My name is Sophie. I’ve been through a lot in my life—things like domestic violence—and I’ve lived in several different places, moving in and out of women’s refuges and hostels. I came to Emmaus North East because I was homeless, and a friend advised me to come.
I was on and off homeless for a year and a half. Just before arriving here, I spent four days on the streets after a relapse. I struggled with alcohol, and those four days were some of the hardest of my life. Thankfully, Emmaus North East accepted me, and they’ve been helping me ever since.
Being on the streets was horrible—it felt like life or death. But since coming here, I’ve had so much support. The team looks at your individual needs and offers help based on what you’ve been through. For me, because of my experience with domestic violence, I live in the all-women’s building, where I feel safe. They help rebuild your confidence so you can move forward with your life.
Things are going well for me now. Having my own room and my own space means everything—especially after constantly wondering where I’d be able to sleep next. The women’s-only building is great because it has everything you need, including a kitchen. If you’re not comfortable being around men, you don’t have to be. You can cook for yourself and take things at your own pace. Over time, as your confidence grows, you can choose to mix with others if and when you’re ready.
It’s such a relief to sleep in a proper bed and have the support I need. No matter what you’ve been through, Emmaus will help you on your journey to recovery. Everyone’s path is different, and there’s no single right way to rebuild your life—but here, you don’t have to do it alone.
To any woman experiencing domestic violence and feeling unsafe: there is a place for you here. The support isn’t just from the staff but also from people like me—people who understand. I’ll do my best to help others rebuild, just as I’ve been helped.
But Emmaus isn’t just for those fleeing domestic abuse. Whether you’re struggling with grief, anxiety from being out of work, or anything else, you’ll find support here. Step by step, you can rebuild your life.
A word from Emmaus North East: Sadly, more and more women in the North East are facing this same reality. The latest rough sleeper snapshot shows a rising number of women sleeping rough in the region. In 2021, there were five recorded cases, increasing to ten in 2022. By 2023, that number had more than doubled to 21, and in 2024, it remained at 21. These figures highlight the growing need for safe spaces like the women’s accommodation at Emmaus North East.