Emmaus Cambridge works to combat homelessness in the local community, by providing shelter, meaningful work opportunities, and support to people experiencing homelessness. Their residents, known as companions, all live and gain skills at the community located in Landbeach, where they accept and sell pre-loved goods ranging from furniture, clothing, homewares, and electricals.
Donna Talbot, Chief Executive at Emmaus Cambridge, said: “We deeply appreciate the generosity of The Cambridge Building Society, they fully understand the importance of home and the security a home provides. Their combination of donations and volunteering hours will go a long way in helping us with our mission of supporting people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.”
Last year, The Cambridge answered the call and donated £6,000 in response to a break-in which targeted their workshop and serves as a hub for essential maintenance work on the site while providing people with valuable skills in construction and property maintenance.
At its AGM in 2024, the Society presented Debbie Jones, Emmaus Support Manager, and Jon Dyer, Emmaus Companion (Resident) with a cheque for £600. The money was raised from donations made for each vote they received from their members on their resolutions – 30p for online and 25p postal votes. Jimmy’s Cambridge also received £600.
Jimmy’s is a community-based charity that supports housing and support for people experiencing homelessness in Cambridge. The charity also opened the first all-year round night shelter. Jimmy’s works with each person to provide options, tools, and skills to support them on their journey, developing a tailored pathway to independence.
Cat Strawbridge, Communications Manager at Jimmy’s, said: “We’re delighted to partner with The Cambridge as one of its charities of the year partners for another year, and to continue the great work we’ve been doing to combat homelessness in Cambridge. Having the backing from such an iconic Cambridge business means so much to us and to the work we do helping people out of homelessness."
“Knowing we share common interests of investing in and supporting communities in Cambridge is incredibly important as we can be confident the impact of this partnership will be even further reaching than the fundraising alone.
“The fundraising and financial generosity last year of their team members and business cannot go unmentioned too. With fundraising and matched funds raising in the region of £11,000.”
The Angels Foundation UK is a local charity that supports families who have fled domestic abuse. Through its ‘Back to Life’ project it provides those affected and in need with furniture, flooring, home comforts and social introductions.
Last year, the charity received the full amount available from The Cambridge Building Society Community Fund, a £10,000 grant, which facilitated their ambitious plans to support more people fleeing domestic abuse.
Their successful grant application had a surprising outcome, on receiving the grant The Angels Foundation UK found the confidence to progress from being a Community Interest Company (CIC) to a registered charity, which has given them further funding and referrals opportunities.
Caroline Deeprose, CEO of The Angels Foundation UK, said: “We’re delighted The Cambridge has chosen us as one of their Community Partners this year. We’re incredibly excited at the opportunity this provides for both us and The Cambridge. We’ll be able to build on the transformative work we’ve undertaken since receiving that fabulous grant last year.”
The Cambridge works alongside local charities that shares its enthusiasm and focus for supporting vulnerable people in the local area, to empower them to realise their full potential.
Peter Burrows, Chief Executive at The Cambridge said: “I am delighted to expand our charity of the year partnership to three incredible charities, all of which do great work to help people with different issues around homes and housing, a cause very close to our heart.”
“It’s great to see our partnership with Jimmy’s continue for another year, after seeing the support the charity received last year from our team members through their fundraising efforts.
“We have a long-standing relationship with Emmaus, including supporting them following their break in last year, and our team members have voted to help Property Angels after seeing the inspiring work that they do with victims of domestic abuse. We look forward to supporting all three charities as they work to bring help to those in need.”
Image: L-R Peter Burrows, The Cambridge Chief Executive, Debbie Jones, Emmaus Support Manager, Jon Dyer, Emmaus Companion, Cat Strawbridge, Communications Manager at Jimmys, and John Spence, The Cambridge Chairman.
