One year ago, Laura walked into The Bridges – Hull a broken version of herself, physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. Her life was unrecognisable. Years of progressive addiction had taken everything from Laura: her health, happiness, and sense of self. She was trapped in a cycle of despair, having survived two suicide attempts, and could no longer see a way forward.
But thanks to the unwavering support of The Forward Trust and the care provided at The Bridges, Laura found not just recovery, but renewal.
Laura had always struggled with alcohol, but before her addiction truly took hold, she was a proud military veteran and an active member of her community. She had a career, meaningful relationships, and dreams. Slowly, Laura lost all of it.
By the time she reached out for help, Laura felt completely defeated. Her turning point came when she was assigned a recovery worker through ‘We Are With You’, who believed in Laura, even when she couldn’t believe in herself. From here, Laura found herself at The Bridges.
“I arrived fearful and uncertain. I had tried many times before to get sober, but I had never addressed the deeper wounds that kept pulling me back.”
At The Bridges, Laura was given the time, space, and therapeutic support to heal, not only from the addiction but from the underlying wounds that gave rise to it. Through structured programmes, trauma-informed care, and peer support, she began to rebuild her life from the inside out.
“What makes The Forward Trust’s work so special is that they don’t just treat the addiction; they nurture the person. I wasn’t just given tools to stay sober; I was empowered to grow, to lead, and to believe in my potential again. I rediscovered my voice, my values, and my capacity for purpose.”
Today, Laura is proud to say that she’s over one year into recovery. Laura has gone from being a client to becoming an active volunteer within the recovery community. She’s also training to become a therapist so that she can help others find freedom from addiction, just as she has. Laura’s family relationships are healing, she’s present in her life again, and she now walks with gratitude, not guilt.
“Recovery has given me a life beyond anything I could have imagined, and none of it would have been possible without the compassion, structure, and belief that The Forward Trust offered through The Bridges.
“This programme didn’t just save my life, it gave me a new one.”
The Bridges – Hull is a residential rehabilitation centre located in the heart of Hull. For more information, you can get in touch, or you can find us at 333-335 Beverley Rd, Hull HU5 1LD.
