I grew up in a socially and economically deprived area of Leeds rife with crime and unemployment. My childhood was filled with experiences of abuse and violence. Early on I got used to the fact that those in authority such as teachers, probation services etc had no confidence in me ever being able to live a fulfilling and productive life and before long I believed them
Early on I got used to the fact that those in authority such as teachers, probation services etc had no confidence in me ever being able to live a fulfilling and productive life and before long I believed them.
This led to me spending the next 20 years in and out of prison. Committing crime to fund my addiction to Heroin and crack cocaine. I would go to jail, get clean and then on release would repeat the cycle all over again. This continued for 30 years, culminating in a two-year stint of homelessness, living on the streets of Leeds without hope.
I’d been on a script on and off for most of this time until a wonderful lady in the treatment services I was attending suggested I enter rehab. A glimmer of hope at last. I grabbed it with both hands and started going to rehab prep groups. Before long I was entering residential rehab.
I spent the next 6 month’s building myself up physically, mentally and emotionally until I successfully graduated rehab. On leaving I entered supported housing and found a passion for nature and fitness.
I started going to the gym regularly and would go hiking every weekend, exploring the beautiful outdoors.
I started volunteering not long after leaving rehab and found my purpose in life ,supporting those with similar experiences as mine. This gave me the opportunity to pursue a further education and gain the qualifications needed to pursue my dreams.
I still have my struggles but I now have the tools to overcome them. Finally I have a fulfilling and rewarding life free from the shackles of addiction.
“Ferdy has been a valuable member of the Sheffield Recovery Community for the last two years, he is constantly coming up with new and exciting ideas to support people in recovery. He has been extremely generous with his time, his commitment to supporting others is admirable, he has been instrumental in setting up activity and support groups for people in recovery over weekends, with the ‘Connections’ group.
His knowledge and experience are invaluable, he is an inspiration, and we feel very lucky to have him as part of our recovery community” – Sheffield Recovery Community
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