Life before Emmaus was bad, it was all drink, drugs, crime and being in and out of institutions.
I battled with addiction and family issues over a period of 30 years. I was mentally and physically abused from a young age, and I suffered with this and the trauma of it for years. I used to drink and use drugs to mask the pain and the memories.
I was homeless on three occasions, but the first time was when I was kicked out of my family home. I have spent time in a Young Offender’s Institute and bail hostels all while in a constant pattern of drink, drugs and crime.
Being homeless felt cheap – it was awful. My mental health declined and my depression was very bad. It was a constant worry of finding somewhere safe to sleep. I never knew if I’d get a bed for the night or find a hostel that would let me in. I didn’t feel valued or even human. Anytime I tried to make things better for myself I just felt judged.
I found Emmaus through Oxford City Council, which is where I was at the time. I applied to Emmaus Oxford and joined almost straight away. I’ve moved about to quite a few Emmaus communities before I moved out and into a house share last year. Sadly, I relapsed after a month – I got complacent. I got into debt with dealers and then found myself on the streets through Christmas. I moved to the Norwich area and I realised I couldn’t keep being this unwell. I walked in the Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney shop in Castle Quarter and saw an old friend, who was being supported by the charity, the next thing I knew I was talking to the support team, and I joined Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney.
I feel secure at Emmaus. I don’t feel judged and I feel part of the team, valued and supported with my problems. I keep moving forward. I do all sorts of work here, in the shop, serving coffee in the café, property clearances and I also run the new AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) group on site.
I’ve received so much support since being here. I’ve got my self-confidence back, my fitness levels, basically I’m back on my feet again and I feel stronger. Everyone here at the community helps me. My recovery has been a jigsaw puzzle put together by staff and companions.
I’m excited about the future now; I know this time around it’s going to be a better experience. I am stronger and I am hopeful.
Emmaus has helped me keep clean and has given me my life back.
Right now, I want to keep doing what I’m doing. I’m taking it one day at a time until I’m clean and sober for a year. I want to work with young offenders in mental health and addiction support, that’s my end goal but for now it’s one step at a time.
If you or someone you know is experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless, get in touch and get help from Emmaus here.