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Design show helps Norfolk charity transform convent

Shaun Whitmore/BBC Convent buildingShaun Whitmore/BBC
Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney is based at the All Hallows Convent in Ditchingham

With the help of an interior design programme, a charity has transformed a former convent.

Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney contacted BBC Two's Interior Design Masters, hoping they would get involved.

Based at All Hallows Convent in Ditchingham, Norfolk, the rooms were renovated for people who have experienced homelessness.

Cecile Roberts, the charity's chief executive, said: "It really helps raise awareness about what we're doing."

Hosted by Alan Carr, the BBC Two programme showed budding designers transform the cells of 10 former nuns.

The former nuns' retreat rooms, will be used by "companions" - people who have experienced homelessness and can continue to be supported by the charity.

Shaun Whitmore/BBC Former nun's cell transformedShaun Whitmore/BBC
Ten of the nuns' cells received an overhaul which Cecile Roberts says has made a "massive difference"

Ms Roberts said filming started last year at the Holy Cross house where they have 16 residents.

She said the impact of the newly refurbished rooms has made a "massive difference".

"It really has made a massive difference in how at home someone feels as well," she said. "Not everyone knows we're here so to be on a programme like Interior Design Masters really helps raise awareness about what we're doing and break down the stigma around homelessness and shows what's possible."

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