John is the community manager of Emmaus North East, utilizing community, work and solidarity to support and empower people who have experienced homelessness to rediscover a purpose, connection and a joy in living. Emmaus is a global solidarity movement with a belief that those who are socially isolated and excluded can offer alternatives, while building social justice in society. Co-production and participation are central to the Emmaus ethos and through collaboration people are able to support themselves and each other in solidarity with those who are most in need within communities. Companions (as people who live in Emmaus) are called use their experience of hardship and isolation to challenge social exclusion locally, regionally and internationally.John believes in a world where everyone has a place and can contribute regardless of any previous negative experiences related to offending, addiction or rough sleeping, with all having valuable knowledge and experience to offer. Previously John worked in International Development, most recently Liberia and previous to this Malawi and Zimbabwe.