When Stuart moved back to Oban, he couldn’t have imagined experiencing such a “massive difference” in his life. Stuart, who now has his own tenancy and is in control of his finances, told us about his incredible journey to freedom.
Stuart moved back to Oban in 2016. He had nothing. He was living in temporary accommodation, had no income, and was addicted to heroin. Stuart said: “I felt like I’d lost my soul to drugs.”
That’s when he reached out for help and was referred to Carr Gomm.
His support practitioners took time to listen and understand him; together they agreed a plan that included the goals that Stuart wanted to achieve in his life. Stuart understood that making changes would be difficult, but he was determined to make positive choices in order to create a lasting change.
Stuart’s support practitioners supported him to apply for the right benefits, went with him to medical appointments, encouraged him to start going to the gym, and supported him in rebuilding bridges with his family. His support gave him the stability and self-confidence that he needed:
“Life had always been so chaotic, and now it’s so ‘simple’. My advice to others is to be content with where you are, rather than where you’re not”.
Susan, the manager of the service in Oban, who has known Stuart for over 15 years, said:
“I am so proud of how Stuart has progressed in his life, he has shown such determination to turn his life around and it makes me so proud to see him finally have a place he can call home and embark on a much brighter future!”
Stuart is now drug-free and no longer receiving support from statutory addiction services, and is looking at getting back into work or going to college. His regular support with Carr Gomm is about to end, since he has achieved everything that we set out to accomplish together, but he said:
“I know if I need to drop in I’ll never be turned away. That’s just Carr Gomm”.
If you would like to find out more about how we can support you or someone you know, please get in touch with us via our online form.
