"Wrestling my life back from alcohol"

I had been a heavy drinker for years but after my husband of 30 years` long illness and sad death, I really hit the bottle. I slid into dependency and  found myself at the bottom of the barrel. I had to give up work, had no income and be essentially cared for by my parents who were wonderful but did not know what to do or how to help. Neither did I. I asked my GP who referred me to CGL Inspire.

I was nervous and ashamed when I first set foot in the building but it was such a friendly, welcoming environment I felt totally at ease to be myself. My keyworkers, the brilliant Benji and totally fabulous Jess were unbelievable kind, helpful and tough when they needed to be. Through them I got a place in residential detox, during which I was so ill I was taken into hospital, and then in Community Rehab with Emerging Futures.

I started volunteering with Inspire and have now just secured a full time job there. I was welcomed with open arms by the people there and ended up as a volunteer service user rep being managed by the fantastic (and very patient!) Mo. 

I am now looking forward to a career there. I am now 14 months sober thanks to Inspire, and loving friends and family, and I didn`t think I could manage 14 minutes when I began my Inspire journey. All I can say is Inspire saved my life and I will be eternally grateful to them.