Michelle's Story

Michelle's journey began 10 years ago when she found herself in an abusive relationship. “The last form of abuse was him bringing a pipe into my home,” she recalls. Initially, she believed she could manage the situation but soon realised otherwise. The abuse, coupled with addiction, cost Michelle her home. During her addiction there was a string of tragic deaths of her loved ones. Michelle recalls, her best friend who devastatingly committed suicide. “For six years, every time I felt a glimpse of happiness, something bad would happen. It got to a point where I couldn’t see an end to it,” she shares.

Her struggles with substance misuse took a severe toll on her health. “I was down to six stone and didn’t think I’d last another week,” she reflects.

Then, by some higher power, Michelle physically bumped into a man from the Growing Rooms program. He guided her towards the women’s program, where she began her journey to recovery. Now, over a month in the program, Michelle is already experiencing the transformative benefits of Growing Rooms. She attributes her progress to the supportive women in the program and the dedicated staff. “It’s amazing to be in a room full of people who understand. You can feel the empathy, compassion, and love everyone has for one another,” she says.

Reflecting on her past, Michelle recalls spending last Christmas alone in a flat surrounded by paraphernalia. “I ended up crying in bed on Christmas Day,” she remembers. The following day, she visited her father’s grave, overwhelmed with despair and uncertainty.

This year, Michelle looks forward to celebrating Christmas surrounded by her Growing Rooms family. “I can’t wait for Christmas this year, I really can’t,” she beams. On December 31st, she will mark 60 days clean, and she’s excited about what the new year holds. “Now that I’m here, I have absolutely no intention of leaving. It’s been a Godsend, it really has,” she says with determination.

We are so proud of Michelle’s progress and can’t wait to see her continue to thrive in recovery. Wishing her and everyone in the Crypt a Merry Christmas!