Testimonials
“My mum said, its good to have you back son….”
“I thought men don’t cry, men don’t go places like this. I’m not afraid to tell people I go to Sean’s Place now…”
The first time I came, I just broke down in tears, because at the time I thought: Men don’t cry;
men don’t come to places like this, so it all hit me.
When I first came and started counselling, it was just nice to talk to someone who is not a family member. As much as I can talk to family members about what’s going on, you feel like you don’t want to put any burden on them or put the mood down if they are in a good mood. So talking to a counsellor does help massively.
The first time I came here, I was at rock bottom. I didn’t think there was a way out. But I
thought I can’t put not only me mum through that, but my dad, my brother, my sister. I
don’t have them thoughts anymore, which is good, and I think coming to a place like this has
helped. I don’t think I’ve got a bad word to say about any staff or any of the people who come here.
The staff are all lovely. The people are all dead friendly, dead sound. You respect that everyone is here for their own reasons.
Me personally, I love coming here, and I’m not afraid to tell people I go to Sean’s Place.
Where in the past I might’ve said, I don’t want to tell them that because they’ll think there’s
something wrong with me, now I just sort of embrace it. I’ll just be like, Yeah, I’m going to
Sean’s Place today. Even family, if they ask where I’m off, I just say, I’m going to Sean’s
Place. I’m not like I used to be, saying I’m just going out for an hour or two. Now I embrace it
and come when I want and that’s the beauty of it.
If this place didn’t exist, I don’t know what I’d do, whether I’d even still be here. You see
some people where they’ve killed themselves and you think, If only they’d reached out or
spoken up.
I think if this service didn’t exist, I’d be struggling even more than I am. There was just
something about this place that stood out and made me want to come here.
It’s the services they have, the staff, they’re never against you. I don’t think there’s anyone
who comes here that’s got anything bad to say about the staff. They’re all just lovely. When you come here and feel comfortable, that helps.”
“I paced outside for 45 minutes the first time, full of anxiety. But walking through that door was also the best thing I’ve ever done….”
I started getting intrusive thoughts. Voices in my head telling me I am not good enough, not worthy, that no one loves me. I hit rock bottom. I honestly didn’t think there was a way out. One day, I went to the police station and said, “I can’t carry on like this. I need proper help.”. I relocated back up here with nothing but a bag of clothes — a fresh start.
My doctor told me about Sean’s Place. Within a few days of the referral, someone called me and said, “When you coming in then, Paul?” I said, “I’ll be in tomorrow.” I haven’t looked back since. Best thing I’ve ever done. This place gave me a new lease on life. I’m 20 weeks clean now. One morning, I looked in the mirror and said, “This isn’t me.” I’d had enough.
The staff here are amazing. From day one, everyone talked to me like brothers. We’re like a big family. It’s like I’ve been coming for years.
Sean’s Place gives me something to live for. I used to isolate myself every day. Now I’ve moved nearby, I come in all the time. It gives me purpose, even just for two hours a day. I’ve got something on nearly every day now except Sunday. I do everything I can. Coffee mornings three times a week, sound baths, fishing, Muay Thai
kickboxing, and yoga. Everything’s provided, from equipment to emotional support.
You don’t have to talk about your problems unless you want to, but everyone’s here for the same reason. I call it the adult youth club.
I’ve met real mates here. i’’ve come off all social media, changed my phone number, and started again.
I’ve got my family back. My mum and sister. The other day my mum said, “It’s good to have you back in my life.” That nearly made me cry. I’d pushed them all away, but now I’ve got them again. And I don’t even think about drugs anymore. After 20 years of doing them every day.
This place gives me happiness, friendship, support, and reasons to keep going. Even just sitting around the pool table, having a laugh, or chatting over coffee. You learn things from the older guys, how they cope. You don’t even realise you’re picking up coping mechanisms.
Honestly, I wouldn’t be here without this place. I hated myself. I thought the world didn’t owe me anything. I was crying in trees, wanting to jump in front of cars. But something made me ask for help. Best thing I ever did.
I tried to get clean for other people, for my mum, my son, my sister, but it never worked. This time I did it for me. Life is worth living. Now I want to get involved, be part of society again.
If someone’s thinking of coming to Sean’s Place, I’d say 100 percent do it. The hardest bit is walking through the door. I paced outside for 45 minutes the first time, full of anxiety. But walking through that door was also the best thing I’ve ever done.
“Sean’s Place saved my life….I’m certain of that!”
| Sean’s Place saved my life, I’m certain about that. There are many factors that make Sean’s Place what it is. This includes the staff, volunteers, extensive and varied programmes and sessions. However, the most important factor that elevating Sean’s Place being outstanding rather than good is the atmosphere. From the moment you walk in to the minute you leave you feel valued for who you are. Staff always greet you warmly and as an individual not just a member. It’s a safe place where it’s easy to relax and connect. That’s especially important on a down day or if under stress. Congratulations! |