MN’s Story of Courage and Transformation

Description of the case, including about the service user, referral and risks‍

MN was referred to the recovery refuge service by Hampshire Council on 22/03/2023.

MN reported experiencing physical, verbal, coercive and controlling behaviour from her ex-partner. MN presented as extremely fearful of him when she first came into the refuge.

MN stated she had been in a relationship for approximately nine months, and the relationship started very quickly, with the AP being verbally abusive. This escalated to physical violence, with the last incident resulting in MN sustaining injuries: a black eye, bruising all over her body, and a lump on her head.

The last incident she experienced was reported. She was supported whilst in hospital to manage her withdrawal from alcohol and remains abstinent with support from a third party. MN was fearful of repercussions and was not willing to support any police prosecution until she was safe and out of the risk area.

The AP was on bail until 07/06/23, with conditions not to contact MN directly or indirectly, when she came into refuge accommodation.

MN described herself as alcohol-dependent (MN had been supported whilst in hospital to manage her withdrawal from alcohol and remains abstinent) — historically drinking a 70cl bottle of spirits a day. MN had been significantly unwell prior to coming into the refuge and was very jaundiced when she arrived.

Level and details of need and issues to be addressed

‍To enable MN to move forward with her recovery from alcohol and an abusive relationship, it was necessary for her to have a specialist environment where she could begin to address change. MN wanted an opportunity to receive combined support for domestic abuse and substance misuse.

With continued sobriety, MN believes she stands the best chance of making sense of her life experience and consequently making changes for the better for herself and her daughter.

MN’s intention is to get herself well and safe and have her daughter returned to her care.

Support provided

• Open Road – substance misuse
• SHARPS – community rehab
• Wellies On – Therapeutic Farm
• Relapse prevention
• G.P.
• Dentist

Length of time in the service‍

MN was in the recovery refuge from 18/05/2023 until 24/10/2023, when she resettled out of her risk area.

Outcomes and impact‍

Sharps Graduation:
MN had her graduation from Sharps today. MN's sister and uncle stood up and said some very inspirational words on how MN's recovery has impacted their lives, and MN’s Nan had also written a note to be read out by her uncle. MN found this to be very emotional.

MN has been accepted for a voluntary role at CGL in Hertfordshire, where she will help with the front desk and support in the groups.

At the time of leaving the refuge, MN had a clear and concise plan for her future, e.g., volunteering and her daughter, and knew what she needed to do to achieve her goals — i.e., remain sober and hold herself accountable.

MN now accepts help, does not see this as a weakness, and can talk about her feelings rather than bottling them up.

MN informed staff that she feels confident in her abilities and is looking forward to the future.

Current situation‍

MN is settled in her flat with her daughter, who is doing really well at school and also does swimming and dancing outside of school.

MN is in a new relationship, which is very positive, and she is pregnant, which she is really happy about.

She is volunteering for CGL — running a women’s group, another group working with ex-prisoners who had drug/alcohol offences, and does some outreach work.

Quote from individual supported

‍“Oh my goodness, you are all the absolute best and I wouldn’t be where I am today without you all — you believed in me, listened, advised and supported me and I will be forever grateful for the help and support I received. One of the great things about my life is waking up and looking forward to a coffee, instead of thinking about my next alcoholic drink — I never want to go back to that.”

Date
01/04/2025