David Tredinnick, MP for Bosworth, was joined by North West Leicestershire MP Andrew Bridgen to visit local homelessness charity, Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland.

The charity, based in Hinckley, provides a home and meaningful work for 16 local people who have experienced homelessness and social exclusion.

The special visit included a tour of two charity shops - La Boutique and The Emporium - which raise funds for Emmaus, as well the charity’s accommodation ‘Elm Lea’. Mr Bridgen and Mr Tredinnick also met with staff, trustees and heard first-hand accounts of homelessness from those who benefit from the service.

The visit was a chance to highlight the importance of the charity to the local community and to discuss homelessness as a wider political issue, including the Homelessness Reduction Bill which is returning to the House of Commons on Friday 27th January.

Chief Executive Mir Juma said: “It was a great day for us and we were very encouraged by their interest and enthusiasm. It means a great deal when our local MPs take the time to find out about our work. Both our visitors were interested in learning about the ways we support those who have experienced homelessness and we are pleased that they have offered continued support in future.”

David Tredinnick MP was impressed by the work of the charity and said, “It was very pleasing to visit Emmaus and see at first hand the scope of the excellent work they undertake to proactively tackle homelessness and its causes. 

“I am very proud to have such a forward-thinking and innovative charity based in my constituency and I would encourage local people to pop into La Boutique and The Emporium in Hinckley where they might just pick up a bargain as well as support a very good cause.”