Melissa moved into our Recovery Service in May 2024 and recently celebrated two years’ sobriety.
Over the past few years, Melissa has slept rough, sofa surfed, and stayed in various short-term accommodations, including rehabs. But in April 2024, she was dangerously ill in Watford General Hospital. She had lost the use of her legs and was experiencing hallucinations.
Following a hospital detox and then a further four weeks in another hospital learning to walk again, Melissa moved into New Hope’s Recovery Service for the second time, thanks to support from her CGL worker.
“I knew I had to get back to New Hope”
“I tried other places but nothing worked. I knew I had to get back to New Hope. My family were saying the same thing: ‘You need to get to New Hope.’
“On 8 May 2024, I moved into the Recovery Service. Everything just fell into place and I’ve never looked back. I love the fact I can say I’ve been sober for over a year! If my life had continued the way it was going, I wouldn’t be here.
“When I was in the madness, drinking, I would ignore calls from my family for weeks and would go missing. I’m so grateful that they didn’t push me away. My daughter has her mum back and is very happy!”
“They want us to be well”
“I can’t say anything bad about the Recovery Service. It’s all good! The support network has been amazing and my key worker amazing. It’s not just a job for the staff. They work so hard. They don’t just come in and do a 9 to 5. They want us to be well.
“I’ve been poorly since I’ve been in here, developing type one diabetes. People kept looking out for me and were so supportive.
“I wouldn’t be here without New Hope. New Hope saved my life. You get your life back when you come to New Hope, if you want it.”
In the future, Melissa is keen to give back and use her experiences to help others.
