Where it all began
Growing up, school was a challenge. I went to a special needs school where I had one-to-one help with reading and writing. Later, I had a home tutor and eventually went on to college. I studied mechanics and motor trade for a few years, then did another two years in electrical and welding.
I’ve always been good with my hands. I worked in a garage with my dad for about seven years, then moved on to building work, demolition jobs and even helping out at fairgrounds. But drinking was always there – part of the work culture, part of my social life. Over time, with relationship problems and other personal stuff, the drinking got worse.
Then I lost my mum and I was in a really dark place – we were incredibly close – and after she died, everything started to fall apart. I was drinking heavily, every single day. I stopped working completely and at night, I’d knock myself out with miniature bottles of vodka just to get to sleep.
A doctor’s warning
I went to my GP and when the tests came back, they were shocking. My liver and kidneys were down to 50%. The doctor looked me in the eye and said: “If you don’t change now, you’ve only got a few months left". I’ll never forget those words.
I felt like giving up. At the time, I had nowhere to live. I got referred to Transform through iAccess and moved into one of their ex-offender accommodations. Not long after that, I got a place on a 12-day detox programme in Maidstone. That’s when things started to change.
Transforming a life
Once I finished detox, I moved into one of Transform’s dry houses in January 2024. That was 16 months ago – and I haven’t looked back since.
A dry house is a supportive living environment where residents agree to stay free from alcohol and non-prescribed drugs, helping each other maintain a substance-free lifestyle.
I’ve started a new life from scratch
I’m now in active recovery and rebuilding my life, step by step. I’ve started again from scratch, really. It hasn’t been easy, but the support I’ve had from Transform has been brilliant. There are keyworkers around every day and they’ve helped me with everything from cooking to paperwork. I always feel like someone’s got my back.
I’ve always found reading and writing difficult. In the past, I’d relied on partners to help me manage everyday things, so when I moved into supported housing on my own, I had to figure it all out. I didn’t even know how to use a washing machine or a cooker properly. It felt like learning everything from the beginning, like a baby starting fresh. But the staff have supported me every step of the way – especially my keyworker, Jarrod. He’s helped me with letters, documents, and anything else I’ve needed. I couldn’t have done it without him.
Rebuilding relationships
The hardest part has been the guilt. I put my family through a lot. But my sister’s been amazing – she tells me it takes time. I’m starting to rebuild relationships with my children and grandchildren and having them around again means the world to me. I couldn’t ask for more.
Looking to the future – giving back
I’ve completed every recovery course iAccess offer – so many that they even created a new one just for me! I’m also working with Jarrod to become a peer mentor. I want to give back and help others going through the same things I’ve faced. If my journey can inspire someone else to get help, that’s something to be proud of.
Now, I’m looking into adult literacy classes and short courses at college. I want to build up my independence even more. I’m also thinking about going back to work, but I know I need to be in the right kind of environment. Construction’s not the right place for me anymore – that whole ‘lads’ culture, going to the pub after work… it’s just not something I want to be around.
I’d love to do something outdoors, like gardening or landscaping. I like working with my hands and being out in the fresh air.
How would I describe Transform in three words?
Wonderful. Life-saving. Supportive.
I’ve been working with Robert since day one and the journey he’s been on has been nothing short of inspiring.
When I first met him, he hadn’t started his sobriety yet. He came into our ex-offender accommodation while waiting for a detox bed. At the beginning, he was quite isolated and struggling with his family relationships. But even then, you could tell - there was a strong will in him, a real determination under the surface.
Once he completed detox and moved into the Reigate dry house, he fully committed to his recovery. He threw himself into it. Robert’s done every iAccess course available - and when he’d finished them all, he even asked for more. They actually created a new course just for him because he was so keen to keep learning and growing. That just shows the will he has to succeed.
These days, he’s got a solid daily routine and a really positive attitude. Honestly, he’s blown the whole team away with how far he’s come. He’s reliable, grounded and genuinely cares about others. He’s become a role model in the house - he takes newer residents under his wing, supports them and leads by example.
We’ve also worked together to sort out quite a few practical and legal matters. At one point, Robert had several court orders and was on tag, but he stuck with it. He followed every requirement and cleared it all up. He’s tackled his paperwork, sorted letters and documents and he even got a gym membership through us. He’s also used some of Transform’s grant funding to support his recovery - for short courses and other tools to help him stay on track.
Right now, I’m supporting him to become a peer mentor with the local drug and alcohol team. And I’ve got no doubt - he’ll be brilliant at it. He’s a strong figure in the house and genuinely wants to help others through what he’s been through himself.
Robert told me Transform feels like home - and I get it. But when the time comes, I know he’ll be ready for the next step. He’s done the hard work and he’s shown real heart throughout. I’m proud of him.