I had my own business before I came to Emmaus. I was a pub landlord and had a hotel, but I lost it all during Covid.
I was homeless for a time, when people were being put up by the government, so I had a room in what was student accommodation. I had a roof over my head, but it wasn’t a great place to be because there were people with drug and alcohol addictions, and people begging from you. So, I applied for a place at Emmaus, and soon I received a call from one of the staff at Emmaus Preston, and the rest is history.
Developing skills
While I was at Emmaus, I did NVQs in customer service and warehousing, and all the iHasco online training courses, which helped. I have a lot to thank the staff at Emmaus for because they encouraged and nurtured me to take on additional responsibilities as a companion [the name given to people who are supported by Emmaus].
I was offered the opportunity to go on outreach with Emmaus to support people who were street homeless in towns and cities across Lancashire, because of the way they saw me interacting with other companions. We gave out clothing, sleeping bags and toiletries. I also did care work before I came to Emmaus, as an auxiliary nurse, or care worker as they would now call it. When the time is right, my ambition is to become a support worker at Emmaus Preston.
Having secured employment and moved out of Emmaus Preston, I’m now a dementia support worker in a specialist unit. I’ve just been to the funeral for one of the people there – caring doesn’t stop when they’re gone. Just like caring doesn’t stop when you’ve left Emmaus. My future wife and I, Liz, took some selection boxes into Emmaus Preston at Christmas time. It’s not much, but it lets people know they’re cared about.
Giving back
What Emmaus has taught me is the importance of just being thoughtful about others. Not everyone is the same. Everyone is unique and sometimes people do need a leg up.
I was a companion at Emmaus Preston for two years, and I’ve been living in Leyland for a year now. I’m getting married soon, and I’ve also now got a puppy Labrador called Buddy. I do try to take him up to the Emmaus community home now and again.
I try to volunteer at Emmaus when I can because Emmaus is something that’s always close to me. Sometimes I volunteer, and I cook on occasion. I don’t see cooking for a community of people as a lot for me because I am a chef by trade, and I did cook when I was a companion at the Emmaus community.
Recently I did a lunch and evening meal for the companions. I did it because Emmaus has done so much for me. I always want to give back. I’m much happier now. Emmaus does change your life.
There is hope
There is a light at the end of the tunnel. While you’re at Emmaus, as well as helping yourself, you’re helping the community and others around you. If you’re not there to do that, you’re in the wrong place.
It was recently my 50th birthday and looking back all those years ago, I didn’t know that I’d be in the position I’m in now. Anything could be round the corner. I’m just grateful something like Emmaus is out there. People don’t talk about it enough. For now, I just want to keep on going and doing what I’m doing.
If you would like to know more about the help available from Emmaus Preston, you can visit our Get Support page here.