Lisa

"I have been a member of The Matthew Project since 29th of November 2023 after I self-referred to support in my recovery from alcohol addiction, as I had reached a crisis point in my life. 

My addiction had crept up, as it has a way of doing, and I knew that I needed to make some serious changes in my life, or it would be detrimental to my physical and mental health.  

I had been signed off from work as an NHS professional and felt lost and scared, uncertain of how I would break the cycle of addiction, which was impacting my relationship with my husband as well as my health. 

But after only a few minutes of being in the centre, I felt like a weight had been lifted. The team were so welcoming, and the existing members welcomed me with open arms.  

I have now been in recovery for nearly eight months and continue to access the Matthew Project's support daily through our WhatsApp group, and attend connections every Friday morning to support my continued recovery. I have also become a volunteer and have a regular jewellery making workshop on a Friday afternoon, and have also held workshops with people attending the 6-week Recovery Support Programme, that I myself attended at the beginning of my recovery.

The program is set up to equip you with tools to support ongoing recovery and to allow yourself to understand more about your addiction, and although it was challenging at times, it was one of the best things I have ever done. 

The Matthew Project has made a huge impact on my life, and I am now back at work and my husband and I are planning a holiday in September.  

I have made some amazing friends at The Matthew Project, and it has become like a second family and home."