Emmaus: Leeds charity base gets a modern revamp

Communal rooms at the charity’s base on St Mary’s Street were revamped with hard work from residents and support from a local artist.

Emmaus Leeds supports 26 companions (formerly homeless people) by providing them with a stable home and meaningful work in a social enterprise.

The communal kitchen, dining room, lounge and study are used by companions on a daily basis, providing homely spaces where they can socialise and relax.

Artist David Shearing worked with the companions to draw up designs to improve the look and feel of the communal rooms.

Andy Jones, one of the companions who helped carry out the work, said: “It’s made a great transformation to our community and all our companions can now enjoy these comfortable areas to relax and eat together.”

David said: “Working with Emmaus over the year has been great.

“The living areas are an important part of everyday life for companions and I wanted to help shape and provide a vision for the spaces.”

Donald Forrester, Chief Executive Officer at Emmaus Leeds, said: “The renovated communal rooms at Emmaus Leeds are now much more warm and welcoming for our companions.

“I would like to thank and congratulate all those from our community who have helped to carry out the work and give appreciation to David for his input on the designs.”