At the age of 14, Terry was struggling with his family life and was subject to horrific abuse. He started taking drugs to cope with his trauma, which led to a prison sentence.
He first engaged with The Forward Trust when he was transferred to HMP Stoke Heath. It was the first time he had ever engaged properly with a substance use service. Terry wanted to change, get to the root of his drug use, and break the cycle he’d got into.
“The Forward team helped me learn lots of coping strategies for when I’m struggling, such as grounding and breathing exercises. One of the best things I’ve learnt is just to talk and not bottle things up.
“I’ve realised I’m not alone and that there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I now do yoga and read a lot. I also find writing poems very therapeutic.”
Thanks to support from the Forward team, Terry enrolled on several substance use courses whilst in prison and eventually became one of the prison’s Health and Wellbeing Champion (HAWC). This role means that Terry helps others on his wing who might be struggling with their own drug and/or alcohol use.
“Since becoming a HAWC, I’ve been able to help many of the other lads here who are struggling. They feel they can relate to me as they know I’ve been there too.
“Things are so different for me now. I don’t think I ever would have changed without Forward’s help. I would urge anyone who thinks Forward can help to give them a try. They’ve changed my life and for that, I’m eternally grateful.”
