Sarah

“I have suffered with addiction and bad mental health all of my adult life. It’s made me lose jobs, have unhealthy attachments, and crippling self-esteem. I also had undiagnosed ADHD, which caused more impulsivity. As a women, this put me in vulnerable situations where sone traumatic experiences happened. 

I felt lost and was given various medications. I tried different agencies for support, yet nothing helped. Why am I not getting it? What is wrong with me? Am I too damaged? This can’t be all my life is.

Just before lockdown during Covid, I got very unwell. I was having panic attacks and felt physically unwell, so my support worker suggested going to The Matthew Project.

I did the recovery course, and finally started to see that my problem was with my thinking. I had to restructure my entire belief system. I grew more in those couple of months than I had in two decades. It wasn’t only the recovery course, it was the ‘family - feel’ and a safe environment. I felt heard and understood.

As part of the course, we had an art session which reignited my passion for art. I kept going to the art drop-ins, which then led me to apply for the role of a volunteer art facilitator. I have been doing this for over a year now, and I absolutely love it. I truly believe that creativity helps with mental health. My intention is to apply for art school.

If I hadn’t engaged with The Matthew Project, I wouldn’t be on this journey. It sounds cliche, but it really was life-changing.”