Mike began volunteering with Emmaus South Wales after the COVID-19 lockdowns. In a recent interview, he shared his experiences and the reasons behind his commitment to Emmaus. Read on to discover his journey…
”I used to visit the Emmaus shop on Caroline Street in Bridgend, and through conversations with different companions, I learned that many of the volunteers had previously experienced homelessness. I wanted to find a way to help and asked about opportunities to support the charity, I quickly decided to start volunteering.
I’ve always been an active person. Having served in the military, run my own business, and spent years living in the Philippines, I like to keep busy. When I returned to the UK during the COVID-19 lockdown, I realised that I didn’t want to be idle. Staying active wasn’t just about keeping busy—it was essential for my physical and mental well-being.
Volunteering has been incredibly beneficial for me. Mentally, I get to support and encourage companions as they develop new skills and grow in confidence. Physically, the work keeps me moving—getting my blood pressure up and my heart rate going, much better than sitting at home in an armchair, which is what I would probably be doing if I wasn’t here!
What inspires me most is seeing people who were once homeless getting a fresh start because of Emmaus. Watching companions recover from trauma, gain confidence, and move on to jobs and new opportunities gives hope, not only to them, but to everyone around them. Despite facing their own challenges, I find the companions incredibly compassionate, which I find truly remarkable given where they’ve come from.
I’ve now been volunteering for 3 years, and I thoroughly enjoy it. I dedicate my time Monday to Friday from 9 AM to 12:30 PM and have stepped in on the occasional Saturday when extra help is needed.
To anyone considering volunteering at Emmaus South Wales, I’d say—come and see us! If you have the time, want to learn something new, meet great people, and be part of a welcoming team, you won’t regret it”.
To find out more about volunteering at Emmaus South Wales in our Porthcawl or Bridgend shops, visit here.