Jenni's Story

"I was using drugs recreationally, but over time I found myself dependent on cocaine and heroin. My house was taken over by drug dealers and as a result, I was homeless and living in a tent for some time, and my children were placed in the care of my family.

Fortunately, DHI didn’t look just at my drug use, but also helped me with housing support so I could get into a new home of my own. Having a stable home helped me to address my drug use, completely stop my use of cocaine and heroin, and start to spend time alone with my children again.

I’ve been supported by DHI throughout the lockdown to stay abstinent and prepare to detox from methadone. Now I’m able to think about my hopes for the future and my dream of working in health care, hopefully as a midwife. DHI’s West of England Works service have supported me to sign up for several training courses so I can get the skills I’ll need to get into work when I am ready."