“Everything’s going well for me at the moment. I've just got a job as a long-distance coach driver. DHI's Forging Ahead IPS service supported me with job applications and provided practical help with my CV and basic IT skills.
“Becoming a Peer at DHI in 2024 helped me get to where I am today. We’re volunteers who are trained and supported to use our own experiences to help others.
“I love learning, and through the Peer training and DHI courses, I've learned so much. I've completed wellbeing courses, peer listening training and I've co-facilitated groups.
“I first came to DHI as a client in 2017. I'd experienced an extremely traumatic event and was using drugs to help me cope. But when my first grandchild arrived, it woke me up. I thought, ‘I want to live.’
“I joined the SMART Recovery group in Coniston, South Gloucestershire, and was able to access one-to-one support. I had intensive CBT, which helped me overcome my PTSD. I rarely get flashbacks now. I've forgiven the people responsible and I don't live with fear anymore.
“In 2024, I studied on a three-month course through DHI’s Peer Academy. I achieved a Level 2 qualification, which means I’m now a Peer Mentor and can help people in recovery on a one-to-one basis.
Rewards of volunteering
“It's incredibly rewarding, especially when you see people taking positive steps forward. Seeing clients grow in confidence and achieve their goals is amazing.
“I’m so grateful to DHI for all the support I received when I first came to the service. It helped me become a stronger person and means I can now help other people in recovery. In fact, I'll still volunteer as a Peer Mentor alongside my job because I enjoy it so much.
“I'm proud to say that drugs never enter my head now. I've even come off antidepressants and am completely medication-free.
“Having goals is an important part of recovery. I've always wanted to own my own home so I can leave a legacy for my children, and I'm hoping to buy one soon.
“I'd say to anyone new to the service: come in and talk to the peers face to face. Come along to one of our bacon roll mornings and have breakfast with us. We try to help people feel relaxed and at home.
“As well as support around drugs and alcohol, there are lots of activities to get involved in, including women’s wellbeing sessions, acupuncture, yoga and gardening.
“If you have a lapse, don't be too hard on yourself. Reach out for help and keep going.
“My life is great now. I'm looking forward to starting my new job, my daughter has just got married, my son has bought a house with his girlfriend and I’ve got two new pet kittens. I must be doing something right!”
Get help from a Peer
If you’d like to talk to someone who's been there about your drug and alcohol use, see a DHI Peer at one of the following drop-ins:
Coniston Community Centre, The Parade, Coniston Rd, Bristol BS34 5LP
Ridgewood Community Centre, 244 Station Rd, Bristol BS37 4AF
130 Tower Road North, Warmley South Glos, BS30 8XN
Get news from Developing Health & Independence in your inbox. See our privacy policy.
