Celebrating the opening of Emmaus Suffolk's community café

As a long-time supporter of Emmaus Suffolk, representatives for Bauder attended the grand opening of the new community café and hub at The Royal Oak in Ipswich.

Emmaus Suffolk is an independent charity and international federation that works with vulnerable, socially isolated people and those at risk of homelessness across the county. They aim to empower those people to help themselves through meaningful activity that will benefit both themselves and others. Half of Emmaus workforce have been employed from volunteering.

“We all need help, we all need someone to ask for help” – Claire Staddon, Chief Executive of Emmaus Suffolk.

Emmaus Suffolk has a small number of hubs across the local area that provide a safe space for visitors to enjoy a cuppa, a chat, and activities free of charge. They work hard to combat loneliness, and act as a family for those who may not have one. Just like other charities across the country, Emmaus was also massively affected by pandemic. Being a charity that supports those that are vulnerable, they adapted their services throughout the pandemic, even when their doors were forced closed from the national lockdown. During lockdown Emmaus made and delivered 1449 Mental Health packs.
 

There was a speech from Terry Waite CBE, Humanitarian and Author. He spoke about how once out of captivity the sympathy he once displayed for those vulnerable, changed to empathy. This has inspired his involvement with Emmaus, to help people that have been homeless regain their dignity as human beings, and to be accepted back into society.

“Success is due to the way in which Emmaus companions have reacted to the charity’s needs” Terry Waite said. Thanking the help from organisations and agencies which have contributed to the opening of the Royal Oak premises, he continued to state how the coming years will be tough, and how we can overcome these struggles by co-operating together as a community. “For the wider community, face what comes with courage and determination, as it will be difficult”.

The community café and hub at The Royal Oak can be found at 175 Felixstowe Rd, Ipswich IP3 8EB and is open from Wednesday to Saturday between the hours of 9am until 4pm (excluding bank holidays) this is subject to change after the first month of opening. Be sure to pop by to sample their delicious freshly made meals, or grab a coffee and some cake.