Our stories

Stories from the inspirational people we support and our workforce, in their own words.

An illustration of two people side by side. There is a speech bubble next to one of the people.

Adam's story

"They didn't just treat me as a number or a list of symptoms. I was seen as a human being who just happened to have a drink problem." - Adam thought reaching out for support for his drinking would lead to being judged, but he found a humanity and kindness he hadn't experienced in other places.
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A photograph of Adam, someone who was supported by Waythrough's alcohol service in Haringey. He is stood in the street next to a wall. He has brown hair and is wearing a blue shirt

Che-Rose's story

"To talk about the trauma - it was a huge relief. And then I just started to embrace more information, feel calmer and change my whole life around." - Che-Rose, a Peer Mentor Volunteer at Better Lives, found a safe space and felt part of a community again when she started to attend our women's group.
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A photograph of Che-Rose, a peer mentor volunteer at Better Lives. She has long hair and is smiling straight at the camera.

Pauline's story

"I was at the end of my rope and I just knew that I had to do something. I reached out to Enable, and there my life changed forever." - Ultimatums from family members and her employer led Pauline to reach out for support. Now, she co-facilitates support groups to help people turn their lives around like she did.
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A photograph of Pauline, a Peer Mentor Volunteer at Enable. She is looking slightly to the side of the camera and smiling.

Ian's story

"What I have learnt to do is to take a positive stand with what happened to me and turn it into something good. I'm a great believer in it. It's the reason that I'm still working with Waythrough. It's the reason I'm still here." - Ian told us what truly drives him: showing other people who have experienced trauma that there is always hope.
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A photograph of Ian, who works in mental health support for Waythrough. He is wearing a white shirt, smiling, and standing in front of a wall with different pastel colours.

Melissa's story

"I think we've got a unique voice that needs to be listened to." - After reaching out for support, Melissa went from sleeping on the streets of Sheffield to having her own place to call home and working in youth homelessness services. She now advises Waythrough's General Executive Management team as part of our Life Experience Council.
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A photograph of Melissa, who is a member of Waythrough's Life Experience Council. She has blonde hair, is wearing a patterned blouse, and is smiling straight at the camera.

Ishmail's story

"I did my security course and I'm waiting for my badge now - so in a few months I'll be employed." - In November 2024, Ishmail received refugee status and was moved to a hotel. With our support, he has regained his independence and discovered new opportunities.
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A photograph of Ishmail, who was supported by Thrive Darlington to live independently and gain employment. He is looking straight at the camera, wearing sunglasses and headphones on his head.

Ted's story

"I used to call it paranoia. I never knew what anxiety meant until I was in the service and one of the workers told us." - Ted learnt about his own mental health and realised he wasn't alone in struggling when he started attending support groups.
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A photograph of Ted, who was supported by Waythrough. He is stood in a leafy garden, wearing a striped shirt and looking straight at the camera.

Stephen's story

"Anything that's worrying me, I can tell them about. They'll help you do everything." - Stephen was given a place to stay by Abbots Bank, our supported housing service in Penrith, and it gave him a fresh start.
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A photograph of Stephen, who was supported by Abbots Bank to live independently. He is sat on a bench, holding his phone, wearing glasses and a flat cap.

Steven's story

"For me, it's about using my experience to help others." - Steven struggled with his drinking and spent time in prison. Now he gives his time volunteering for Reconnect, the same prison recovery service that supported him.
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A photograph of Steven, a volunteer at Waythrough's Reconnect service. He is looking straight at the camera and wearing a blue and white checked shirt.