"My journey and being forever grateful"

As an addiction worker in another field it was the most difficult thing in the world to approach a service for support for my increasingly unhealthy alcohol use following perimenopause and Covid lockdowns.  Inclusion were a confidential service and reassured me that use of the service would neither appear on my medical records which was most important to me, or was it insisting on total abstinence, but rather reduction of use.  At that time, these were both important to me and would have been a barrier to me accessing support if those conditions weren't met.  I am forever grateful that they were.

The best bit was the non judgemental and supportive staff, in particular the ACT Facilitator Ricky - professional, inspiring, motivational and his knowledge and delivery of ACT in addiction recovery was the key to my recovery.  I have experience of ACT previously in my work and life, I know it can work as an integral part of addiction recovery and mental health support and this was the work and service that most engaged me to overcome my fears and stay with the service, eventually meeting a goal  didn't know I had, which was to change all my habits and behaviours to best support my mental health.  I no longer drink alcohol at all. 

He was most ably supported by Jenni as Co-facilitator and I am so glad to see that she has moved into supporting the online ACT women's group to incorporate the ACT principals each week and help people move forwards into recovery.  Jenni is relatable, warm and also really resourceful when it comes to the ACT approach and you can tell she really cares.

My keyworker Eloise was wonderful.  Approachable and so kind from the start, always giving me the space and time that I needed and being gently challenging and encouraging in equal measure.  She asked me the right questions at the right time, and always helped me see that there was an alternative life than the one I'd felt trapped in with poor mental health and using alcohol to cope.  I valued her support and forever grateful for her empowering me to access the ACT service within Inclusion. 

Special thanks also to Emma for facilitating the women's online ACT and giving me and the other ladies such an appreciated space to share and support each other with those issues that particularly affected our demographic group.  This group was particularly valued as a safe inclusive space for ladies and vital for those with mobility or anxiety issues that cannot get to a hub for in person support, or didn't want to be in a mixed group.

What could have been better - like most public sector health and social care organisations occasionally there will be changes and upheaval dictated by management or gaps in service delivery that were beyond the control of the frontline staff.  As I work in a similar sector myself I understand that communication can be an issue and meeting the service user need for stability and routine may prove challenging.  Sometimes people would have to fill in at short notice and this could be difficult when I was feeling vulnerable.  Sometimes messages were not delivered on time e.g. around cancelled meetings, or appropriate communication around staff changes. 

Overall and directly because of the staff mentioned here, my experience of Inclusion Hampshire was overwhelmingly positive.   Thank you.