We are delighted to welcome four new trustees to Emmaus Cornwall, to help us open a residential community which will support people who are homeless.
There are currently 29 Emmaus communities in the UK, supporting more than 850 people. Our Emmaus Cornwall community will be the first of its kind in the area and will offer a home with daily support, training, and work experience, all with no time limit.
With a £1million fundraising target over the next few years, we have recruited new trustees for the second time in less than a year to gain a variety of skills, knowledge and experience that will help drive our charity forward.
Joining our current Board of Trustees is Jessica Stanton, a former international aid worker for Save the Children; Stephen Clague, a Chartered Accountant; Amanda Addo, Partnerships, Projects and Funding Manager at Coastline Housing; and Tania Horrocks, a Social Housing Tenant worker with more than 20 years’ experience.
Jessica, who has been deployed all over the world to countries including Somalia, Iraq, and Haiti during her time as an international aid worker, has since returned to live and work in Cornwall, and said:
“Coming from Cornwall, I find it truly harrowing that we have the third largest number of homeless people in the UK. Emmaus’ ethos of housing a community of people for as long as they need and providing meaningful work and training coupled with a focus on giving back to people less fortunate makes Emmaus a movement that is truly life changing. Joining as a trustee is something I’m really excited about.”
Stephen, who, as a Finance Director, has worked in the care sector in Cornwall for the past five years, brings knowledge of finance and business to his trustee role, and said: “I have become very aware of the economic deprivation within Cornwall and the unique challenges it faces particularly those in housing. I joined Emmaus with a sincere desire to use my skills and experience to enable a community to come together and flourish.”
Amanda, who has lived in Cornwall since 2012, has worked in the homelessness and rough sleeping field for more than 30 years in a variety of roles, and said:
“I am so delighted to be joining the trustees at Emmaus Cornwall and hope to bring my experience of the wider regional strategic system and an understanding of homelessness in Cornwall. I’m motivated to see how Emmaus Cornwall can offer new and lasting solutions to people experiencing complex barriers to accessing a safe and suitable home in Cornwall.”
Tania started her career in Plymouth as a Housing Association worker and has worked in Cornish communities since 2003 helping to give social housing tenants a voice. Tania said:
“Working on projects that support people who are socially and economically excluded is how I’ve seen that everyone can take steps forward in their lives with the right help and support. This is why I’m very passionate about Emmaus Cornwall and all it offers; security, a community, support, and work opportunities to build up confidence and learn new skills.”
During the pandemic, we have held virtual trustee meetings. With restrictions now easing, we met in person for the first time in July at Newquay Community Orchard.
To help with our fundraising plans, we are currently running a summer fundraiser and challenging people to walk 1 million steps between June and September. The event has raised £4,992 so far and will go towards our £1million fundraising target. To find out more about the challenge, visit www.emmausmillion.org
If you would like to get involved with Emmaus Cornwall as a volunteer or corporate partner, email emmauscornwall@gmail.com