The homelessness charity Emmaus Cambridge was invited to join organisations from across the country in a reception at 10 Downing Street to recognise its work in alleviating poverty and deprivation.
The event, held on May 22, was part of a celebration of 20 years of the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ).
Donna Talbot, chief executive of Emmaus Cambridge, said: “It was a privilege to represent Emmaus Cambridge and the wider Emmaus movement at 10 Downing Street. Being among so many fantastic people, doing great work was inspiring.
Andy Cook, CEO of CSJ, spoke of his pride and his passion for helping small charities, which he considers the backbone of their communities, to be recognised and their voices heard.
He also spoke of how he deemed it fitting that a group of grassroots organisations were the first to meet in No 10 following the news of the General Election being called – a group that he stated, remains the “game changers of the future”.
Emmaus was invited because it won a CSJ award in 2005 for transformational work in the homelessness sector, providing long-term solutions for people experiencing insecure housing, poverty, and homelessness.
The reception had to be rescheduled at the last minute as the General Election announcement was being made. Guests met outside where they watched the breaking news on screen.
