Congratulations to Beckie who started university this week to fulfil her ambition to start a new career.
Emmaus Preston helped Beckie move into accommodation at the University of Cumbria this month to begin an exciting new chapter.
Setting goals with Emmaus
Beckie expressed an interest in health and social care during the regular meetings people supported by Emmaus Preston have with companion development workers. These discussions help members of the community set out goals for the future.
Members of the team in Preston helped Beckie apply to Preston College to study GCSE maths, English and a vocational qualification in health and social care. Then Beckie’s support worker Pauline helped her progress through an Access To University course.
‘Getting my first A*’
Beckie said: “Emmaus Preston gave me the space and time to study. I was happy with my English result and I have never got an A* before, which was what I got in health and social care.
“When it came to getting the results of my Access To University course, I was checking for my results to come in every five minutes on the computer. I was hiding my face. I didn’t want to see it.
“It was Emmaus that motivated me to do it and not quit. I wanted to quit on more than a few occasions. The Emmaus community was good in every sense. Some of the companions and staff were very helpful. They encouraged me. My support worker Pauline really helped me through my assignments.”
‘Incredibly proud’
Beckie secured the points she needed to get into university and Emmaus Preston helped provide the furniture, homeware and stationery she needed to settle in.
Director Stephen said: “I am incredibly proud of what Beckie has achieved and of the support workers who have helped Beckie on her journey. We wish her the best of luck on her path to a new career.”
Qualifications began for Beckie with certification in subjects such as health and safety and PAT safety testing electrical appliances. Beckie developed these skills while working in Emmaus Preston’s social enterprises, which sell the new and preloved appliances and furniture that help generate the funding to sustain the Emmaus community.
Support from Emmaus
Beckie said: “Through the Companion Training Fund, I was able to get a laptop and I was even able to carry out my work placement for health and social care by doing outreach work with Emmaus to help people who are rough sleeping.
“I have a history with social services and now I want to go into social care to be there for people who have been through similar stuff to me. I want to be the difference. If I can make a difference to just one person’s life, I will be happy.
“Emmaus has helped me because I see people differently now. If someone is talking in a certain way I think is there a reason behind that. My trust in other people has improved a lot. I have change for the better. I’m less angry and a lot more calm.
“Emmaus is work and a place to stay. It’s good in the sense that people are getting back into society rather than a place on the streets. Emmaus gives you a sense of purpose. Everyone is very close. There are always people that don’t get on with each other, but people can become friends here.
‘You can do it’
“If I can do this. anyone can do it. Don’t put yourself down before at least trying. When I first came to Emmaus, I wasn’t in the right place, but as I progressed Emmaus became a place where I was really interested in achieving my goals.”
To find out more about how Emmaus Preston helps, visit Get Support and complete an online application form or speak directly to a member of the team.