Make a Christmas wreath from upcycled materials at Emmaus in Portslade

Sussex Emmaus^1,2 is running two Christmas wreath-making evenings at its Portslade home, on Wednesday 2 and Thursday 3 December. Each runs from 6pm to 8pm and costs £45. The charity says “all proceeds go directly to helping people who have previously experienced homelessness.”

Everyone makes a wreath from upcycled materials and takes it home. The ticket covers all the materials, a mince pie and a glass of non-alcoholic mulled wine. No experience is needed. The Thursday session is led by Claire, a volunteer whom the charity describes as a circular economy designer and Head of Product Design at Sussex University.

The Emmaus Brighton & Hove community gives a home and work to 53 men and women, many of whom were once homeless, according to its entry on the Charity Commission³ register. Residents are called companions and can stay as long as they need. Six shops and a café pay for the community’s work.

Places are limited, and the charity warns that photos and video will be taken on the night. Anyone who would rather not appear can tell a member of staff at the start.