Cheryl's Story: “I knew I had to find some courage.”

“Before I could never dream of doing any of this because I could barely do life.”

★ Cheryl, Community Member

Earlier this month, Cheryl celebrated 16 months in recovery.

She remembers exactly where her journey began.

“I cried all night knowing that I had to stop, but also knowing that I couldn't give up without help.”

The next morning, on her first day sober, Cheryl went to her GP looking for support.

When she was told she would have to wait 10 days for an assessment, she felt devastated.

Searching online for somewhere to turn, she found Kennedy Street Recovery Hub just a few minutes away.

“As I walked there broken, nervous, desperate, I knew I had to find some courage.”

“I looked through the door of a bright small building, and found a group sitting at the end. As I contemplated whether to open those doors, a friendly face came to the door and invited me in for a cuppa. 

I started to talk and ended up bursting into tears.

Calmly and kindly they sat me down, brought me a cuppa and cake and made me feel at home. 

This person had a similar story in addiction, so I felt they understood me.

It was a beautiful moment of care, love, acceptance.

When I left that day, I had hope in my heart.”

The next day she came back.

And the day after that.

Soon, the Hub became part of her daily life.

“Being an addict I was addicted to the love of these people, building friends, building connections, taking on suggestions. It was my happy place.”

“I threw myself into the hub, it was giving me a purpose, staying sober and free from all substances.

After a few months of being sober I was asked if I wanted to volunteer. I was so excited, I felt included, involved and happy to help.”

Over time, recovery opened doors Cheryl never imagined possible.

She became a volunteer, completed training, joined the Self Employment Course, and started rebuilding her confidence and self-worth.

“Before I could never dream of doing any of this because I could barely do life.”

Today, Cheryl says recovery has transformed every area of her life.

"My life is so full of love. My kids are in their 20s now but they are so proud of me and I cherish doing fun activities with them all.

I'm a better mum now, a better sister, a better version of myself.

I volunteer at Safehaven, I'm secretary at a recovery meeting, and I have so many sobriety friends and family.

I'm present and happy. I have dreams and hope.

Before I felt useless and unlovable. The Hub gave me the stepping stones and love and care I needed to live and believe in myself again."

And looking back on her journey so far, Cheryl says:

“What a blessing. I really can't express the gratitude I have for this hub, which I choose to call the hub of love. 

Whenever I feel down, I know I can come here and get hub love everyday.

I can't imagine it not being here because this is what kept me sober. This is what helped me where others failed.”