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AB FAB OPENING OF LOCAL HOMELESS CHARITY:

 Actress Joanna Lumley to open Emmaus Bobby Vincent Community House in South London on April 12th 2008.  

Bobby Vincent House is a 25-bedroom facility in West Norwood, for previously homeless men and women. All residents - or companions as they are known - work at the business of the Emmaus Community by refurbishing and selling donated household goods.

Ex-hostage Terry Waite - who is the President of Emmaus - will welcome Miss Lumley to the Community and will preside over the event - as well as officiate an auction with Miss Lumley. 

Terry Waite says: "I realised that day in and day out, many homeless people have to endure isolation, fear boredom and despair. It's a very quick road down from the top and very difficult indeed to begin to climb up again. Emmaus gives people a chance to get back on their feet, to be trusted and regain dignity, and be recognised as individuals with a positive future."

The launch event, which is open to the public, will encompass a range of activities for the community including; a bouncy castle, face painting, a graffiti workshop, a flamenco dancing performance, food and a mini-flea market.  Shoppers will have the opportunity to snap up special bargains from the Community shops and warehouse and Emmaus branded rickshaws will be on hand to ferry locals to the event. 

Emmaus is an international movement, which was founded 50 years ago by Selwyn Image, CBE and spans over 40 countries.

There are currently 15 Emmaus Communities in the UK, with a further ten in the pipeline. In an Emmaus Community each companion has a room of their own and work together refurbishing and selling donated household goods, the proceeds from which support the Community and other worthwhile local projects.

The launch event takes place;

Saturday April 12th 2008, from 12.45pm at: Emmaus South Lambeth, 9 Knights Hill, West Norwood, SE27 OHY.

Nearest station is West Norwood.

Further details about the work of Emmaus, together with the locations of our Communities can be found at http://www.emmaus.org.uk/