For me, Emmaus is about developing skills and putting yourself in a better position than when you first walked through the door. That’s what I’ve been trying to do the whole time I’ve been at Emmaus Oxford.
I joined Emmaus Oxford in 2017 after two years of sofa-surfing and sleeping in a tent. I had to learn quickly during this time. The cold weather was hard, but I used layers to keep myself as warm as possible and I taught myself how to make a fire and keep it going.
Being offered a place at Emmaus Oxford was a turning point for me. I suddenly had a home and a chance to transform my life. When I first arrived, I wanted time to let my feet hit the ground. It felt like that hadn’t happened in a while between bouncing from place to place. I spent the first year or so settling in and was made very welcome by companions and staff alike.
Training and new skills
As a kid, I used to help my grandad build bits and bobs by passing him tools, so I’ve always had an interest in furniture making through watching him work. I find it fascinating how you can take something, just a scrap of timber, and turn it into something else entirely. As the years have gone on, my interest in it has just developed more and more so after a while at Emmaus, I started a carpentry course at Crisis. It wasn’t that structured, but it was good in terms of taking the first step.
When I was on the course, I met a lass who was training at Rycotewood which is part of Oxford City College, and I looked into joining. The rest is history really; I went for my BTEC Level 1 and 2 in Cabinet Making and then did my Level 3 Diploma in Furniture Making.
After that, I was hoping to be in the position to have a space where I could utilise the skills I learnt and maybe learn a few new ones. Since the new workshop at Emmaus Oxford has been up and running, I’ve had the opportunity to do both of those things.
Workshop team
I suggested a workshop at Emmaus a while ago, but Emma, the local upcycler we’re now working with, had discussions with Eddie years ago which I wasn’t aware of. I think Emma initially got the wheels moving and then having a companion show interest probably helped as well.
We spent the first few weeks getting the workshop organised and deciding where the equipment will go. Since then, we’ve had a set of garden benches to restore, and we’ve been asked if we’d be willing to do a commissioned piece.
We’ve got a couple of other projects lined up too; something for the Rank Foundation which gave us a grant and we’re doing a plaque for the individual donor who made the workshop possible.
It’s all going pretty well and there seems to be a few other companions who have shown interest as well. Obviously right now, we’ve only got a few projects so it doesn’t make sense to get more people involved. In future though it could be brilliant because people could start taking on their own projects or upcycle items for the store. If it’s organised well and everyone is communicating with each other, I think it could go really well.
I’d be involved with the training aspect too. In terms of teaching, I’d never really thought of myself in that position, but since being in the workshop team I’ve been communicating with Emma and companion Karl, and they’ve definitely learnt a few things from me which has been great. It’s nice to feel like I’ve got skills to pass on. I’m firm believer that if knowledge isn’t passed on, it dies… there’s no point being the smartest man in the graveyard.
Support, community and work
Emmaus Oxford has supported me very well over the years, to sum it up in a couple of words. I feel like I was well supported all throughout my time at college, and people took the time to ask me how it was going. That support is always ongoing, and I appreciate any help that I’m given.
Communal living definitely does come with its own set of unique challenges, because obviously you’ve got so many different personalities living under the same roof. At the same time though, having people around you is quite nice, especially when you make friends with the other companions. I’ve got a few close friends at Emmaus now which is good because it adds to your support network.
The work aspect of Emmaus is good too. I’ve been here six years now, so being in the store can get a bit monotonous which is why I’m looking to work in different areas at Emmaus, like the workshop, because I know that I can be more valuable.
Future
I definitely see the workshop at Emmaus as an opportunity to refine my skills for future employment. After 31 years, I think I’ve finally found my little niche, the thing I want to do with my life. It’s a good feeling. For years, I never knew what I wanted to do. Working in retail is all I ever knew; it was my bread and butter so to speak. It’s good now that I’ve done my college courses, because it’s opened my eyes up to other opportunities.
Since sharing this story, Shane has started a 6-9 month placement with Oxford Wood Recycling!