Louise

When Louise first walked through the doors of The Matthew Project in June 2025, she had already done something remarkable; she had stopped drinking on her own.

Recovery is not simply about giving something up, it is about rebuilding confidence, purpose, and hope for the future.

Her last drink had been in April, and although she had achieved early sobriety independently, Louise knew that staying alcohol-free would require more than determination alone. She spoke honestly about her fears of relapse, the lack of coping strategies she could rely on, and her hope of building a more stable and healthy future.

From the beginning, the focus was on understanding Louise’s story, not judging it. Through assessment work and conversations about her goals, she identified the areas of life she wanted to rebuild: maintaining sobriety, creating routine, improving her wellbeing, and developing confidence in her recovery.

Louise was soon enrolled onto the Recovery Support Programme. As her confidence grew, so did her connection to the recovery community around her.

Rather than stepping away after completing the programme, Louise chose to continue her journey with The Matthew Project. She enrolled onto the Recovery Support Programme for a second time and began volunteering within the service, helping in the kitchen and supporting activities at the allotment.

These roles provided more than structure to her week. They gave her purpose, connection, and a growing sense of belonging.

By February 2026, Louise had achieved 11 months of sustained sobriety. She had become a familiar and valued presence within the community: someone who not only remained committed to her own recovery but also contributed positively to the environment supporting others.

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