John went to the Emmaus National Assembly, collecting highly commended in the Community Hero Awards, and will raise his voice on the Emmaus UK committee for people supported by Emmaus charities. John shares his experiences here:
“I didn’t have a clue I had been nominated for an award. I was surprised when I heard my name announced during the awards and what I had done at Emmaus. I shook hands with Terry Waite and had a chat with him.
“Considering what he went through as a hostage in Beirut in the 80s and 90s, if someone can come out of all of that and can support Emmaus, it makes you proud.
“It was a good feeling to have been recognised.
“After listening to people’s stories at the Emmaus National Assembly, my problems seem tiny compared with others. I met people from other Emmaus communities from all different walks of life, and I found it eye-opening how other people help their communities.
My support at Emmaus
“I recently marked 12 months at Emmaus, and it feels like home. When I look back to the time I got the repossession order on my flat, I didn’t see any light at the end of the tunnel. It is hard to put into words how I felt. I didn’t think I would be here as a person on planet Earth back then.
“After Emmaus Department Store opened at Fishergate Shopping Centre the wheels are turning faster and the busier it is, the better I’m finding it.
“Customers keep me motivated. I’m on furniture collections, which means I meet people from all walks of life and get to tell people what agreeing to Gift Aid an item means to people at Emmaus. People who are working to have a roof over their head.
“Gift Aid adds that bit of extra money to a chair that’s donated or a chest of drawers. This helps pay for the bills, gas and electricity. I don’t take any of this for granted. If the person agrees, I scan a bar code and take pictures to process the item for Gift Aid.”
Gift Aid is a UK government tax relief scheme that allows registered charities to claim an extra 25p for every £1 donated by a UK taxpayer, at no extra cost to the donor.
Help and keeping occupied
“When I was at the Emmaus National Assembly, I went to one of the workshop sessions about supported housing and put it across, if you’re a single person, you’re right at the bottom of the property ladder.
“Emmaus has helped me while I’ve been here. I have seen a doctor and got the medicine I need which has helped my mental health. I still have good days and bad days. It’s easier when my mind is occupied at Emmaus.
“I went to a trustees’ meeting at Emmaus in Lancashire and told them what I have been doing at Emmaus: asking people if they want to gift aid items, how I find being on the vans and how I’m enjoying being here.
“My goal is mid next year to try to get into over 55s accommodation and continue being part of Emmaus on the vans. I was 28 years in my flat before it got repossessed. That’s half of my life, which has gone. Sometimes I think have I done right. Now I’m glad I’m at Emmaus.”
If you would like to help Emmaus provide a home and support for people with experience of homelessness, you can find out about the many ways you can support us here.