Our Initiatives

'Art in Recovery' Workshops

Naomi

One of our dedicated volunteers, Naomi has kindly taken this opportunity to share her story and feedback, in the hope that it may inspire others to seek help and support for themselves.

Read Naomi's Story

Hi I'm Naomi, I have been in recovery for 3 years.


I was addicted to drugs for 27 years, going around in the same vicious cycle. I lost everything, time after time, never thinking that drugs were the problem.


My family disowned me, I was an embarrassment to them and I became homeless for 5 years. I tried taking my own life, as I couldn't find a way out.


I reached a point in my addiction where something clicked and I knew the problem was me. I went to the Women's refuge and also the local Drug & Alcohol service, which was 'Addaction' at the time.


At 'Addaction' I was introduced to 'Art in Recovery' workshop groups once a week with local organisation Creative Start. I soon learned that for me art was a meditation, the only time when my head was still.


Once I was deemed 'clean', I was discharged from the drug and alcohol service, but left to my own devices. I struggled at the time, which led me to my first relapse. Without the drugs there was a huge void in my life and i realised I didn't know how to live my life clean.


So, in 2019, I tried a Narcotics Anonymous - 12 step programme and was introduced to 'The Comeback', a recovery drop-in service and art studio also run by Creative Start.



Being part of The Comeback, creating art and being around others in recovery, made the process of recovery so much easier to deal with. I was not alone anymore. I was part of something. It is like being part of a family, supporting each other daily.

I started attending 'Art in Recovery' workshop groups once a week with Creative Start. I soon learned that art was a meditation, the only time when my head was still.

In 2020 I relapsed again, but I knew immediately that I had made a mistake and I didn't want to be back in addiction, that I wanted recovery. I wasn't judged and was pulled even closer, given the help, love and support I needed to get me through this difficult time.

I owned my relapse and received so much support from the team at Creative Start and members of 'The Comeback'.


I wasn't judged and was pulled even closer, given the help, love and support I needed to get me through this difficult time.


After 6 months of attending the drop-in service every day, I was given the opportunity to volunteer.


'Being trusted for the first time in all those years, is a feeling I can't explain.



Since that day, I have grown so much and I am now a valued member of the Creative Start team with many different responsibilities at 'The Comeback'.

'I wasn't judged and was pulled even closer, given the help, love and support I needed to get me through this difficult time'.

Being part of The Comeback has helped me become a valid member of society and given me purpose. Being able to help others with art projects, with both people in recovery and also going into schools, has built my confidence and self esteem.

'Being trusted for the first time in all those years, is a feeling I can't explain. Being able to give back what has been given to me, has changed my life completely'.

During a recent ‘Comeback Connections’ outreach project, I was responsible for visiting other services including the Salvation Army, Women's Aid, YMCA and Mind.


I spoke about my personal experiences in addiction and recovery and about the support available. Speaking in this way gave me more confidence to connect with other people in the community.


Understanding where they have been during their addiction, many homeless and in fear, not knowing where there is help, has meant I can relate to others in the same situation as I was.

Recently, I shared my experiences at Women's Aid in Grimsby, where I started my recovery journey and have remembered how difficult and lonely it was. It helped me realise how far I have come.

Naomi discusses addiction and signposts local services with another comeback member.

'Being part of The Comeback has helped me become a valid member of society and given me real purpose'.

Becoming part of The Comeback has changed my life.


Having others believe in me has given me the courage to go out and connect with people struggling with addiction.


I have gained more empathy and because of my own experiences can show them recovery is possible, even when you have lost everything. 


The passion I have in recovery grows every day.



I now know I wasn’t a bad person, I just needed the support and guidance to help me change everything and learn to live life in a different way.

Recovery is there for anyone that wants it.

Just take it; be free.

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