Julian's Story
Julian was referred to DHI's Outreach Service in 1997 by a concerned neighbour when she found him lying in his flat close to death. Julian was a chronic long-term alcohol user, which had caused him brain damage paralyzing one side of his body. In partnership with Social Services he was supported into rehab. While there DHI's Resettlement Team cleaned up his flat and made preparations for his return, including arranging an assessment for Structured Day Care and home help. On his return, Julian continued working with his resettlement worker, adapting his flat for his physical disability, while beginning work on the Day Care Programme. Several years on and still clean, Julian has sat on DHI's Board of Management in one of two spaces reserved for ex-service users, and is now a member of staff working with clients within the Aftercare team.
“DHI supported me with day care centres, outreach workers and home help. I wouldn't have made it without them.”
Colin's Story
“I arrived at DHI on the recommendation of a friend in the AA Fellowship. I had reached the end of my tether, confused and frightened. After many years of trying to control my addiction through various means I had come to the realisation that I desperately needed guidance. My way was not working and it was time to hand over to those with expertise and experience. My initial reception was kind and caring and this proved to be the norm as I progressed though the Abstinence Programme and other supported activities. The needs of my recovery process meant that I had become separated from my family and was effectively homeless. Within a few months I had a place in DHI's Stall Street dry house.
Living with other recovering addicts helped to underpin my resolve and a combination of group work, one to one counselling and the 12 step programme helped enormously to start my journey back to re-engagement with society.
I started evening art classes, voluntary work and meaningful occupation with the DHI client magazine Off The Wall.
Having completed a part-time foundation course I have moved into my own flat, started my degree in Fine Art and am now a part time worker at DHI looking after the Creative Projects that we are developing including OTW, Film-Making and an Art Workshop.
For the first time in my life I feel that, while I am being true to myself, I am more mindful of others and have a better chance of sustaining my recovery. DHI and the Fellowship have given me back my life.”
Kat's Story
Kat spent her teenage years in and out of care homes, on and off drugs, on and off the streets and in and out of prison. When she was 16 she was introduced to heroin and for about 5 years she was in an abusive relationship until she ended up in hospital with injuries so severe to her head she was diagnosed with epilepsy. The next couple of years were spent trying to get off drugs to no avail, and spending more time in and out of prison as a result of trying to support her heroin addiction. In April 2000 she was sentenced to 2 years in prison.
“Bad things can happen to good people but if you are willing to accept support and want to change your life, there is good support and I am living proof it works.
When I was released in April 2002 I moved to Bath. I got married and had a baby daughter. I did lapse for a while and started shoplifting again but instead of going to prison I was given a DRR (Drug Rehabilitation Order) and thanks to DHI I have turned my life around. I had a 3 month assessment period and I met my key worker Alex Lowe - she has been my strength over the last 18 months. She has been hard but straight with me. She would say 'think of your daughter, it's not worth it.' She was right. This time I have done things properly, all with the help of DHI. The problems with me relapsing and re-offending were underlying issues and problems which were never solved. DHI have done so much more for me than any other agency for me. There is always full support and the staff always pay attention to peoples particular needs - mentally, physically and emotionally. They offer a routine that motivates you to do well with different needs groups, one to ones or to be able to pop in for a coffee and a chat. We were also taken away for an outward bound trip. This gave me personally the incentive to keep wanting to do well.
I have been clean now for 8 months and that might not seem like a long time but for me it is. I don't steal anymore and all my drug tests are negative. This is down to the staff at DHI and all I have learnt there. They have taught me to cope with my emotions, after 12 years of blocking them out with drugs, and to be happy and look towards a good future with my husband, baby girl and boy.”