Vicky’s Journey to a Brighter Future
When Vicky moved into one of our shared community houses in Worksop, she was ready for change—but unsure where to begin. After years of unstable housing, multiple short prison sentences, and a long battle with addiction, she had almost given up hope of a fresh start. But with the right support and a safe place to call home, everything began to shift.
At YMCA Robin Hood, Vicky found more than just a roof over her head—she found people who believed in her. With the dedicated support of her Tenancy Support Workers, Cheryl and Kendra, and a referral to Change Grow Live (CGL), the local drug and alcohol service, Vicky began rebuilding her life one step at a time.
She started with one-to-one support sessions, where she could speak openly and begin healing in her own time. Encouraged by her progress, Vicky took the leap into group sessions—something she never thought she’d be comfortable with. But once she gave it a try, she flourished. Surrounded by others who understood her journey, her confidence began to grow.
Now, just 12 months later, Vicky is well on her way to completing CGL’s Foundation Skills Programme, a key milestone in her recovery. Not only that—she’s training to become a Lived Experience volunteer, offering her own story as a source of hope for others who are just starting theirs.
Her achievements haven’t gone unnoticed. Vicky recently attended International Women’s Day celebrations in Liverpool alongside her CGL peers, and she’s even been nominated to take part in a research project on recovery with John Moores University.
Vicky’s story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when someone is given the right tools, the right support, and the chance to thrive. She’s continuing to work hard on her recovery and is now focused on her next goal: achieving full independence.
We’re incredibly proud of how far she’s come—and we can’t wait to see what she does next.
If you or someone you know is struggling and needs support, please don’t hesitate to reach out. A safe home and the right help can change everything.