Homeless Charity Photography For Suffolk’s Emmaus: A Case Study

With many people struggling during the lockdown, and the consequent impact on mental health,  I have been Simply blown away by the committment of so many.

One such person is Emmaus Suffolk’s Chief Executive, Claire Staddon, who runs the local independent charity and has created boredom packs to support their volunteers whilst they stay safely indoors during this difficult time.

I had been watching Claire’s pro-active and relentless commitment to her community for a week or so and then I got in touch and offered to photograph her packs to help spread the word. If you want to donate, get in touch as I am happy to be a donation site for anyone local that would like to contribute to help.

The charity has delivered 50 of these packs already, which contained three books, one puzzle, three CDs, three DVDs, a personal note from one of their trustees or volunteers, an activity and an Easter Gift.  The charity will be collecting and redistributing new packs in a weeks’ time.

Claire Staddon, explains: “Our volunteers are particularly vulnerable in these difficult times and providing Boredom Packs for them was our way to help support them to stay indoors and safe.  Many members of our Emmaus community only have one room to live in and social isolation is a challenge for them at the best of times. Our main focus is supporting individuals mental health in these difficult times.  We are sending them monthly newsletters by post, a weekly phone call and a Boredom Pack every two weeks.

“We have extended this service beyond our community as so many vulnerable people are at risk. The service providers are in Ipswich and Felixstowe whom work with people in temporary accommodation, this includes the street homeless that have been housed due to the recent crisis.  These are proving very popular and we are working with Cavendish Lodge (emergency bed hostel), Chapman Centre, Notting Hill Geneses Housing, Housing First project run by IHAG, ACT outreach service, Withipoll lodge (female only homeless shelter), Genesis Housing Felixstowe, Talitha koum (female only shelter) and Flagship Housing Group.”

For more information on Emmaus Suffolk visit their website