Solidarity - caring for others less fortunate than us - is one of the main objectives of Emmaus and our Community is active locally, nationally and internationally.
Local Solidarity
Inevitably, homelessness is one of the issues that concern all of us in Emmaus. Our Community Leader keeps a record of the applications we receive each month from homeless people desperately seeking a bed. But the 40 rooms in Emmaus are nearly always full. If someone leaves, the room is emptied and cleaned, and a new Companion usually moves in the same day. See our referrals page for how to become a Companion.
The soup run
Once a month Emmaus Companions help with the nightly soup run on Brighton seafront.SVP & Emmaus Furniture Scheme
The local St Vincent de Paul Society (SVP) runs a joint scheme with Emmaus to provide and deliver furniture free of charge to those who cannot afford it themselves because of a recent crisis in their lives. The SVP, a welfare organisation in Catholic parishes run by volunteers, is contacted direct by people in need. The SVP gives them a voucher which enables them to visit Emmaus and choose furniture which can include bed, table & chairs, fridge, cooker, utensils etc which is then delivered to their home. The cost is paid by the SVP and is subsidised by Emmaus through our solidarity budget. The scheme has proved so useful and successful that other providers have asked if they can run similar schemes with Emmaus. Emmaus works with Adur Council, Brighton & Hove City Council, other local authorities, Social Services, The Big Issue, Money Advice and Community Support, and Brighton & Hove Asylum Seekers Project. If asked, when time is short and the person does not have time to visit Emmaus, we will select and deliver the goods at a time requested by our partner organisation. If you are a support worker or work for a group such as a housing association and it is not listed above why not ask your manager to set up such a link with us. Organisations wishing to work with Emmaus in this way are welcome to email our Business Manager or ring him on (01273) 426479.
Please note the way this works. We give the SVP only as an example of a way we can work with other organisations. We cannot put you in touch with the SVP, Social Services, or local council to ask them to fund your request, you must ask them yourself. If your organisation does not already provide funding for someone then you may wish to consider doing so possibly on a 'one off' basis. Please contact our Business Manager as above.
We also support the work of our local Citizens Advice Bureau and acknowledge the help given to our Companions in dealing with debt, benefits and other problems.National Solidarity
Emmaus Communities provide each other with a strong network of support, practical help and advice on the many problems that are peculiar to Emmaus.
As one of the oldest UK Communities, Emmaus Brighton and Hove is frequently asked to give guided tours to prospective supporters of other Communities. We also host new Community Leaders and Assistants for short stays as part of their training. We have also pledged to give money each year to the Emmaus UK Development Fund to help new and struggling communities.
Last year we also gave the takings from a day's trading in our shop to a fund for setting up an Emmaus community in Hastings.
International Solidarity
Emmaus Brighton & Hove is also a member of Emmaus International, paying an annual subscription of 1.5% of our annual shop takings to finance the general operating of the international movement both in terms of its statutory meetings and to enable it to organise, coordinate, develop and communicate the Movement's political and solidarity commitments. It also helps fund the responsibilities in terms of the needs and activities arising from Emmaus International being Abbé Pierre's sole legatee.
We also hold solidarity sales including the proceeds of at least one day's shop trading annually which we send to Emmaus International to finance the solidarity projects presented by the Emmaus regions in Africa, Asia, America and Europe as wll as certain other solidarity commitments such as the regional solidarity funds, the emergency funds, the fund for sending containers, and to support the international Movement's collective priority programmes (access to water, healthcare, education, migrants' rights and the ethical fund).
Every year Emmaus France hosts a ‘Salon’ where Communities from all over Europe come together with lorries of donated goods to be sold in aid of the developing world and international solidarity. Emmaus Brighton and Hove sends things to sell. Our collection of teapots and cups and saucers seem to be a favourite purchase!
Emmaus Brighton & Hove, Drove Road, Portslade, East Sussex, BN41 2PA
Tel: 01273 426470
Email: contact@emmausbrighton.co.uk
Emmaus Brighton & Hove is a community of Sussex Emmaus
Sussex Emmaus - Charity: 1053354 Registered Company: 3130876
