Antonia M’s story

When Antonia walked through the doors of The Forward Trust over a decade ago, she was searching for more than just a job – she was looking for a second chance.

Having battled addiction from the age of 12 and navigating recovery while raising her young daughter alone, Antonia believed the odds were stacked against her. She had spent years trying to rebuild her life: staying sober, juggling motherhood, and working in a high-pressure corporate job that left her and her daughter deeply unhappy.

“I remember my daughter crying every day,” she says. “She was only six – in school from morning till night. I knew something had to change.”

A friend from the fellowships suggested she apply for an apprenticeship at The Forward Trust. She had her doubts – having been told she had to hide herself, to hide her recovery, because of the stigma of addiction. But she took the leap. She left the job that was causing her well-being harm, gave up financial stability, and even volunteered to show commitment to her future while waiting for apprenticeship funding to come through. She’d lost everything before, and she was willing to risk it all again for her future. “I just knew it was the right thing to do.”

The Forward Trust didn’t just offer Antonia a role – they gave her back her self-worth. They knew her recovery was something to celebrate. They trained her, supported her, and saw her potential. “When I told them I was an alcoholic and in recovery, they clapped. I’d never had that kind of support before.”

Having first-hand experiences – similar to others seeking help from The Forward Trust – wasn’t easy, but it meant Antonia was able to be present and available, and felt like her role was a type of giving back after Forward gave her so much.

Now, as she marks 18 years of sobriety, 10 years with The Forward Trust, and her 50th birthday, Antonia is reflecting on just how far she’s come. Working as a Recovery Support Administrator, she helps others begin their journeys – all while raising a happy and healthy daughter, earning a university degree, and reclaiming her life from addiction. “It’s a big year,” she says. “A very emotional one. I’m grateful every single day.”

“I was given the key to the office,” she says, her voice filled with emotion. “That meant everything to me. No one had trusted me in a long time.”

Antonia’s story is a shining example of what’s possible when someone is given a second chance and the right support. But there are so many more people like her who need help right now. Your donation can help us be there for them.

By supporting The Forward Trust, you’re giving someone the chance to say: “This is who I am. I don’t have to pretend anymore.”

Help us continue this life-changing work. Help someone like Antonia believe in themselves again.