“In 2016 my partner was murdered in front of me after a boxing match. I had my two sons and a daughter with cerebral palsy to take care of on my own, and I had to cope with the long trail. I began drinking during that time. Then in 2021, my daughter passed away and I was on the verge of suicide. I went to my doctor’s and told them I couldn’t cope any more, and so they referred me to Lorraine Hewitt House.
“I had a really nice key worker called Meva. She was so supportive. She got in touch with a psychologist who referred me to the Harbour, to do a detox and rehab. It was a long waiting list, but Meva managed to get me into a treatment centre. Rehab gave me the space to try to understand why I was there, and work through the trauma I’d been through.
“I wasn’t working before my recovery. Although I was a full-time carer, I had to drink just to function. I knew I had to be here for my sons, they’re good young men, they go to university. I wanted them to know we can get through this. They’ve always seen me as a strong woman – I didn’t want them to see me crumble.
“The Harbour has been a big, big help. I started volunteering as a peer support worker there as I really want to be able to share my story with other people and give back. It’s a stepping stone for me to help people with active addiction.
“It means the world to me to do this work. If Lorraine Hewitt House and the Harbour weren’t here, I don’t know where I’d be today. After losing my partner, and then my daughter, I knew I’d just had enough of living.
“At the Harbour we have an open-door policy for people who are experiencing substance abuse – whether that’s alcohol or other substances. I greet them, we talk about their choices, maybe refer them to detox or rehab. We study relapse prevention, and there’s lots of different things you can get involved with such as meditation, yoga and art classes. I’m a welcoming face to show that we’re here for them. It helps them to know I’ve had a similar experience, so they can trust me.
“Since getting sober two years ago I’ve passed my driving test, I’ve been away on holiday twice, I’m volunteering. And I plan to start health and social care training in September. I’m so appreciative of the Harbour and Lorraine Hewitt House. I want people to know that we can go through dark times, but there is help and a light at the end of the tunnel.
“If you see a loved one struggling, try not to pressure them, just be a source of support. Have information to give them about where to get help if they’re ready for it. Most importantly, just be there for them.”