Jason's Story

Thanks to you, Jason has the support to overcome his addiction.

We believe in long-term support and seeing people through their journey, however long that may be.  

Jason came to REACH in a time of personal crisis and was given the opportunity to turn his own life around by taking responsibility and making a change. Now he has a community to turn to, but he wouldn’t have been able to take that first step without your help to get him through the lowest part of his life. In turn, he is able to give support to others through volunteering. 

‘Volunteering for REACH has completely changed my life. I had never heard of REACH until I was at my lowest, and in need of a food parcel myself. 

‘I had an accident where I worked as a welder/fabricator. I had to have six weeks off work, but as an alcoholic it was an awful experience. I was left alone and very lonely with my thoughts, and I would just drink to fill the days. 

‘When I returned to work and abruptly stopped drinking, it led to seizures, and I became stuck in a loop. If I drank, I’d get caught up with the wrong people and become completely reliant on alcohol. If I stopped drinking completely, I’d end up in hospital with seizures followed by recovery time at home alone and end up drinking. 

‘After I had been to rehab, I was still off work following my most recent seizure. That meant I was struggling to cover my bills; I couldn’t afford heating and was living on instant rice packets. When REACH gave me a food parcel, it was like receiving a lifeline, and I simply couldn’t believe they were giving me more food than I’d seen in months. They even helped me to apply for some benefits to bridge the gap until I can return to work, and in winter an energy top up voucher so I didn’t freeze in the nights. 

‘I knew I had to find another way to spend my days if I wanted to turn my life around, so I asked if I could volunteer in the REACH warehouse. It’s brilliant. The people are nice, and it feels great to be doing something useful. Here, I can build relationships that aren’t based on alcohol. I’ve made friends with all sorts of people; I even met my partner while volunteering for REACH, and we’re very good for each other. I’m in such a good place now. So REACH has had a massive impact on me, and I feel like I need REACH more than they need me, really!’