I started working in the warehouse at the Emmaus Preston Megastore. I began by getting to know how the different systems worked and everyone helped me out. I have learned how to put deliveries in the back of the van and about collections, and how to sort items out on the shop floor. I have also been helping another companion behind the tills by working in customer service, taking furniture out to customers’ cars and things like that.
I like everything I’ve done so far at Emmaus. I enjoy talking to customers. I don’t like sitting down and not doing anything. I have stood in at the clothes shop on Fishergate for Emmaus Preston, running orders through and having a laugh with customers who come in. When I make customers laugh and smile, it will hopefully make them come back again. I’m a sociable person and I like working with people.
One of my previous jobs was working for a fast-food chain, preparing, cooking and serving. I did work for a hotel in the kitchens too. Then I did a couple of cleaning jobs, but I didn’t get enough hours. I was also a care assistant for a short while. I tried working in fast food again, and ended up with a job in take aways in Preston. I would do long shifts by choice because it was a laugh meeting the people who came in.
How I became homeless
I was living with a girlfriend and we split up, and I had nowhere to go. I moved into a hostel, which was a complete nightmare with people on drugs every night. There were rats there running around the halls too.
I couldn’t get to sleep for a couple arguing next door and people were always banging on my door asking for money or toilet roll and all that. One time, when I opened the door there was someone passed out in front of it.
The council put me up for one night, and then I found myself that hostel that just wasn’t right for me. I just thought I’m not living like this any more, and I found out about Emmaus myself.
First impressions of Emmaus
The first thing that struck me about Emmaus when I walked through the door was how friendly everyone was. I wasn’t used to it because of where I had been living before. The Emmaus community building was perfect and the bedroom was amazing.
The staff at Emmaus are very friendly. They are always very helpful if there’s anything I need.
Emmaus is a real confidence boost
Emmaus has given me something to aim for in life. I’m doing NVQ courses one and two in cooking, a fire warden course and a duty of care course. When I get these, I will be a full professional. It’s given me a boost and changed things for me. I have more confidence in getting a job and in life now.
Eventually I want to get my own place again, settle down, have a family, get a job and all that stuff. I’m hoping to go on holiday to Ireland this year as I’ve family over there, and Emmaus will help with that.
Emmaus has given me the time and space to get my head together. Every day the support workers are always there to talk to. People support each other here. Everyone does.
“Accept support and you can achieve anything ”
What I want people to know is that life can change if you think positively and aim for something. Emmaus is the best place to go to in Preston. If you accept support, you can achieve anything.
If you or someone you know is homeless or at risk and would like to find out more about joining Emmaus Preston, visit our Get Support section.