Shaun recently moved out of Emmaus Sheffield into his own place, ready to start work and move on with his life. In this blog, Shaun shares his story.
I have always led a nomadic lifestyle and was a long-distance lorry driver for many years before I became street homeless. I found Emmaus and lived in several different communities before moving to Emmaus Sheffield in 2020. Companions often talk about which communities they have stayed in, and I was told to try the Sheffield Community as it was a good community. It was also close to my mother and family in Nottingham.
On arrival I felt happy and settled into life in Sheffield. I’m a quiet, private person and keep myself to myself, but I have made some really good friends in the Community. I have been well supported throughout my time here. I struggled with a bit of depression for a short while. I’m not one to talk to others about this, but the support staff were there for me if ever I needed to talk. Living in Emmaus gave me the confidence, encouragement, and skills I needed to move on with my life and live independently.
I decided it was time for me to move on
Last year I decided it was time for me to rebuild my life and asked if I could partake in a driver CPC training course. I know lorry drivers are in short supply and it’s a job I have done and can do again with the right training and support. Lesley, the Community Manager, found a course with Logistics Training Services Ltd, which I completed in September 2022. This course gave me the confidence and motivation I needed to start to rebuild my life.
When I arrived in Sheffield in 2020, I knew I was going to stay in Sheffield as I have made a lot of new friends here and last year my son came to live in the Community too. Lesley signed me up to Sheffield City Council and I started to bid for properties in the area with Janine my support worker in November. I secured my tenancy in January this year and I absolutely love the flat. I’m so grateful, and I know I have been very lucky.
I want to give back
Lesley applied and secured funding from Emmaus UK to purchase for a Sat Nav for Truckers, and I have it in readiness to start work again. I’m now applying for full time employment. In the meantime, I volunteer on a Monday and a Friday at Emmaus to give back for all the help and support I have received in the last couple of years.
I’d encourage anyone who is homeless or at threat of becoming homeless to give Emmaus a try. I was destitute when I first went to Emmaus and kept thinking what the hell as happened for me to get to this stage in my life.
It turns out it was the best place for me. Without them I would hate to think where I would be. I have made so many friends over the past few years too.
Find out more about Emmaus Sheffield.