It’s been a month and a week since I joined Emmaus brighton and Hove. I’d never heard about the organisation until the beginning of this year. Within two weeks of everything hitting the fan I found out about Emmaus and was referred by my Mum – she shops here and knows everybody already. I’m local to the area and so staying in Brighton specifically was a goal, because I know people in the area and my family is down the road. So I was able to come from a chaotic life in Brighton to being able to see my family and have safety, security and a lot of support here.

Today is my first day working in Outfit, and I’ve just learned how to use the till. Usually I’ve been working on the cleaning team, I’ve done some work in the kitchen which I really like, and the past two weeks I’ve been in the superstore. I really like the café because it’s familiar to me as I’ve worked in catering in   the past, and I’m enjoying working in Outfit for the first time today, I like fashion and dressing well, so I really like that side of it. The Superstore is great as well, it’s in the middle of everything so you’re socialising with customers, and wherever you are basically you’re learning a lot about how the business runs,   so depending on the sort of things you’re interested in you’re gaining transferable skills.

I’m currently studying NVQs in Warehouse and Customer Service, which is amazing. Viktor is brilliant, he’ll come in and tell you about where he’s been recently, all the different Emmaus communities around the country. It’s brilliant to get people like him who have so much enthusiasm for Emmaus coming to work with you.

What I like about being here is it’s really good being able to socialise again, properly enjoy a bit of banter, and being able to organise things on the weekend. 

Homelessness can be very isolating, so it’s good to come into a community where everyone understands, relates to each other a little bit, there’s a lot of conversation that goes on. Also the security. It’s one thing that can be taken for granted, but within a month of being here, knowing that I can close the   door and that’s it – that is so healthy for your mind, I can’t really describe how much that’s changed my perspective on everything. And I know if I have any   issues all I have to do is go downstairs and talk to the team.

While I’m here I’d like to do a computer course, which they have said they can help me access. That’s as far ahead as I’ve thought at the moment. I had a good few years of utter chaos so I am really enjoying just being here at the moment and feeling settled.

If you’re experiencing homelessness I really recommend giving Emmaus a try. It really helps, it’s much better than I think emergency accommodation is, for example, which has less structure. It’s a wonderful place for customers to visit too, so I encourage you to come and have a picnic and a browse around the shops!