News
The Duchess visits Emmaus in Bristol
21st December 2006
The Duchess of Cornwall met homeless people today during a visit to an innovative charity project of which she is Patron.
The Duchess toured the Emmaus Community in Bristol, which works to tackle homelessness by offering people a bed, work and a sense of belonging. The Duchess became Patron of Emmaus UK this year.
Terry Waite, Emmaus President and former Beirut hostage, guided The Duchess around the workshops where residents, known as 'companions', refurbish donated goods such as furniture, which they later sell in their own shop. The project aims to become self-sufficient through raising income in this way.
Emmaus companions can quit the centre at any time - and return at any time, so long as there is a vacancy.
The Duchess toured the house where the companions live. Each companion has a room of their own and together they support each other and work towards regaining independence.
The Duchess chatted to several of the companions currently in residence.
She met Chris Adams, a companion at the centre for the last two years. Mr Adams, 27, originally from Swindon, had been homeless from the age of 16 to 25 before he was taken in by Emmaus.
He has received help and training at the centre and is now ready to leave Emmaus to start a college course in Wales.
Chris said: "I hate to think what would have happened to me if I hadn't found Emmaus.
"They help you get your life back together and help get back into the work routine.
"These sorts of places should be available for homeless people across the country, the experience here has completely turned my life around."
Emmaus spokeswoman Madeleine Reiss said Emmaus aimed to give homeless people a base where they can become a part of a community and gain skills that help them move on or stay indefinitely at the centres.
It is hoped that Emmaus centres will eventually operate in all big cities across the country.
Terry Waite, who was held hostage in Beirut from 1987 to 1991 while working as envoy to the Archbishop of Canterbury, said he could empathise with homeless people everywhere.
He said: "I know what it is like to have nothing, to be kicked around on a bare floor, to have no rights.
"I've spent Christmas alone several times in a cell, and I know how hard it is to get your life back together after something like that.
"Emmaus is vitally important as it enables people to regain their dignity and it gives them the capacity to get their life back on track."
The Duchess was presented with a Bristol Blue Glass paperweight by companions at the centre.
She told companions and staff: "I've loved seeing around the centre and seeing what you’re doing - I've been very impressed with what I've seen."
Emmaus was founded in Paris shortly after the Second World War by a Catholic priest outraged at the number of homeless people living rough in the French capital.
The organisation first came to the UK in 1992 and currently boasts 13 communities. Click here to visit the Emmaus website.