Wishing our companion Mike all the best for the future as he moves on to independent living.
We’re sad, but delighted, for one of our companions, Mike, who has moved into his own flat in Harpenden after living in our community for eight years.
Mike first moved to our St Albans community in 2016 after losing his home following a divorce, resulting in him becoming homeless and on the streets for two years and then staying at a local YMCA before joining us.
Mike was a valued member of our community and after initially working on the vans, he worked in the workshop full-time, upcycling furniture and using his woodwork skills to breathe new life into many donated items, a job he really enjoyed.
Mike, 68, talks about his recent move-on:
I moved into my flat on 1st August. It’s very quiet here, although I expected that moving into a flat, as everyone goes off to work during the day. I’ve met a couple of neighbours, but they’re doing their own thing and I’m doing my own thing. It’s not like a retirement home, I didn’t want that. The quiet was a bit of a shock to the system at first, but I’m getting used to it now. I’m used to doing things on my own anyway, but it’s different coping with bills and things like that, which I didn’t do at Emmaus. Everything’s online now and I’m not an online person! I’m still settling in and getting used to everything, so it’s early days.
When I moved in some of the things didn’t work, such as the shower, so I’ve had to get those teething problems sorted out. It’s something I’ve got to settle into and take on the chin – I’m still relying on people to do things for me – I’m not a spring chicken anymore!
Supportive community
I’m still in touch with Emmaus Hertfordshire who have been really supportive. They’ve been a massive help with my move-on which was a big team effort. Chloe was my key worker and she just dived in and got the ball rolling, with input from the wider team. They said if I ever need any help with anything, to give them a ring, or pop in and see them. I’ve been wanting to go back and visit but I haven’t been too well lately
Everything went to plan with moving in, there’s always a few hiccups, but that’s what you expect. Emmaus Hertfordshire helped a little bit with furniture, but I also bought some myself as I wanted a new beginning, a new start and to move on.
Great memories to cherish
It was a very friendly community and there was always somebody there to help with any problem, large or small. It didn’t matter what the situation was – it could be anything – they all understood, and they all helped.
I do miss working in the workshop a lot – I loved every second of it and I’ve still got all the photos of different projects, so I can always look back at those. Some of the things that we worked on and the people I worked with were great. It was a lovely community, everybody helped everybody else.
I want to go back and do a bit of gardening – I was hoping to go back sooner but I ended up going to the dentist and having a lot of dental work which set me back, along with some other health issues. I’m looking forward to catching up with everyone in the New Year though, when I’m feeling better.