Suffolk Charity Open new Sustainable Store in Woodbridge

Homelessness and mental health charity, Emmaus Suffolk has opened its fifth shop in the county, located in Woodbridge. The charity which supports vulnerable and socially isolated people, opened the doors to the new sustainable store on Saturday 1st February 2025 the anniversary of its first shop opening 9 years ago.

The shop on 70 Thoroughfare, Woodbridge, IP12 1AL has a sustainable focus and shoppers will be able to visit the in-store refill station to purchase cleaning and household products. The shop will also be packed full of hand-picked pre-loved furniture, homeware, fashion and books.

Emmaus Suffolk’s new electric van, which was generously gifted by John Grose, will operate out of the site making local collections and deliveries. John Grose are an established motor dealership and servicing specialist based in Ipswich, Woodbridge and Lowestoft. John Grose is supporting Emmaus Suffolk with a loan of a Ford E-Transit 350 Trend for a year.

Ian Twinley Chairman of John Grose is well known to Emmaus, having supported them with their very first van said “Emmaus are an amazing resource to those that are less fortunate, and we are delighted to support them in their new venture. Emmaus will benefit from the very low running costs of the New Electric Transit which will help maximise the much need funds to support our community”.

This new shop is Emmaus Suffolk’s first premises in Woodbridge with the charity running other stores in Ipswich and Felixstowe. The charity opened its first shop on Dales Road, Ipswich on 1st February 2016. The charity provides supported accommodation, wellbeing hubs and training and volunteering opportunities to people who are experiencing long-term unemployment, social isolation and homelessness.

Claire Staddon, CEO of Emmaus Suffolk shares “We’re so excited to expand Emmaus Suffolk to Woodbridge and it feels momentous for this to coincide with the anniversary of our charity. As an organisation we’re incredibly grateful to the support of John Grose. Thanks to their donation, we’ll now be able to deliver customers pre-loved purchases and offer our house clearance service with zero emissions. Sustainability is central to what we do and to have a van that matches our ethos is brilliant. I look forward to welcoming new supporters into our Woodbridge branch soon.”

Find out more about Emmaus Suffolk and the work they do on their website: www.emmaussuffolk.org