Eliza’s story

Eliza* moved into the Treasures home in October 2019 at the age of 27. With a history of alcohol addiction and sexual abuse within her family, Eliza had herself started misusing substances from a young age, experienced psychotic episodes and even attempted to take her own life. She struggled with her confidence, personal care and accepting that she was not to blame, and after becoming abstinent, would easily get overwhelmed by small tasks and end up isolating in her room, using sleep as a comfort tool.

As well as a safe and caring home, Treasures put in place a programme of tailored practical 1:1 support to address her personal care and time management issues, deal with flashbacks of her abuser and also help her to rebuild her relationship with her mother.  Treasures also facilitated access to specialised external services, such as 12 step workshops, and offered her counselling, holistic therapy and a nutritionist sessions.

Eliza’s keyworker supported her to receive the depot injection once a month for her mental health and is now able to manage her own prescription. She is also now able to motivate herself to get up in the morning and keep her room clean and tidy – which she originally found particularly challenging as a hoarder.

During lockdown, Eliza embraced several opportunities to develop both personally and professionally, which she believes would not have been accessible to her without the support from Treasures, including mental health training and a sports coaching qualification. Making incredible improvements in her own mental health and wellbeing, she found the confidence to lead keep-fit classes for other beneficiaries. Having recently completed an NHS peer co-production course at the Recovery College, she has since been offered employment to help deliver a weekly group session.

The support that Eliza received from Treasures has significantly helped her grow in confidence and thrive, particularly over the last few months. She is at a stage now where she is ready to take the next step towards independent living, and staff are supporting her to make plans to move on later this year.

“Treasures’ has supported me in every area of my life. Without your support I feel I would have remained the girl that even I had given up on, and now have grown to point where I can use my experience and learnt skills to help young adults succeed.” Eliza – Treasures’ resident, April 2021

“What a transformation, this woman slept the days and nights away!” CEO, Apr 21