Keith W’s story

My drinking gradually increased when I was around 40 and was experiencing work-related stress. At first, I didn’t realise what was happening. The turning point came when I fell down the stairs and fractured both my shoulders. I haven’t had a drop of alcohol since that day.

After my accident, I went to my GP and was offered a list of different help options, one of which was The Forward Trust. I began engaging in one-to-one sessions in Forward’s Sittingbourne hub before progressing to the 12-step programme.

The staff at Forward were brilliant and so helpful. I found this was because many of Forward’s staff have gone through the recovery process themselves, so they know what it is like.

I found the one-to-one sessions really beneficial. They woke me up by showing me what I had lost, but also what I had to gain. Without the sessions, I wouldn’t have been able to walk into the 12-step programme meetings.

The staff at Forward were brilliant and so helpful. I found this was because many of Forward’s staff have gone through the recovery process themselves, so they know what it is like.

After I graduated from the programme, I joined the Forward Connect groups for weekly guidance throughout my ongoing recovery. I now take part in these groups every week, where we offer mutual support and talk about how things are going.

Since I have found recovery, my head is clearer and I feel more focused. If you’re looking for help or advice, I can’t recommend Forward enough. They are likeminded people who understand that what you’re going through isn’t easy, but will do their best to make it easier.