Following their release from custody in January 2024, Sid chose to work with the Thurrock drug and alcohol service in January 2024. Before this, they had only engaged with services because they had to, rather than because they wanted to, so this was a big step forward.
Since Forward’s involvement in Sid’s care, they have become an active participant in their recovery and made significant progress in their recovery journey:
"The Forward team make the service feel like a safe environment for me to get the help I need. I have been more willing to open up and let my vulnerabilities show. I have a great worker (Tom) who has helped me at every step of the way.”
Every day, Sid goes to breakfast drop-ins and every week, they join the alcohol group (Moving Forward). They have loved the support from volunteers and peer supporters who also attend the drop-in sessions; it often makes Sid feel like they’d be up for helping others in this way in the future.
Recently, Sid decided to complete a detox and attend a residential rehabilitation service. The decision was underpinned by the goal to move on from drug and alcohol use and galvanise their hard work and personal achievements during their recovery journey.
In fact, Sid recently received news that approved funding will allow him to attend a residential rehabilitation facility. All the hard work they have put into their recovery has paid off. Whilst they wait for a placement, Sid will continue to work hard and is excited by the increase in groups and fellowship meetings coming up in the future:
“I am so thankful to the team at Forward. Every person I have worked with at Thurrock has been kind and compassionate.”
Tom, Sid’s case worker, had this to say about the support that Sid received from Forward:
“The above client has been known to the service for a long time with a spell between engagement in a custodial setting. Not only has the client received excellent drug and alcohol support both from psychosocial staff and clinical staff, but they have also received incredible emotional support from admin staff regarding health concerns.
“One of our admin staff went above and beyond to ensure the client had the appropriate contact numbers and emotional support to tackle the issue. The understanding and compassion with which the matter was dealt with was a credit to the staff involved and the client themselves.”
