Emma’s Story

Emma (34)

Emma had a long history of sex working and had been regularly arrested and served many short-term prison sentences. After her children were taken from her she turned to drugs and self harmed. She had been receiving support from her CJIT (Criminal Justice Intervention Team) worker Maria, and it was through her she was referred to the CHANGES project. Emma had a very chaotic lifestyle and found it difficult to engage with others. Emma had suffered domestic violence in the past and was looking to find safe independent accommodation. Emma had just started a drug replacement programme and was on a daily prescription of methadone.

“Before I came to CHANGES I was just depressed and doing nothing, I felt alone. I heard about CHANGES from Maria my support worker. I really wanted to change my lifestyle and asked about courses. Karen & Kate told me all about the different things they could help me with like courses and housing”

“I joined the literacy & numeracy class. I had always found it hard to mix but the class was very friendly and made me feel really welcome. I have started a self confidence course, it has really helped me. I have now enrolled at college and want to do some GCSE’s.”

“I am now reducing my methadone and feel much happier. I have more self confidence now and I am going to start volunteering for a homeless charity.  This is all thanks to the staff at CHANGES, they make you feel you can achieve things and are never judgemental”.