"They have always given me the belief that I can manage my addiction"

I have been a regular narcotic user for the past 10 years; having undertaken various attempts to battle, conquer and manage my addiction. I have a number of ongoing health conditions which include mental health issues such as Schizophrenia and Bipolar.

My psychiatrist advised that I should engage and meet with the team at Fareham Inclusion Substance Misuse Service (the Avalon Centre).

From my very first meeting with a Key Worker I have been supported, encouraged and given tools with which I have been finally able to tackle my addiction. The care and assistance given to me has always felt very personal at the same time as being of a highly professional level.

I am now 3 months clean - without having used any substances.

Whilst I am of the knowledge that it is myself who has made this happen by engaging and working with the Inclusion Service, I cannot overstate that the work and support the service has provided is without doubt a basis for the recovery journey I am now on.

The service have always given me the belief that I can manage my addiction and shown me that I can make so much more of my life as well as providing invaluable tools, advice and support to enable this.

Whilst I may be at the start of my new journey in life I know that the Inclusion Service will be my partner on that journey for a long time to come.

If I had not been able to access such a service or persons I can guarantee you my life and its prospects would be taking a very different direction - I really cannot express enough to you the importance, quality and excellence of the service the hub provides and what a lifeline it is to so many service users - including thankfully myself.