A visit from an ex guest: Emma’s Story

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I’m from Tower Hamlets but I’d been living in Wales for 13 years. When I came back at the end of 2014, I was at rock bottom. Both my kids were living with their fathers and I was only seeing the older one. I’d been staying with a family member but they asked me to leave and I became homeless. I was so frightened!
When I came to Shelter from the Storm in November 2014, I was in a pretty poor shape. It seemed almost impossible to get out of the horrible place I’d found myself in. The Shelter looked after me and helped me apply for a place on the Pret Apprenticeship scheme. I just took to the work, I loved it; being part of a team and achieving great results. I’ve just returned from the Isle of Skye where I’ve been on a ‘Rising Star’ programme, I was one of just a handful apprentices picked to go with senior Pret staff. It was amazing! I love my job and I’m determined to get to the top.
It’s 7 months since I left the Shelter and I can’t believe how my life has changed. I’m engaged to Mickey who I met at the shelter, I’ve been promoted and had a pay rise and I’m having proper contact with my youngest.
The shelter really helped me sort myself out. It’s nearly a year since I first came to SFTS and I can’t believe how great and bright my future seems.

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