Ex-homeless man has the drive for a better future thanks to Emmaus Leeds

Simon Pilling, aged 51, is on the road to a better future with support from homelessness charity Emmaus Leeds. Simon applied to the Emmaus UK Companion Training Fund for money towards the Driver Certificate of Professional Competence (DCPC) course which he successfully completed in January.

Simon said: “I had my own very successful business but unfortunately due to circumstances out of my control, the business had to fold. I lost my home and my livelihood, but now it’s time for me to rebuild.

“The DCPC training gives me a huge opportunity to be able to go and seek work as part of the programme for me to move on. I now have the ability to drive a HGV and that enables me to look at job opportunities that are much greater than would be without the qualification.”

Simon is part of a community of 26 formerly homeless people supported by Emmaus Leeds.

Donald Forrester, Chief Executive of Emmaus Leeds, said: “This is a fantastic achievement and a great start to the year for Simon. I would like to thank all of the people who shop, donate and support Emmaus Leeds, enabling us to provide valuable opportunities to help people towards a better future.”