About 18 months ago I had hit rock bottom hard, finding myself drifting up/down the shores of life aimlessly, no purpose or direction akin to a sand dune.
My troubles were trauma based with active addiction, mental health issues and homelessness. I was living in Devon, realised I had to ask for help, so I concluded in order to build my "Temple of Recovery" I needed to move back to Bath so I contacted Developing Health and Independence (DHI) for hope. I stayed with trusted friends for basic needs and interacted at the Beehive Yard with Support group meetings to stabilise my active addiction.
As an analogy I was looking in the mirror, with the help of the DHI Team, I was encouraged/enabled to clean the mirror to see myself and then buff the mirror to bring on a shine. I found this adventurous process challenging but rewarding at the same time. I am now abstinent from substance mis-use, given up tobacco and am currently reducing my weight. When I reach one mountain top, the horizon becomes more varied.
Through the help of DHI, I now find myself more confident, happy, and positive to the point where I am currently a Peer Supporter at DHI where on Friday afternoons I lead a Mindfulness group. This is a privilege for me as I am able to offer clients a helpful option in recovery.
I am currently residing at Rackfield House with the help of REACH via DHI. Rackfield is supported housing for the homeless. I feel I have laid the foundations/cornerstones of my "Recovery Temple" and now embrace the re-build!
I am now in a position to give back, taking this opportunity to enter into the Bath Beat which is an organised half marathon walking event. I am doing this on Saturday 21st April with my good friend Jaxx, who has helped me greatly with my recovery. Jaxx is a Lurcher dog, belonging to good friends, who got him as a rescue dog from Claverton Down Cats & Dogs home.
Finally I feel that I have a more measured/balanced approach/outlook to life, so I
Thank you DHI.
