I came to Emmaus Mossley in October 2023 after being homeless for a couple of months. A lady who worked for the council asked me at the end of my meeting if I would be interested in going. I had never heard of Emmaus before, but I really hated not having a place to stay so I jumped at the offer. Soon after, I was on a train to Mossley and when I arrived at the community, I was shown around by one of the support workers.

After looking around, I gave myself three months to find a job and get moved out because I thought I was going to hate it, but I was so wrong! For my first two weeks, I was working with Steve in The Shed, part of the Secondhand Superstore. Steve made my first two weeks so easy; he is a super chilled bloke and has a good taste in films which for me is a big plus.

Café and kindness

I have spent most of my days at Emmaus in Lucie’s Café. I never wanted to work in a café as I can’t cook, but because I can use a till, I was never asked to cook. The café is run by Danny, the Catering Manager, and I think I have spent more time talking to him about movies than just about anybody. Danny not only has awesome taste in films, but he also made working in the café so much easier.

While working in the café, we started a Pay It Forward promotion with the local food bank to see if people would donate one pound to help buy items for their members. Me and a few other people helped to raise over £2,000 in just a few months. Not to brag, but I’m pretty sure I helped raise £1,600 out of the total we raised through chatting to customers about the scheme. I’d like to thank everyone who donated to the scheme as they were the ones who funded it and made the difference. The Pay It Forward scheme continues and now people donate without being asked to.

Community involvement

I was lucky to be part of a few nights out at The Vale arts centre and a local theatre which Emmaus provided the tickets for. Me and two other companions went to watch the stage version of ‘School Of Rock’ and it was great. I went to The Vale a few times, once was for a screening of the film Pride with staff and a few companions. I also managed to go see some music acts at The Vale on two different nights and both were awesome. Emmaus also let me get a three-month cinema pass which was great too. I have seen so many films with it and also borrowed so many DVDs from the shop which is like candy for me!

I helped out whenever I could with the Mossley SOUP community crowdfunding events. The first one fell on my birthday, a week after I arrived at Emmaus, and I loved it. SOUP is such a great idea and many local residents turn out for the events. I tried to volunteer for as much as I could whilst I was part of the Emmaus community, and I think I have helped in some small way.

Radio show

Whilst at Emmaus Mossley, I also had a chance to be on the radio. Mossley Radio came in to promote the radio station and I asked if I could help, thinking I would just be moving records and stuff, but the people who ran the station said I could have my own show. I had no idea how to do a show and hadn’t even listened to the radio in years. I got lucky because the staff here are super supportive and encouraging. Andy helped me so much with it. I must have pestered him so much but he was always happy to help, give advice and suggested ideas for the first show I did. I got Danny to be a guest on my first show because I knew that we’d both have great back and forth and it turned out pretty good.

A fond farewell

I have been a resident at Emmaus for almost a year and I write this just before I leave to start a new job. I can’t state just how much fun I’ve had at Emmaus and how many awesome people I have met since I arrived. There are a few companions who deserve a shout out. Rob, in my first two weeks, went out of his way to help and I have so much love for the bloke. Niall and Adnan, for always pushing me to do more in the gym. Percy needs to get a big mention for being a legend and letting me win at pool. I hope that nobody deletes all the movies I have recorded on the Sky box!

I should take a little time to tell you how amazing the staff are. Hazel is one of the nicest people I have ever met. Rachel had a smile on her face at the start of day, and it would stay there all day. Steve, Gill and Michael are always there if you need a chat or some help in some way. Kat and Adrian seem to go out of their way to make you feel welcome and the same can be said for Dave, Tony, Pete, Molly and Ali who is so funny and a lovely person. I should also mention all the amazing volunteers I’ve met who have been so lovely and kind.

I hope if you are reading this that you never become homeless but if you do, you won’t find a better place to call home than Emmaus Mossley. I think there is an old song called ‘I left my heart in San Francisco’, well I will be leaving mine in Mossley.