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Care Opinion

My whole life has changed

Posted By usha

"My whole life has changed"

About: CGL Birmingham

(as the patient),

My story before Change Grow Live I been in addiction for 20years in drinking alcohol . I had no hope in life to live had no confidence to even talk to anyone always felt low in myself that I’m not worth anything and not good enough. not knowing the purpose of life, caused to my addiction was taking over my life, making me unhappy at some points I even tried to commit suicide. Been in and out of hospital, had health problems, lost my jobs and had money problems in debt.

I got in touch with Change Grow Live and was looked after, got a key worker called Karen, she helped me with one-to-one meetings until I was waiting for my detox helped me to reduce my drinking. I started attending mutual aid groups to enable me to start building a positive support network in recovery. I completed my detox and am now clean.

I attend DATUS groups regular and talking to my peers has helped me gain confidence in me and helped me gain my self-respect. Then I was referred to Ahmer for IPS (Individual Placement and Support). He supported me to find employment. He helped me with my CV and helping filling out forms . He sent me on a SIA security course which I completed and passed. I got my security badge and officially working as security. If it was not for Ahmer I would have not gained this.

I gave up so many times on the course but he gave me hope and confidence and not to give up and supported me all the way. My whole life has changed, got my confidence back,  never thought I would be where I am now ,like a dream. Finally got my life back and my family seeing a new person. With all the help from CGL has given me a purpose to live .

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Responses

Response from Lydia Broom, Service User Involvement Lead at Change Grow Live Birmingham, The Service User Involvement Team, Change Grow Live Birmingham last week
Lydia Broom
Service User Involvement Lead at Change Grow Live Birmingham, The Service User Involvement Team,
Change Grow Live Birmingham

Submitted on 18/04/2024 at 10:19
Published on Care Opinion at 10:19

picture of Lydia Broom

Dear Usha

Thank you so much for getting in touch with us to share your experiences.

I’m Lydia and I am responsible for listening and responding to people’s feedback.

The turnaround you have made in your life is outstanding. It sounds like you were in a really desperate situation. I can’t imagine how this must have felt at the time and I am so glad that you were able to find support through our service.

From what you have shared it sounds like you have really committed yourself to the support that you have been offered. It’s great to hear that you have engaged in group support through mutual aid meetings and the DATUS service, as the peer support and learning that can be gained from these networks are so important to recovery. I’m really glad that the people you have met through those groups helped you on your journey and I hope you continue to attend them for as long as you need them.

It was so lovely to hear that your confidence has returned, especially after hearing that at one point you felt like you were not worth anything and not good enough. I hope that your confidence continues to grow as you move forward with purpose in your life.

It sounds like you really had to work hard through the challenges that came your way when finding employment, and massive congratulations on sticking with it and not giving up. It must feel really satisfying to be able to reflect back on how determined you remained, despite facing some bumps in the road.

As well as mutual aid, it sounds like the combined support you received from Karen and Ahmer, was really key in both addressing your drinking and working towards your wider goals. I will make sure that they and the DATUS service are informed about your feedback and I am sure everyone will be really happy to hear about the positive impact they have had on your life and recovery.

I wish you all the very best in everything you set your mind to in the future and that you and your family continue to feel really proud of everything you have achieved.

Thanks again for reaching out to us!

Best wishes,

Lydia

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