Halfway House Testimonial

I feel very grateful for this opportunity to share a little of my experience of living in the Halfway House.

During the five weeks I spent in Primary Care I learnt about my addictive processes and how to deal with them with the support of others on a daily basis. However, I re-entered the world feeling like a child in an adult body. During the time I spent living in the Halfway House I was given the tools to begin to take responsibility for myself and my life. Living with people who understand me and with the experience and support of the counsellors, Simon and Oonah, I felt safe and cared for in a way I had never experienced before.

In this space I was able to truly be myself, bringing all of me and feeling the love and acceptance of the group. I found my voice and began developing a sense of self.

Along with the emotional support and sharing we were given lectures on more practical subjects such as cooking, managing finances, relapse prevention and healthy boundaries. For me this was hugely helpful. I felt a strong sense of empowerment and excitement at the possibility of taking responsibility and learning new ways of living.

The combination of support, tools to change and a safe place to grow made this a very special and healing experience. I arrived at the Halfway House feeling very little hope, not knowing who I was or what I wanted for my life. Twelve weeks later I feel I am starting my life again. I don't have all the answers to my questions. I still have some fear around not knowing but I do know that I am someone and I am going somewhere. I feel excited about the future and incredibly grateful to know that I have the support to go through anything. I may be scared but I have the faith and the courage to do things differently.

I've made close friends that have seen all of me and still loved and supported me. I've connected with the 12 Step Fellowships and allowed myself to be a part of. I've learnt to laugh at life. Not to take things too seriously and to have fun. I've learnt to be myself and that I'm good enough. That there's a big exciting world out there that I'm a part of and is available to me. I'm grateful for this experience of the Halfway House and ready to move on and live my life.

With love.

E.