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My childhood wasn’t easy – I had an abusive father and lost my mum at a young age.
I left home at 17 with no qualifications and arrived at Birmingham New Street Station, where I asked where the next train was going. It happened to be heading to Bournemouth, so I boarded it and set off to start a new life. When I arrived, I found a B&B and lived off my savings while I looked for work. I met a decorator who offered me a helping hand, and before long I was learning the trade properly. I completed City & Guilds qualifications in painting and decorating and eventually became one of the top painters for a major pub chain.
While living in Bournemouth, I met someone and we married. We sadly lost a daughter, but later went on to have a son.
Life took a turn when my marriage broke down. I lost everything, spent some time in prison, and then became homeless in Brighton for almost three years. I never turned to drugs or alcohol, but life on the streets was tough. It was a charity in Brighton that first mentioned Emmaus to me – and that conversation changed everything.
Discovering Emmaus
Within a day, I was on an overnight coach to Emmaus Glasgow. They welcomed me straightaway, and for the first time in years, I felt like a person again. I had a room, a purpose, and people who believed in me.
Looking back, Emmaus gave me a second chance and a future I’m proud of.
Over the next few years, I moved between several Emmaus communities, including Dover, Gloucestershire and Sheffield. I stayed in each place for a couple of years. Emmaus gave me stability, opportunities to grow, and a real sense of belonging.
Taking on a leadership role
After gaining an HGV licence and completing qualifications in business management, safeguarding, mental health support and more, I moved to Emmaus North East as part of their staff team. I initially started as a van driver but soon stepped into a leadership role when the opportunity came up. I helped expand the community from one house to three and supported many people into work and independent living.
I’m proud of everything I achieved there. Over time, the demands of the role became overwhelming, and after giving it my all, I decided it was the right time to step away and focus on my own wellbeing.
A fresh chapter
After a short break, I returned to Emmaus life as a companion at Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland. Emmaus is about second chances – however many times you need one.
Before long, a staff opportunity came up and I successfully applied. I’m now working as Retail & Premises Assistant. My role is varied: I help run our charity shop, maintain the premises, and work alongside community members every day. It’s a great balance – I still get to support people, just in a slightly different way.
Looking ahead
Outside of work, I’m continuing my studies, working towards a Level 3 business management qualification and planning to study autism awareness courses next. Staying busy has always helped me, and I enjoy pushing myself to keep learning.
One day, I’d like to return to a support role within a team setting – but for now, I’m where I want to be. Emmaus gave me a home, a future and a reason to keep moving forward, and I’m proud to be giving something back.