A new charity is being launched in Ipswich with the aim of teaching vital skills and building the confidence of jobless and homeless people in the area.

The team behind Emmaus, which has branches elsewhere in the region, say they are determined to help a generation of young people gain the qualities they need to succeed.

The idea of the charity is that a shop is set up and people are then given volunteering opportunities.

The branch is working towards the creation of an outlet but is currently looking to raise awareness of the cause and garner support so it can create a successful operation in Ipswich.

Claire Staddon, the project manager of the Ipswich branch, said: “I feel positive that it will work really well.

“I’m excited about the whole process.

“We know that it works as a model and once we have started we’ll be able to engage with our volunteer groups.

“In Ipswich we have got a challenging statistic of people that have never worked so we are hoping that we can engage with that group of people.”

Emmaus was founded in Paris in 1947 with the aim of helping in need former soldiers to give them vital support and skills then. It is now operating in 36 countries and in 24 communities in the UK.

As well as providing people with volunteering opportunities, Emmaus has also provided people with places to live.

For information, visit www.emmausipswich.org