My Experience

"The first time I came to The Nelson Trust I was in a complete mess, I was emotionally, spiritually, and physically bankrupt. My family such as it is, had long since pushed me away. My heroin addiction had all but killed me. It had certainly stolen my time.

"My first visit here was a big change for me. I found structure and human compassion. Most of all I found a refuge from the chaos of a drug-fuelled, co-dependent lifestyle.

"During my first stay I gained the confidence to trust people with my vulnerability and I started to drop my barriers. Unfortunately my addiction, co-dependency and shame issues were very powerful. I became complacent and subsequently relapsed.

"Four years later I’ve come back to the Nelson Trust to get my life back, to start my treatment again and to allow people ‘in’.

"In the meantime The Nelson Trust has evolved from just two houses to four houses (one for vulnerable women). The management of treatment here is progressive holistic and provides a safe environment for all of us who have lost ourselves and our families. There is a great emphasis on reconciliation with families and loved ones. Attending groups during the week at the Treatment Centre provides us with the structure and place where we can learn about ourselves, and how to develop appropriate relationships. Whilst our weekly sessions with our focal counsellors are useful, the real work is achieved by just living together with understanding, honesty and compassion, (this is generally recognised as a statistical fact).

"Another aspect of our treatment is ETE (employment, training and education) which is an important part of rehabilitation for some of us. It is helping me to find a way back into work that I really want to be involved in.

"My recovery has been challenging and often painful, but I’ve had a lot of good fun too. I am now over three months into secondary treatment here and I’m looking to move into 3rd stage in a few months time. I believe my life has become meaningful and real. I try to keep an open mind and the longer I stay with this programme the better. I feel I’m worth it."