Steve receives medal from the charity which ‘saved his life’

A MAN who has devoted the past decade to the charity which “saved his life” when he was homeless has been recognised for his dedicated service.

Hinckley’s Steve Grinstead, 65, received a special medal in recognition of his long-standing involvement with homelessness charity Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland.

Steve, pictured, was supported by Emmaus for more than 20 years, following a long period of homelessness in his younger days.

He has lived and worked in several Emmaus communities around the UK, until becoming a founding member of Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland when it opened in Hinckley 10 years ago.

To celebrate Steve’s longstanding involvement, he was presented with an Emmaus UK Founders’ Medal as part of the Emmaus General Assembly, which took place at the Hinckley Island Hotel this month.

Emmaus communities support people who have experienced homelessness by giving them a home, meaningful work in a social enterprise and an opportunity to help rebuild their lives.

Steve is now passionate about the charity which helped turn his life around.

“Before I found Emmaus, I was homeless for 18 years, living from day to day and not knowing when or if it would ever end.

“It was a very scary experience. I slept wherever I could, in so many different places. Sometimes it was in a park, or I’d find a secluded bench for the night. I felt completely alone, with no-one to help me through any of it; I got no support. That all changed when I found Emmaus.”

Of the award, Steve said: “I’m so honoured and proud. There’s no two ways about it – Emmaus saved my life, and I’m very grateful.

“I’m now planning my retirement but I’m not going far – when I leave, I plan to come back and volunteer for Emmaus.

“The charity has helped me and so many other people, so it’s good to give back as much as possible.”

Since 2012, Steve has lived and worked at Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, and is a familiar face serving customers in its Emporium charity shop on Stockwell Head, Hinckley.

Hayley Gall, community support officer at Emmaus Leicestershire & Rutland, said: “This award is very much deserved. Steve has contributed so much – we have watched him grow in confidence and become a very important member of our Hinckley charity.

“He’s even taken part in numerous fund-raising challenges over the years, raising money to help Emmaus continue to support more people after homelessness.”

There are 30 Emmaus communities across the country, supporting more than 850 people who have experienced homelessness in the UK.