Susie, from Cornwall, first contacted With You in 2019. Here is her story:
“I was struggling with abusive relationships and mental health challenges, which all contributed to self-medicating with substances as a way to cope,” explains Susie.
“Trying to work part-time, being a full-time mother and caring for a terminally ill family member took its toll, and I didn’t see a way out until I sought help from WithYou.”
After being referred to the service, Susie began working with Marie, a Recovery Worker at WithYou. Marie met with Susie and encouraged her to attend local MAP meetings to aid her journey to recovery.
“It took me three years to take the leap and attend, but I did it. The MAP meeting was face-to-face with Billy [WithYou’s Engagement Coordinator]. I didn’t talk much at all in the first session. I just listened. But this made me realise that I was not alone – I found that it doesn’t matter what stage you are at in your recovery, you can attend the MAP meetings, and they are like family.”
Thanks to the support and guidance she received from WithYou, Susie successfully overcame her reliance on substances and soon turned her attention to planning a future career path.
“Marie told me about WithYou’s IPS (Individual Placement and Support) team and I agreed to the referral. I was contacted by Vicki, and I met her in person. She wanted to see if there was anything she could do to help me.”
“I felt relieved and felt that a bit of the pressure was taken away from having someone else to support me looking for work. Vicki spoke to me about WithYou’s Life Skills team, and how they might be able to support me with household bills, while I was looking for employment.”
“Vicki supported me with a couple application forms and updated my CV with me. I always wanted to work in the care sector and Vicki supported me with this. Eventually, I was successful in gaining a support worker role, and I now feel like I am thriving.”
“Marie, Vicki, WithYou’s Life Skills team and the MAP meetings I attended saved my life,” says Susie. “For the first time in a long time, I genuinely feel happy.”
Susie is keen to give back to WithYou for the support she has received. On Thursday 11 August, Susie will be taking on charity skydive with all proceeds being split between WithYou and True Butterflies.
“I’ve always wanted to do a skydive and I’m really looking forward to raising as much money as possible,” says Susie.
“WithYou are like family because there is no judgement – everyone is in the same boat, and everyone is there to make a change and difference. Their support has made a difference in my life today.”