"I wanted to get people out of their rooms and create a community"
Sitting in her new home in Coggeshall, Emma Rooke can reflect on a transformational few years.
It was only three years ago that Emma moved into Braintree Foyer, a housing development for those aged 18-35 experiencing homelessness. Fast forward to today, and after launching a remarkable series of activities at the Foyer, she has been nominated for a national award and is settling into her new Eastlight home.
Emma recalls how she struggled with the move to the Foyer at first. She said: “At the start, I was very quiet and reserved. I had a lot of mental health problems. Then Mark Watson, the manager of the Foyer, arranged for me to go on a residential trip near Brighton, to help me build my confidence.”
Whilst there, Emma took part in team building and socialising activities. She said: “I came out 100% more confident.”
Emma’s new-found confidence led her to meet with the Foyer Federation, a national organisation supporting those in the 50+ foyers across the country. They, along with Mark, guided her in running a programme of activities at Braintree Foyer for a month, including community cooking, go karting, beach trips and a stay at Hadleigh Farm.
“I wanted to get people out of their rooms and create a community,” recollects Emma.
Due to the success of the programme and the effect on residents, last year Emma was shortlisted for a UK Housing Award for all she has done to support Foyer residents. Fantastic work, Emma!
She now supports others to run their own activity months, and has helped to create a fishing group, a neurodiversity group and Braintree Pride, who organised their first ever event in August. Drag bingo may also be in the pipeline too!
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Two months ago, Emma had a dream come true when she moved into her own Eastlight home. Emma is adjusting to having more than one room, saying: “I’m in love with my new home. “It’s a massive change – I’m taking in all the newness and getting used to paying my bills myself.”
Emma continues to support the Foyer, visiting regularly and helping others move into their own homes. She is also very interested in getting involved with community activities in Coggeshall, saying: “It’s a really nice community.”
Mark, the manager at Braintree Foyer, said: “Emma is a really remarkable resident. She is the leading light of co-production amongst resident groups, and we were really proud to nominate her for Tenant of the Year at the UK Housing Awards.”
Lots of luck in your new home and community, Emma!
Community event raises £800 for children's charities
When Beccie Westbrookʼs sonʼs football teammate, Oscar Poole, was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, Beccie and others wasted no time in organising a special festival with live music, food and entertainment last summer to raise money for childrenʼs charities.
The event, called CourageFest and held in The Bell Inn, Panfield, was so successful that they decided to do it all again this year!
Eastlight resident Beccie, whose son plays for Great Bradfordʼs Football Club, said: “Oscar is doing really well, but we wanted to continue to raise awareness of the great work Lennox Children's Cancer Fund does, and donate money to such a worthy cause by bringing the community together at CourageFest 2024.
“I work for POP Essex, who provide play and respite sessions for those aged 0–19 with special educational needs and disabilities. I was so pleased to nominate them to be the second chosen charity this year.
“Thanks to everyone who came along and supported and enjoyed the festival – we raised a brilliant £800. I really hope we can do it all again next year!”
