Antonia M’s story

I’d been using drugs and alcohol from the age of 12. I was a pattern of behaviour that slowly got worse until I ended up overdosing. Over that time I lost my friends, my family, my job and my home, and myself. I knew I wanted to stop, but I just didn’t know how. Eventually, I went to my doctor, and then into rehab for four and a half months. It saved my life.

Since I found recovery I have started a new life. I finally found the version of myself I thought I had lost! At first, I found it hard to get a job, until I met a friend in recovery working at The Forward Trust. I applied for a 12 month paid role through Forward’s Trainee Scheme at head office, which included full training and mentoring.

Because of Forward, everything is different. Not only do I have a stable job and home, but I have dignity, self-respect, and really feel like I am giving back to society.

After I completed it, I got a permanent job with Forward, who supported me in completing my NVQ in Business and Administration. I decided I wanted to continue my education and am now studying for a BA with the Open University. Once I finish that I’m hoping to complete my Master’s degree. Forward have given me the job I always dreamed of finding!

Because of Forward, everything is different. Not only do I have a stable job and home, but I have dignity, self-respect, and really feel like I am giving back to society. I am so proud of myself for getting clean and getting my life back together. But I am most proud of my amazing relationship with my family and my daughter.