Charles Russell Speechlys supports Emmaus through pro bono legal support, fundraising and developing volunteering projects for staff and clients

Our homes, so important to us in ordinary times, have in recent weeks become the centre of our personal, professional and social worlds.

Emmaus, our former Charity of the Year, provides a safe community home, social support and meaningful work to around 800 “Companions” – all formerly homeless people across the UK. Every year, Emmaus Companions, staff and volunteers save thousands of tons of old furniture from landfill, restoring and upcycling it for sale in the charity's shops across the country. Learn more about their work in the video below.

This valuable and environmentally friendly work helps Companions build skills and self-esteem and re-establish their place in the world, while generating income for Emmaus to reach and support others in need. 

The COVID-19 crisis has hit Emmaus very hard indeed. Its shops and social enterprises have closed, cutting off a significant chunk of its income. Like us, Companions have had to withdraw to their community homes for safety. Emmaus staff are working hard to provide support where they can but the income, stability and routine on which the Companions rely on has been lost .

At a time when we all rely so much on our homes, as an act of solidarity, we have launched an emergency initiative called Project Companion. Through which the firm will channel its support to help Emmaus. We are providing pro bono legal support, fundraising, developing volunteering projects for staff and clients and sharing relevant know how and best practice with Emmaus to help them navigate this challenging period.