Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney on Interior Design Masters impact

Ditchingham-based homelessness charity Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney was featured on BBC One’s Interior Design Masters with Alan Carr on Tuesday night. 

The charity at the former All Hallows Convent currently supports up to 32 people who have experienced homelessness, with a home, work opportunities and ongoing support. 

The original nun's cell in the convent (Image: Emmaus)Last year, Emmaus announced plans to restore the upstairs of the convent into a bed and breakfast and in June welcomed 10 amateur designers from the BBC show to transform the former nuns' bedrooms into stylish rooms.

As well as providing funds, the B&B will offer the people living at Emmaus work opportunities in hospitality. 

Companion Pete in the Victorian railway carriage inspired room (Photo: Emmaus) (Image: Emmaus)Cecile Roberts, CEO of Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, said: “It was incredible to have the Interior Design Masters team on site with us last June.

"The designers were all brilliant and it was amazing to see their talent and passion come to life within the walls of our building.

The designers at Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney in Ditchingham (Image: BBC)"The transformed rooms were originally proposed to be part of our bed and breakfast but we are now only restoring the 23 former nuns' cells in the old part of the convent and we are still fundraising for this project.

"Instead, the rooms have been used to house our companions, all of whom have experienced homelessness and are receiving support from our charity.

The All Hallows Convent C1870-1880 (Image: Emmaus)"The rooms have had a real impact on companions and their well-being, knowing they have a safe space to call home is important, but the transformation has also given them pride in their rooms."

Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney is running a fundraising appeal to support the opening of the B&B called Room for a Room.