Before finding Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, my life had fallen apart.
I had built a successful career, working in high-pressure roles, including as a store manager and a risk manager for banks. But despite outward success, I was struggling privately with alcohol addiction. When it all came to light, my whole world collapsed. I lost my job, my home, and my family. Everything was gone.
For three days, I was sleeping rough in a park. I didn’t know what to do. I felt ashamed and embarrassed but also completely lost. I wanted help, but I didn’t know how to ask for it. I didn’t want to be seen, but at the same time, I hoped someone would notice I needed support. It was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced.
I didn’t know anything about hostels or where to turn, so I just started searching for help online. That led me to a Christian organisation, where I stayed for two and a half years. They helped me a lot, but when my time there ended, I needed somewhere new. I’d met people who had lived at Emmaus, and whenever I asked about it, they’d tell me, “You get your own room, you work, you get some freedom.” That sounded like exactly what I needed.
I chose Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland because I wanted to stay close to my son. The process of joining was so smooth – the support staff made it really easy. When I arrived, I remember stepping into my room and feeling relieved. I had my own space. I didn’t feel nervous, and I didn’t feel ashamed. It felt like a fresh start.
Finding support and community
I’ve been here for a few months now, and I’m really settled. The support from the team is incredible. The staff are always there, no matter what. It’s an open-door policy – nothing’s too small to ask for help with.
Being part of this community has been huge for me. When I was homeless, I felt invisible. You want help, but at the same time, you don’t want to be seen because you feel ashamed. Emmaus can take that away. They put an arm around you and say, “You’re not the only one.” When new people arrive, I see how nervous they are, and I just tell them, “You’re safe now.” That’s all anyone wants to hear. Emmaus feels like a patchwork quilt – so many different people, all from different backgrounds, but we fit together.
A big part of my role here is helping to run our charity shop, the Emporium. I sort out bookings for collections and deliveries, answer the phones, and help customers. It keeps me busy, and I like that. I get to chat with different people every day, and it’s good to know that what we’re selling is helping to keep the charity going and supporting everyone here.
Looking ahead
The biggest thing Emmaus has given me is hope. I don’t feel like I’m stuck. I feel like there are opportunities. If I want to do a course, I can; if I want to develop a skill, the support is there. The team here encourages you to better yourself and not just stay in one place.
I’ve also reconnected with my family, which is the most important thing. My relationship with my son is getting stronger, and the Emmaus staff really encourage that. They always check in, asking if I’ve seen him and making sure I have what I need to visit. If I need a train ticket to go see him, they sort it without hesitation. That kind of support means everything.
Right now, I’m happy where I am, and I’m also thinking about the future. I’ve even been looking at job opportunities within Emmaus. I don’t know exactly what’s next, but for the first time in a long time, I know there is a next step, and that’s an amazing feeling.