Our companion John* is moving on to independent living after recently securing a new job. He is now preparing to move into a flat of his own, with the help of our support team.
I have been with Emmaus for just over a year now. Before I joined as a companion, I had always struggled with mental health issues and didn’t help myself because I wasn’t dealing with my previous or current problems on a day-to-day basis. This led to a breakdown in relationships and ultimately left me without a home.
After a couple of tough months, I was approached by a StreetLink Support Worker who referred me to the Milton Keynes Bus Shelter (which provides accommodation and support for people who are sleeping rough) and gave me support and temporary accommodation. I worked with their support workers, and, after looking at options, we agreed that the most positive progression would be a referral to Emmaus Village Carlton.
Receiving the right support
My biggest problem has always been my mental health. I always found a way to avoid discussing and dealing with the challenges of the negative life experiences I had previously faced. Emmaus helped me to engage in counselling, where I was finally able to start discussing what had happened and opening up. I had previously kept bottling up my feelings and actively ignoring the problems, but counselling helped me begin the journey to find peace and start overcoming these issues.
Always there to listen
Whilst living at Emmaus, it has felt like a stable, safe environment with no time limit on how long you can stay. It offers a community with a diverse array of individuals, each with their own unique backgrounds. The staff here have always been supportive since my first day, no matter how big the issue or problem is. They are always there to listen, offer guidance, and ensure you are okay. Emmaus gives you the space, time, and environment needed to rebuild and move forward in a steady manner.
New job
The company I now work for came to the community to tell us about their organisation and a job opportunity they were going to advertise, which would be available for anyone at the community to apply for. I really enjoyed hearing about the company and what they were offering and the support staff here signposted me to the application portal. After the interview process, I was offered a full-time job within the company as a Customs Coordinator. Before applying, I had some help from Isabel at Emmaus (Wellbeing and Development Worker) to look over my CV and improve my interview skills to make sure I could present myself in the best way possible.
Looking to the future
Throughout my time in the move-on process so far, I have had regular meetings with Isabel to plan and investigate housing options after Emmaus. We have also looked into the realistic cost of living to ensure that my plans are practical, and I avoid any steps backward once I move on from Emmaus.
I hope that I can continue to better myself and improve my lifestyle. The last 12 months have shown me how small changes can have a massive impact on day-to-day life. My overall self-confidence and outlook on life have broadened as I faced challenges I would have previously hidden from, and actively sought help where I could.
Invaluable support
Being at Emmaus has given me the opportunity to grow and rebuild into the person I am today. The constant support and guidance available have been invaluable at a time when I really needed it. Being here has helped me gain the core skills I needed to build upon; from building my self-confidence to the ability to deal with issues at my own pace in a supportive environment.
Being homeless can be terrifying and incredibly challenging, but there is support out there for those who are willing to take that next step to rebuild and move forward. Personally, I was lost and didn’t know where to turn before Emmaus, but after the first six weeks, I really started to appreciate the chance to start again and begin the journey of rebuilding my future. There is help, support, and options available, with a lot of potential to change your life for the better with endless opportunities.
*The companion’s name in this story has been changed for personal reasons.