central Support and Wellbeing Hub.
Commenting on his visit, Richard said: “I enjoyed a tour of Emmaus Village Carlton with CEO, Donna-Louise Cobban, to see the progress on the major renovation underway in the Dom Gregory building and the significant improvements to the drop-off area.
“In addition to utilising the skills of companions, it was great to see so many Bedfordshire businesses being used on the renovations, and I look forward to returning when all the building and decorating work is complete.
“It’s clear that since taking on the role at the turn of the year, Donna-Louise has made great strides in building on its legacy and taking Emmaus to the next level.”
Donna-Louise said: “We were delighted to welcome Richard back to our community to showcase the landscaping and building developments on site for our community.
“We also spoke about the issues people face being homeless and the successes of our companions as they go through their recovery out of homelessness and into independent life.”