Emmaus Suffolk charity shop moves into Ipswich BrightHouse

The charity has moved into the former BrightHouse building on Carr Street from its previous unit in the Sailmakers shopping centre.

The opening took place on Monday, September 18, and was attended by Ipswich Mayor Lynne Mortimer, who gave a speech and cut the ribbon to officially open the new site, alongside the charity’s chief executive Claire Staddon. 

Official opening of Emmaus Suffolk charity shop and the wellbeing hub, Simply C Photography (Image: Simply C Photography)

Official opening of Emmaus Suffolk charity shop and the wellbeing hub, Simply C Photography (Image: Simply C Photography)

See inside Emmaus Suffolk charity shop, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

See inside Emmaus Suffolk charity shop, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Visitors were then encouraged to browse a huge selection of pre-loved goods and learn more about the wellbeing hub, which is continually growing to meet demand.

The customers also took part in a drop-in workshop with Ipswich.Love and wrote a 'love letter' to Ipswich. 

Emmaus Suffolk hub takes part in the Ipswich.Love project, Simply C Photography (Image: Simply C Photography)

See inside Emmaus Suffolk charity shop, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

See inside Emmaus Suffolk charity shop, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

See inside Emmaus Suffolk charity shop, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Sean Trueman, the wellbeing support worker at the hub, said: "The opening was ridiculously busy. It was lovely seeing people come in and look around the shop, as well as discover the hub. 

"It’s an exciting time; we now have more space for the daily activities than we had at Sailmakers. 

Discover Emmaus Suffolk wellbeing hub, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Discover Emmaus Suffolk wellbeing hub, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"The main thing is that people treat the hub as a safe space, which is very important. They come here to play games, do some colouring and crafts or just to have a coffee and a chat. 

"We've been able to help them with the cost-of-living crisis by providing food parcels and supporting their mental health. 

Discover Emmaus Suffolk wellbeing hub, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Discover Emmaus Suffolk wellbeing hub, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"They are becoming attached to this place, make friends and volunteer at the shop." 

Jamie Alborough, who has been attending the hub and volunteering at the charity shop, added: "I really enjoy being a part of this community. 

Discover Emmaus Suffolk wellbeing hub, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

Discover Emmaus Suffolk wellbeing hub, Newsquest (Image: Newsquest)

"They've helped me when I was down at my lowest, and now I'm helping others out in the same situation that I was in. 

"I love the new space, it’s a lot bigger than we used to have. It’s nice to have the hub and the shop together."