Articles by: DACW

"After struggling with my substance misuse addiction for many years I made a conscious decision to attend a rehabilitation centre in Bangor, North Wales (Ty'n Rodyn). During my 8 month stay I was signed up to CAIS' Recovery Coaching Project by Rod and crossed over to the Cyfle Cymru project during my time on the project. "I have completed all of my personal development courses, and I feel now is the time I can [.....]

"I have suffered with alcohol addiction since my late teens, which eventually lead to mental health issues and self harming. After many failed attempts of staying sober, I managed to give the alcohol up completely.  I came to CAIS about a year ago and got the chance to volunteer, after doing some low level volunteering ie: making cups of tea at the drop in’s. We attended the farm and helped with the weeding, growing [.....]

"I was in the Welsh Guards for 8 years. In that time I did 2 tours of Afghanistan. In 2014 my mental health was getting worse; I was drinking everyday to try and block out what I was going through. I attempted to take my own life and was in and out of mental health units. Whilst in Glan Clwyd hospital my Mum came across a Change Step leaflet and met Vrinty, and this is where my support started. My Mum was also [.....]

"After 17 years of using alcohol as a crutch, I met Jo, my Peer Mentor, who has given me a lot of support and advice. She helped me get in to an abstinence-based supported housing, and I now attend the drop ins. I also receive one-to-ones with her. She is always ready to help me with my problems and with her herp I've got a lot more confidence and have the opportunity to meet new people. "I now have the chance to [.....]

"Before going to Cyfle Cymru I had done several courses.  For example, Creative Writing, Art & Computers.  At that time, I wanted to volunteer in a charity shop.  I specifically chose a charity shop due to wishing to follow my values.  I had talked and thought about doing this for a year but I had done nothing about it.  Since being supported by Cyfle Cymru, I have been volunteering in the Cats Protection League [.....]

"Following a referral to Cyfle Cymru I met with both my Peer Mentor George James, and the employment adviser Ursula Howells. Both of whom offered help and support in my journey finding employment. Weekly meetings and help with job searches and applications led to me being offered a place on the work-related course. Whilst at one of the course sessions I was asked by George if I could attend a mock interview at [.....]

"When I was interviewed for a job I wasn't able to work there until I had a CSCS card. So my case worker set me up with the group so they could get me on the right track. Now I have a COSHH Certificate and my CSCS, and will hopefully be doing some more courses to help me get a job. Absolutely amazing people; they really helped me out."   Think you could benefit from Cyfle Cymru support? We can [.....]

"I came to Kaleidoscope feeling really depressed and hopeless; they referred me to Cyfle Cymru. Cyfle gave me something to look forward to and move on. The help and support I received has gained my confidence and opened new doors that I could have never imagined. Now I'm looking forward to my future thanks to Cyfle Cymru's support."   Think you could benefit from Cyfle Cymru support? We can [.....]

Working with Cyfle Cymru came at just the right time for Conor. He struggled over the years, balancing living with Asperger’s whilst recovering from a difficult period of depression. Conor is very outgoing and sociable which meant he struggled to cope when he became socially isolated. He said, “It’s great having that support and confidence that coming to Cyfle Cymru gives you. The staff always notice if you’re [.....]

Ryan suffered from poor mental health and began abusing substances as a coping mechanism after becoming homeless at the age of 14. Until 2019, he had been in and out of prison and hadn’t managed to fully complete a probation period. “I have had services in the past try to support me, but nothing helped me, and I ended up being back in prison”. During his most recent prison sentence, Ryan started practicing [.....]