Social Enterprises making an impact in Cambridgeshire – Part 4

Allia celebrates Social Enterprises in Cambridgeshire for #SocialSaturday

Cambridgeshire Social Enterprise County launched last November, and with over 300 enterprise now on the county’s register the sector is booming!

Last but by no means least on our list of amazing Social Enterprises in Cambridgeshire is Emmaus –  learn more about them below:

What does your social enterprise sell?

Second hand and pre-loved goods, furniture, bric-a-brac, electrical, clothes, jewelry, bicycles, household items, crockery, clocks, vintage items

How can members of the public/businesses buy it?

We are a busy shop open 7 days a week, visited by hundreds of people each week. Find your nearest store online here.

Why should people try to #buysocial? What impact do your customers make?

Our social enterprise supports a community of 34 soon to by 44 formally homeless people, to work their way out of homelessness and regain their self-respect, and gain essential life and work skills whilst working and living together. By buying from Emmaus, you will be helping to provide meaningful work and vital support for these individuals.

Why did you start your social enterprise/what motivates you and/or your team?

We wanted to end homelessness, we have been running for 25 years, with the view of becoming self-sufficient.

What does ‘success’ look like for your social enterprise?

Making enough money through the business, to give our companions (what we call our residents) as much opportunity as possible to reframe their lives for the better.

What’s been the most difficult thing about running your social enterprise?

Running a very busy social enterprise with a very fragile workforce is a challenge.

What’s been the most rewarding experience running your social enterprise?

Working with and seeing our companions turn their lives around, reconnect with family, and come to understand that we are not alone in this world, and that helping that others is the way to help yourself.

Have you got anything planned for Social Saturday?

We are going to do a shop local sale at our Landbeach site.

Want to keep up to date with Cambridgeshire Social Enterprise County news and opportunities? Get in touch at elaine.mccorriston@allia.org.uk

Find out how you can support Social Saturday here.

Find more Social Enterprises here.