A film, titled ‘Safe & Warm – Cadent Foundation’s Support for the Emmaus Community’ has been shortlisted in the 2024 Smiley Movement’s Charity Film Awards in The Big Issue Corporate Cause category.
It features an interview with Emmaus Companion, Christian Coley, who found himself homeless for two years after a bereavement. It also outlines how in 2022 the Cadent Foundation provided £36,500 of roofing insulation at Emmaus Village Carlton
The winning films will be announced at an awards ceremony at the ODEON Luxe cinema in London’s Leicester Square on Wednesday 20 March.
Emmaus Village Carlton supports people with a home, individual support and work experience for as long as they need it. Residents gain skills and confidence with work opportunities in the community’s three charity shops and bistro.
Cadent, the UK’s largest gas distribution network, commissioned the film featuring companion Christian Coley who said: “It was an honour to be part of Cadent’s Safe and Warm film and a double honour to make the Charity Film Awards finals.
“A huge thank you to Cadent for all their financial support in making our homes safe and warm across the Emmaus communities, as well as for all their voluntary work.”
Lorna Milliken, Managing Director of The Smiley Movement said: “To be a finalist is a great testament to the enthusiasm of your effectiveness of [the] film. Well done!
“The response to the awards has been overwhelming. In this record-breaking campaign, over 500 films were entered and we’ve seen a 50% increase on public votes so far for the UK charity/CIC/social enterprise categories in comparison with
last year at this stage.”
Donna-Louise Cobban, Chief Executive of Emmaus Village Carlton said: “We are absolutely thrilled and delighted to be finalists in The Smiley Movement’s Charity Film Awards.
“This is all testament to the wonderful Cadent Foundation for their incredible ongoing support of our charity and for commissioning this powerful film.
“Huge thanks to our companion Christian who is featured in the film and speaks very movingly of his experiences of homelessness, how Emmaus turned his life around and how he is now helping others in similar situations. We hope this film will receive the recognition it deserves in these fantastic awards.”
