Mission:  To provide 24 hour supported accommodation to adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities, empowering them to make their own choices and achieve as much independence as possible.

Emmaus Community provides 24-hour support to nine adults with mild to moderate learning disabilities and offers a safe and homely environment with a Christian ethos.  Accommodation is provided at Russell House in Stratford Sub Castle, and Castle Road.

A team of support staff works with each resident to draw up a support plan outlining the goals and aims that they want to work towards.  Plans can include anything from taking up a new hobby to finding employment.  Residents are also encouraged to develop their independent living skills, which are everyday things like cooking, budgeting and household chores.  Clients are actively encouraged to get involved in voluntary work, supported employment and training opportunities.  Family and friends are also actively involved in life at Emmaus.

The residents were formerly living in Emmaus House, a registered care home run by Alabaré, and moved to their new accommodation in April 2010.  All nine of the residents have settled in well and are looking forward to the year ahead.  During their time at Emmaus House, which has been a number of years for many of them, the residents were all working towards becoming more independent.  After proper assessment, it was decided that they were all ready to make the move into the two new houses.

Krystyna Kerry, Manager of the former Emmaus House and now the two new houses, says:

“All of the residents are delighted with their new home which, thanks to a lot of hard work, looks wonderful.  They are all very happy about the move and looking forward to an exciting and challenging year ahead.  I think this is a really positive move for them all and I am looking forward to working with them and watching them develop further.”

The original Emmaus House on Barnard Street is now set to be re-developed as part of the demolition and re-build of the neighbouring Damascus House hostel.  Emmaus House will be transformed into eight Move On flats for people making the transition from supported accommodation to independent living. For more information about the development, click here: Damascus House Redevelopment

Outcomes for clients

• Making their own choices in all aspects of their lives
• Identifying and pursuing their aspirations and increasing confidence and self-worth
• Increased awareness of personal safety and security
• Becoming self-advocates, being treated with respect and dignity and being free from discrimination
• Increased awareness around physical and mental wellbeing
• Managing their own finances and having economic wellbeing

 To find out about referral to this project please contact the Manager using the above details.