Today we hear from Alan and his story about the work at Greenock
.. Alan, Greenock
.. Alan, Greenock
I have had quite a journey since I
first came into contact with the Salvation Army and without them I know I would
not be here today to tell you about it.
I had been evicted from my flat, lost
my family, job, dignity and self-esteem, all due to my alcoholism. I was
suicidal and did not see any future for me at all.
Social Work referred me to Hope House,
an environment that I knew nothing about. I spent almost 3 months there, at
what was the worst time in my life.
The staff at Hope house continually tried
to motivate me and never gave up on me. The chaplain put lots of time and
energy into trying to help me. It is only now when I look back that I am
grateful that they never gave up.
At this point I still needed alcohol
everyday and I was a physical wreck, I was also mentally and spiritually
bankrupt.
I had reached my gutter and it was
then that staff informed me that if my conduct continued I would be asked to
leave. (Looking back they were right: my behaviour was totally unacceptable.) My
reply to this was ‘what do you want me to do?’ (I was beat)
Staff then took the
time to speak to me and gave me some options. One of these options was Fewster
House and the beginning of my path to recovery. The staff team threw their
support behind me and ensured that I took up my place at Fewster House.
At Fewster House I
learned about myself, my actions, responsibilities and the affect that my
addiction had on myself and those around me. I learned to deal with issues one
day at a time and started to build a life in recovery.
There were still
many hurdles and anxieties to deal with: in particular moving into accommodation
in the community.
This is when
Greenock Floating Support Service came in. They worked with me to find
appropriate accommodation and to support me through the transition of moving
from Fewster House to a shared house (3 people) in a fantastic tenement in the
west end of Greenock.
As well as
supporting me to deal with any tenancy related issues they also continued
support with my alcoholism. They never gave up on me and allowed me to see the
potential within myself. I started volunteering at a Salvation Army shop and
also went back to college to retrain and educate myself.
Now I am looking to
get to work and to move to my own tenancy. I am at the final stages of hearing
about a position with the Scottish Drugs Forum which will give me a paid placement
to complete my SVQ in Social Care.
After 2902 days of
sobriety, I am still taking it one day at a time.
Words can’t convey
my gratitude or appreciation to the staff of the Salvation Army as they saved
my life. They also supported me to see that I could have a future.
Thanks for not
giving up on me.
Alan.
