The Social Studio offers fun and friendship for all at Emmaus Mossley

Emmaus Mossley, the Tameside-based homelessness charity, is kicking off 2025 with an exciting new initiative: The Social Studio.

Designed to create community connections, creativity and well-being, this new monthly event will offer attendees a welcoming space to try new activities, meet new people, and support a great cause.

The Social Studio at Emmaus Mossley

Launching in February, The Social Studio will take place on the first Thursday of each month at Emmaus Mossley. Each session will feature a different hands-on activity, allowing participants to engage in creative projects, sustainable crafts, and interactive games. The aim is to create a relaxed and inclusive atmosphere where people can unwind, develop new skills, and improve their overall well-being.

Molly Ridgeway, from Emmaus Mossley, explained the inspiration behind The Social Studio:“We noticed a growing trend for social evenings centered around activities such as art, crafts, and board games.

“These types of events are more common in city centers like Manchester, but we felt there was a demand for them in outer towns as well. The Social Studio offers an opportunity for individuals to come together, combat social isolation, and engage in something fun and meaningful.”

A welcoming space for all

One of the core values of Emmaus Mossley is inclusivity. The Social Studio is open to everyone, with no prior skills or experience required. The goal is to create a friendly environment where people feel comfortable expressing themselves through creative activities. By keeping ticket prices affordable, the charity ensures that financial constraints do not prevent anyone from attending.

Molly added, “We want to encourage a diverse range of attendees, including those who may struggle with social isolation or mental health challenges. The event is designed to be accessible, with no pressure to be an expert at anything—just an opportunity to enjoy the moment and interact with others.”

Supporting the Emmaus Mission

All proceeds from The Social Studio will go directly to Emmaus Mossley, supporting individuals who have experienced homelessness. Emmaus provides not just a home but also companionship, tailored support, and work opportunities for its residents, known as companions. The Social Studio will also provide an avenue for companions to engage with the local community, fostering deeper connections and personal growth.

Molly elaborated, “This event isn’t just for attendees—it also benefits our companions, who can join in, learn new skills, and build relationships with the wider community. It aligns perfectly with our mission of rebuilding lives and strengthening community ties.”

Activities and community involvement

The activities at The Social Studio will reflect Emmaus Mossley’s ethos of sustainability, incorporating donated materials for many of the projects. Additionally, feedback from attendees will help shape future sessions, ensuring a dynamic and engaging program.

Emmaus Mossley is also inviting local businesses and volunteers to support The Social Studio by donating resources or sharing their expertise. Community involvement is key to keeping the event affordable and enriching the experiences on offer.

Measuring impact and future growth

The Social Studio aims to create lasting impact. Emmaus Mossley will track its success by gathering attendee feedback and monitoring engagement over time.

“We hope to see regular attendees who build connections and become more involved with Emmaus Mossley as a whole,” Molly said. “By creating a space where people feel valued and included, we aim to foster a stronger sense of community.”

How to get involved

The first Social Studio event takes place in February 2025, with tickets available online through the Emmaus website and Eventbrite. Whether you’re looking to try something new, meet like-minded people, or simply support a worthy cause, The Social Studio offers a fantastic opportunity to get involved.

For one night only, on Saturday 1st March from 7pm, Emmaus Mossley will be transformed for a special cabaret show with a range of music, entertainment, food and mocktails. The Viva Las Emmaus Cabaret is a charity fundraiser with all proceeds going towards the refurbishment of Emmaus Mossley’s communal kitchen and dining room.

You can get tickets by clicking here

For more details visit, Emmaus Mossley’s website by clicking here