Mary's story
"Finding myself one step from the gutter I realised the next drink could be my last.
I had lost my family, my friends, my job and my home due to alcohol abuse. I referred myself to the Stonepillow Recovery Service and the next 3 days that followed, waiting for my place, were very scary. My daughter had given me an ultimatum that she too would leave my life, so I stayed with her for those 3 long days so she could keep me dry.
Stonepillow's Recovery Service gave me a support network which meant I didn’t feel alone. Having a key worker and being around people in the same situation was invaluable and I learnt so much about myself. Within 3 weeks I started volunteering at Stonepillow Restore and I truly believe that saved my life. The routine, the people and the focus on getting things done made such a difference. I felt valued because my opinions and ideas were listened to and put into practice wherever possible. My previous feelings of uselessness and having no self-worth diminished. I was given responsibility, I was trusted, someone believed in me.
More recently, I have also passed my NVQ in Social Care, I was reunited with my husband, my children and my 16 grandchildren, I got a full time job as a care assistant and I learnt to speak up for myself. Even though I’m in full time work now and I left Recovery Service some time ago, I still volunteer regularly at Restore because it is an important part of my life and it keeps me sober.
Restore is my lifeline. We are a team that works together, we are equal and everyone supports each other. I can see how far I have come in the last 8 months and I realise how truly lucky I am to be a part of it. It is the best thing that has ever happened to me and I wish that everyone who finds themselves in my circumstances could get this opportunity because Stonepillow really has changed my life.