Royal visit to St Paul’s charity

A charity that works to support people who have experienced homelessness, poverty and social exclusion had a royal guest at its 25th birthday celebrations.

Queen Camilla popped into Emmaus Bristol’s HQ in Backfields House on Upper York Road in St Paul’s to meet staff and volunteers and cut the cake to mark a quarter of a century of the charity’s work in the city.

Michael, who has been at Emmaus Bristol since August 2023 after spending one month sleeping in his car, gave the Queen Consort an upcycling demonstration.

Commenting on the visit, he said: “I never thought in a million years that I would meet the Queen. Her support of Emmaus is brilliant because it’s not like other charities. Here you get somewhere to live, work, training and the chance to rebuild your life.

“I upcycle a lot of donated furniture at Emmaus Bristol and I am really happy I got to show the Queen some items.”

Queen Camilla was treated to an upcycling workshop on her visit to Emmaus Bristol

On the visit, which was kept strictly under wraps, Queen Camilla was given a tour of the charity’s second-hand shop, office, upcycling workshop, warehouse and PAT testing area by Jessica Hodge, the chief executive of Emmaus Bristol.

During the tour, the Queen Consort met with residents to hear more about how Emmaus Bristol has supported them.

It was a trip down memory lane for Queen Camilla, who first visited Emmaus’ Bristol HQ after becoming patron of the charity in 2006, when she was the duchess of Cornwall.

The visit was concluded with a reception, where the Queen Consort cut an anniversary cake using Lord-Lieutenant of Bristol, Peaches Golding’s sword. She was given two wooden dog bowl holders, made by Emmaus Merseyside, for her Jack Russell rescue dogs, Beth and Bluebell. The holders were made using wood sourced from broken bed frames that were otherwise destined for landfill.

Queen Camilla bought a Christmas plate before she left Emmaus Bristol

Queen Camilla also grabbed a bargain Christmas plate to buy in the second-hand shop before heading on her way.

Commenting on the visit, Hodge said: “We were honoured by the Queen’s visit to Emmaus Bristol during our 25th anniversary year. Seeing Her Majesty seated alongside the people we support symbolises the core of Emmaus – equality and inclusivity in action.

“It was really rewarding to see the level of genuine interest the Queen took in Emmaus and the work we do. The Queen’s visit was a great gift to all the people who have worked hard to make Emmaus Bristol a thriving charity that has helped so many people recover and rebuild after experiencing homelessness.”

Queen Camilla met residents of Emmaus Bristol when she popped in to celebrate the charity’s 25th birthday

The Emmaus Bristol community is home to 24 people who have experienced homelessness, poverty and social exclusion, and the charity works to provide support for its companions for as long as is needed.

Those living at Emmaus Bristol work in the charity’s social enterprises and receive tailored support plans, training and personal development opportunities. It also offers ongoing assistance if needed to minimise the risk that an individual will experience homelessness again.

In addition, the charity has four terraced houses that provide affordable housing for families in the city.

All photos: Iain Findlay

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