Lisa’s Story
When Lisa, 32, from Watford was referred to Sova she was as at very difficult point in her life. Lisa explains: “When I first came to Sova I had a serious drink problem, I was homeless, and I had no job and no money. To be honest I had no hope.
“I’d had problems at home and because of the stress I started drinking, and then when I got convicted I lost everything – my job, my kids and my home. It was a disaster.
“Any confidence I had was gone and I didn’t think I could do anything for myself to make things better. I got more and more depressed, drank more and stopped eating. I really couldn’t see a way out.
“At Sova I was given a mentor. I wasn’t sure what this was about, it turns out that a mentor is just somebody who is on your side, someone who helps you see a way of making your life better. Don’t get me wrong, it isn’t an easy ride – they don’t just sit there and make excuses for you, in fact they make sure you don’t make excuses for yourself.
“My mentor helped me with practical things like filling out forms, getting somewhere to live, finding ways to help me with my drinking and even how to eat better.
“I also got professional support to help me control my drinking. I’m working hard at that and now I’m putting my life back together I’ve started to feel better.
“I had no hope before but now I’m positive about the future and that’s got to be a good thing.”