Alex

My journey with The Matthew Project started in 2022. At the time, I was really struggling to cope with my dad’s drinking, and that’s where Jo came in to help me navigate everything.

We met every two weeks and talked about whatever was on my mind. Sometimes that was my dad’s alcohol use, but other times it was school, my goals, and my dreams. Jo didn’t just support me through what was happening at home she encouraged me to believe in myself. She helped me see that the sky’s the limit.

With that support, I went on to study at university. My dad was still struggling, and whenever I came home, I continued meeting with Jo.

Then, on Christmas Day, my dad took his own life.

It was an incredibly dark time, and something I’m still learning to live with. One of the first people I reached out to was Jo, because I knew she would be there for me. She checked in regularly, and we met to talk through those early stages of grief.

Six months on, we are still meeting regularly. Having that continued support has made life just a little bit easier during the hardest time in my life.

Even when I’m at university and distance makes things more difficult, we still stay connected through emails and phone calls.

I’m so grateful to The Matthew Project, and to Jo, for supporting me through these last few years.