"None of this could have happened without them"

I arrived in New Hall in September and moved to DRW a week after. I am so happy I asked Inclusion if I could, I've had the best experience in doing so.

When I arrived I had no confidence, my self esteem was very low, in weeks my confidence improved so much so I was leading peer groups, another couple of weeks I shared my story from childhood, teenage years, to getting on drugs to finding myself in prison for much of 2000 - 2003. I was released and stayed out of prison until Sept 2024.

I've learned so much about myself on DRW, I've been taught how to reduce anxiety, learned so many tools along the way, A.B.Cs, C.B.Ts, awareness, deeds, dangerous decisions, acceptance, wise mind, mindfulness, types of emotions, addictive behaviour, coping strategies and relapse prevention. I feel proud to have finished the 16 week programme.

None of this could have happened without the help and support of Beth and Abbye, I thank them from the bottom of my heart for all the work they do in groups and behind the scenes, its been an amazing experience, and I go home with so many tools.

I'm looking forward to go beyond the gates and not be negative but positive I can continue my recovery.

Thank you to all the prison officers on DRW and Beth and Abbye