Coming from a Romany Gypsy background, I grew up surrounded by a large extended family, mainly around the Bridgend area. I had a very close relationship with my grandad, who sparked my interest in martial arts. I became an avid kickboxer, practicing both for fitness and self-defence. My grandad sadly passed away when I was 16 and I struggled deeply with grief. It was after his death that I started taking drugs. At the time, I was living at my auntie’s house, but spent most of my time away, smoking drugs and drinking with friends.
Over the past five years, I have sofa-surfed extensively and lived in five different hostels. These hostels were filled with drug addicts and alcoholics, from whom I was desperately trying to distance myself. I never felt safe in that environment. A friend of mine had a security business, and I began working for him as a security guard, often at festivals. This suited me as I love being outside and enjoyed being at the festivals, even though I was working.
In December 2022, I had a brush with the law, it was my probation officer that told me about Emmaus, so I got in touch. During my telephone interview with Emmaus I admitted that I had been smoking pot during that day but promised I would stop in order to move to the community. So I did, and I have not smoked or taken any drugs since that day.
I moved into Emmaus South Wales shortly after my court case, about a year ago. I am a quiet and private person and consider myself a ghost within the community. I spend most evenings in my room, playing on my PC and listening to music. During the day, I’m gaining experience at the charity shops, feeling most confident in my role at the Porthcawl shop. I know it like the back of my hand, understand the pricing system, and have got to know the regular customers. I recently purchased a Spider-Man costume and enjoy making the youngest customers smile when they get to pose for a photo with ‘Spider-Man.’
Living at Emmaus South Wales has given me the chance to focus on my future as well as the confidence to apply for retail work. I’d like to move to Scotland or Ireland and plan to work in retail while I save enough money to start my own window cleaning business. Moving to Emmaus has been the best decision for me. The support workers here are incredibly helpful; they’ve got me through some tough times and, most importantly, helped me stay away from drink and drugs. I also know I can ask for help when I move on to independent living, which is a huge comfort.
When I first moved here, I wasn’t in a good place, but a year away from alcohol and drugs, coupled with retail experience and help from support workers, has given me the confidence and strength to move forward with my life. Now, I’m looking forward to a much brighter future, thanks to Emmaus South Wales.