I’ve been here at Emmaus Colchester a whole year now – it’s gone so quickly. Only feels like I’ve been here half a year. It took me a little while to settle in, coming into a place where there are lots of people you don’t know was hard for me to start with.
I first found out about Emmaus through probation. During my probation period I would do unpaid volunteering once a week at another charity shop. I actually quite liked it; I was steaming and sorting clothing.
Before Emmaus I was living with family, there were four of us in a 3-bed house – it was very tight. I had to leave that house because of family problems. It was horrible to be around and was a bad environment. My mental health at that time was bad, proper bad. I didn’t really know what to do. I was experiencing depression, let’s just say I ended up in hospital because of it.
I spoke to my probation officer about the living situation I was in. They referred me to Community 360 who told me about Emmaus. I came for an interview and within a week I had moved in. It was mad, very quick.
Moving to Emmaus
Just being at Emmaus and keeping busy has made a huge difference to my mental health. Having a routine and something to focus on has been so good.
Emmaus feels like a home now, I have my own space, and I have more independence. I don’t mind the work here; I like that I can have variety and do different things. First, when I joined, I volunteered in the shops, then I was in transport answering calls and sorting deliveries. I’ve also worked on the vans and in the warehouse – there’s variety for sure. The work opportunities here keep me busy – rather than just sitting in my room. I like the routine. I like having something to focus on.
Future Plans
Before my probation period, I was a chef for ten years, in a little village pub. I really enjoyed it, but I think I’m over that now. I would love to do a mechanic course – I’ve always been interested in cars, bikes anything like that. I had a bike before, but I gave it away, that’s something to aim for again definitely. There’s lots of garages around here offering courses but a lot of people want you to have experience – I just need someone to give me the first chance.
Fundraising Skydive
As soon as Brian said there was an opportunity to take part in the skydive, I knew I wanted to do it – I said yes straightaway. I want to jump out of plane – I’ve got no nerves at all! It’s going to be so good. It’s a bonus that I get to fundraise for Emmaus and give back.
You can support Ryan and other people to re-build their lives after homelessness by donating to his skydive fundraiser here