In 2019 I lost my job as chef and became homeless as a result of my drug and alcohol addiction. Someone directed me to Faith in Action Wimbledon and they referred me to Western Lodge.
The first 6 months was tuff, I didn’t want to talk to anyone and I was overwhelmed with the environment, I was then referred to CDARS to get help with my drug and alcohol problems then Western Lodge staff helped me to see that I wanted more from my life. Between the staff here and CDARS I stopped drinking and regained my confidence and some hope for the future. When Covid hit I was so glad to be at Western Lodge with a community that stayed together, I helped cook the meals every day and helped keep people’s spirits up, I felt valued.
Once Covid was over in 2021 I saw a notice on the board for Tooting Community Kitchen so I went along and after a short period I started to volunteer with them, 5 years on I am still volunteering with them.
In 2022 I was very lucky to be offered a flat with a housing association, this was a first for me as I had never had a place to call my own. I had so much help from the staff and other residents to decorate and furnish the flat and sort out utilities and benefits etc, however I was completely overwhelmed with this new world, as a result I started drinking again, Western Lodge continued to support me when I needed it and I continued to do my voluntary work but with family pressures and my poor mental health I continued to decline.
In 2025 I went on a bender drinking heavily, Western Lodge noticed I was not volunteering or answering my phone on a regular basis and they became concerned however I did not want to admit how bad I was, then after talking to staff who expressed how concerned they were and they visited but I did not let them in, I knew I needed help so I called 999. The following day I was admitted to ICU in a critical state and lucky to be alive. I was in hospital for 3 weeks and Western Lodge staff visited me and Jackie’s straight talking made me see sense that this was my last chance.
During the last year I have remained sober, I am managing my health conditions, attending all my appointments, I am connecting with people, I am volunteering all with the regular support from Western Lodge as I have fortnightly appointments there and can talk about my struggles. This has been a lifeline for me as I didn’t think I could do this on my own. Western Lodge is MAGIC. My hope for the future is to carry on being sober and look after my health and wellbeing so I can live a longer, content life. I hope Western Lodge will continue to support other people like me for a long time.
Thank you Western Lodge
DARREN