“Emmaus was like a hand pulling me out of a dark hole. I’m still here, I’m still breathing and I’m happy.” — Filipe 💚 [TW: self-harm, addiction, overdose] "Before I came to Emmaus Gloucestershire, I spent five years sleeping rough in Watford, struggling with depression, anxiety and addiction. It’s a hard life on the streets. I'd sleep about one night a week because I was so scared. I went into a very dark place. I was drinking heavily and doing a lot of drugs. I became so fed up and tired of my life that I just wanted to harm myself. I tried to end my life a few times because I couldn’t see another way out. One day, a woman asked me if I wanted help, and I said that would be nice. She told me to come to a day centre and called Emmaus for me. When I arrived, it took me 6 months to start trusting people. Joe, the Chief Executive, was a great help. Joe’s wife, who is Portuguese like me, started visiting and we would chat. Speaking in my own language made it easier to start opening up. Emmaus bought me a smartphone so I could call my mum and sister. The change was instant, and I was smiling again. We now speak twice a day. I do a bit of everything at Emmaus — I like to drive so my favourite thing is doing the collections and deliveries. It’s nice to get out and about. I also help on the till, do PAT testing and other bits and pieces. I love chatting to customers and would like to thank everyone who comes to our shops. I’ve had really bad times and I’m sure I could write a book about my life. I will never forget about my past, but I’m trying to look forward. I just want to live in peace. I’m happy at Emmaus Gloucestershire for now, but when I’m ready to move I’ll go somewhere closer to my sister. Emmaus saved my life, and I’m sure it will save many more." This #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek, we’re celebrating the power of community. Filipe’s story is a great example of how a safe, supportive community can be life-changing. Here at Emmaus, we exist to help people rebuild their lives, find connection and rediscover hope. 💚 (fb)

We're pleased to share this very special story on the 80th anniversary of VE Day. 🕊️ A Bible that once belonged to a World War II airman has been returned to his family in Scotland, after being handed in to our Emmaus Dover shop. Support Worker Jackie, a veteran herself, discovered the Bible and knew it belonged back with the pilot’s family, not on a shelf. With the help of Dover historian Phil Eyden, she traced it back to Flying Officer Norman S McEwen, an RAF rear gunner who was sadly killed in action during Operation Market Garden in 1944. Thanks to Phil’s research, Norman’s great-great-nephew Ross was found and the Bible has now made its way home to Scotland — lovingly packaged by Jackie with a tribute card and wartime poem. Norman died at just 37, leaving behind his wife and young son. His story — and this Bible — remind us of the incredible sacrifices made. 📷 Photos in this post: 1. Norman’s great-great-nephew Ross McEwen reunited with the Bible 2. Flying Officer Norman S. McEwen 3. The Bible ready to leave Emmaus Dover 4. A message from the King for Norman's WWII service and sacrifice 5. Flowers and tartan laid at Norman's final resting place in the Netherlands 6. Norman and only son Rognvald, who was born in 1938 and Norman and Hilda Duffy on their wedding day in 1934 🔗 Read the full story: https://bit.ly/raf-bible (fb)