Transform has helped me learn how to socialise again, rebuild my confidence and become part of society

I'm Nicole, but everyone calls me Nic.

Before I came to Transform, I was using cocaine every day for 10 years. What started as social drug use quickly became something I relied on to block everything out.

Around the same time, my mum was diagnosed with cancer. She fought it for eight years, but during that time my addiction got worse. Towards the end, I was living in psychosis. After she passed away, everything spiralled. I became homeless, living in my car, sofa surfing and staying in hotels when I could. I lost everything, including all my mum's belongings that had been put into storage. I didn't really want to be here anymore.

Eventually I realised I couldn't carry on and decided to go to rehab. That's where I was told about supported housing and referred to Transform.

Transform gave me something I'd lost – a family.

Transform has completely changed my life. After leaving rehab, I literally had no where to go. If I hadn't come to Transform, I would have gone straight back to living in my car and using again.

I was nervous at first because I didn't know what to expect, but from the moment I arrived I felt safe. I finally felt like I could breathe.

Instead of returning to the life I'd left behind, I found safety, support and a community. After spending so long alone, Transform gave me something I'd lost – a family. The staff, especially my key worker, have been amazing. I can talk to anyone about anything, and for the first time in years, I feel like I'm home.

Now I'm seven and a half months clean. Transform has helped me learn how to socialise again, rebuild my confidence and become part of society. We cook together, support one another, and when I come back after being out for the day, I genuinely look forward to walking through the door because it feels like home.

If I hadn't come to Transform, I would have gone straight back to living in my car and using again

Today I'm running recovery meetings every week and studying Level 2 Counselling because I want to help others facing addiction. My goal is to volunteer and eventually work in a rehab, giving back to people who were once in the same position as me.

I also have a relationship with my brother again, I've made wonderful friends, and I can't imagine going back to the life I used to live.

The six months before rehab were the worst of my life. The months I've spent at Transform have been the best.

People can recover from addiction when they have the right support. I didn't even know places like Transform existed, but they really do change lives. That's why people should support Transform, so more people like me have the chance to rebuild their lives.