Case Study

Anxious, depressed and addicted to alcohol, Helen felt like life was no longer worth living – but the darkest hour is just before dawn. Now a valued member of the team working for Ingeus’ justice division, Helen is proof that anyone can turn their life around, no matter how hard their circumstances are. 

  

“Life became unmanageable,” explains Helen, now 56. “I went through a marriage break-up, then I was in a controlling relationship. I fell into debt and drinking too much, and life got worse and worse. I had anxiety and depression and so I drank more, it was a vicious circle. I tried to take my own life. When I look back now, I think was that really me?” 

  

After an intervention from her brother, Helen moved up to Middlesbrough to stay with her elderly parents, who tried to stop her drinking. However, as an addict, Helen could not stop – and in December 2022 she committed a drink-driving offence that ended in a car crash. 

  

“Fortunately, I only hit a lamp post, it could have been much worse,” says Helen. “I was arrested, and during those first nine hours in custody, I didn’t want to live. In the end I realised I had two choices; I will either end up dying or I need to change. I was mortified because I don’t remember driving that car but I could have killed someone. It was a massive turning point for me. From that day on, I haven’t had a drink.” 

  

Helen’s probation worker introduced her to Ingeus’ CFO (Creating Future Opportunities) Activity Hubs, now part of CFO Evolution, which helps former offenders to reintegrate into society. The Activity Hubs offer wraparound support to help engage with people and break down any barriers they may have. Helen attended on ladies’ days as she wanted a safe space to talk about her problems. During her time on the programme, she was given support with managing debts, referred to the Citizens Advice Bureau and given help to explain her alcohol addiction to her family. 

  

She took part in breakfast clubs, healthy eating and arts and crafts sessions at the Activity Hubs and began sharing her story with others. “When you’re all sitting round a table, colouring, people start talking, from all walks of life,” says Helen. Recognising the value of lived experience, Ingeus invited Helen to join its peer mentoring course – and she gained a full-time job as a health trainer for the North East Activity Hubs. Under the new CFO Evolution, Helen is now a site host and community guide. The hub in Darlington is her main base, but she also visits the Middlesbrough and Durham hubs on ladies’ days. 

  

“Two years ago, I could never have believed I would be doing this now,” says Helen. “Catering was my background. Now I really enjoy getting up in the morning to go to work. It’s such a pleasure working with people, the majority have simply had a run of bad luck. When I tell the participants about my alcohol addiction they are surprised, but I was a different person two years ago. You can change but you have got to put the work in.” 

  

One of the women she has been supporting at the Darlington Activity Hub has now joined Ingeus’ peer mentoring course. “I recommended her for it and she’s really grown, it’s lovely to see,” says Helen. “She said ‘you’re my inspiration!’. I love my job, I go home every day feeling satisfied.”