A GROUP of delegates from Europe paid a visit to Emmaus Mossley as part of the first ever Emmaus Europe Regional Assembly in the United Kingdom.
46 visitors from Emmaus communities from across Europe enjoyed a tour of the community building and second-hand superstore, keen to learn more about Emmaus in the UK.
Delegates visited the Emmaus Mossley shop, collectables room, café, living quarters, communal rooms and also visited the Mossley Industrial Heritage Centre located in the same building as Emmaus.
All photos credited to Steve Reynolds
Paolo Mannias, a member of Emmaus Cuneo in Italy, said enjoyed meeting the companions – formerly homeless people who now live and work at Emmaus Mossley.
He commented: “I immediately had a good feeling in the Emmaus Mossley community. When Dennis (a companion) started the tour I saw in his voice and eyes a good feeling that immediately gave me a great feeling that was mutual.”
Ali Hill, project Director at Emmaus Mossley, said: “We were delighted to welcome friends from across the Emmaus movement and show them what Emmaus Mossley is all about.
“We wanted to show how our community is built around companion involvement, supporting the local community and helping with other charitable causes where we can.”
The conference is held every four years and this is the first time the assembly has been held in the UK.
This year, the theme of the assembly was ‘Key Ideas’, looking at how Emmaus communities can share ideas to become more sustainable and achieve growth.
Emmaus supports formerly homeless people by providing a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise, and an opportunity to get back on their feet again.
The Emmaus movement started in France just after the Second World War and there are now 350 Emmaus communities in 37 countries across the world.
To find out more or support Emmaus head to www.emmaus.org.uk
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