Before I came into Shepherd House, my life was an out-of-control mess. I was a mess! I didn’t know who I was anymore. I didn’t recognise myself.
Years of drugs, alcohol, mental health issues had really brought me to my knees. I was desperate to change and find a better life for myself, and all of that has started for me here at Shepherd House. But before coming here, I honestly thought that my life would abruptly end at any time.
My life consisted of criminal activities, chasing after drugs and looking for answers at the bottom of a bottle. Every day was the same. Shepherd House has been a safe place where I’ve been working on finding a different way to live. I’ve learnt about coping mechanisms and how to ask for help if I’m struggling or have issues that I don’t know how to approach.
The staff have helped me with self-belief, self-esteem, self-worth, trust, and most importantly are helping me to achieve my goals and help me realise that there is a place for me in society.
Their ongoing support has kept me on the right path that I never thought I could have walked down: my journey to a healthier, happier life.
I’ve made a lot of friends and it hasn’t all been about our recoveries, but we are all here for one another. It’s been about socialising too. And I feel a sense of belonging because of it.
I have my own flat and front door and key, and that in itself is awesome as I have been homeless on many occasions and I feel so blessed to be here. Now I can take positive steps to start to rebuild my life with the help of the group sessions, the staff and my peers and my own self-belief.
I am so grateful to have been given this chance at Shepherd House and the help and ongoing support to change. It has saved my life!