Our Karen has won at the North West’s Inspiring Women Awards for her powerful journey from homelessness to helping others.
Karen Wallis has helped hundreds of people move to more fulfilled lives at Emmaus, after she received supported from the charity in 2012 when she reached a crisis point in her life.
Members of the audience were visibly moved as Karen took to the stage of the Lowry Hotel in Salford on Friday 16th May to share her story before being announced winner of the Community Award.
Kim, who is supported by the charity, attended the presentation with Karen, along with trustee Kath Derbyshire and Karen’s husband, Dave Wallis.
Kim said: “Karen’s story inspires me to be a better version of myself. I have recently sought help with alcohol addiction with Karen’s support and the help of the other support workers here. I feel like it could have been a lot different if I hadn’t have found Emmaus and had the support it has given me.”
Karen first came to Emmaus in Lancashire 13 years ago, following a long battle with street homelessness, which first began when she escaped an abusive partner who tried to control her with drugs.
Upon arriving, Karen received the home and support she needed to turn her life around and gave back by helping at the charity’s shop and then café at the time.
Karen then applied for a part-time support job at Emmaus, which became full-time, Head of Support then Deputy Chief Executive Officer, as she seized every opportunity to develop and progress.
Making a difference
Whilst at Emmaus, Karen has completed courses in mental health, support for people with drugs and alcohol, counselling and most recently, a Chartered Managers Diploma.
Karen has represented Emmaus at the All Party Parliamentary Group for Ending Homelessness, speaking to the then-Prime Minster at Downing Street and been called on for her voice on homelessness by Radio 4.
Karen has also shared her knowledge and experiences of homelessness as a guest speaker to students on social work, medical and pharmacy courses at the University of Central Lancashire as well as at local community groups.
Karen said: “Winning the Inspiring Women Awards 2025 was so unexpected. There were so many amazing and inspiring women in the room. The two ladies I was in the community category alongside, Shar Sangster and Nadia Ali were both awesome.
“I was really nervous telling my story, but everyone in my room was so supportive. I felt so overwhelmed when they announced that I had won and saw everyone on their feet applauding.
“Winning the award means a great deal because it recognises the work that myself and others at Emmaus put in to change people’s lives for the better and raise awareness of homelessness.”
Jacqueline Hughes-Lundy, founder of the Inspiring Women Awards, said: “Karen’s searingly honest account of her life, pre and post Emmaus, touched the audience. Already moved by the stories of her fellow finalists, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house by the end of the interviews. Karen deserved her accolade and we wish her well in her vital work with Emmaus.”
Emmaus raises the vital funds needed by providing new and donated goods at Emmaus Department Store at Fishergate Shopping Centre in Preston. You can find out more about how to Support Us here.