Dianne's Story
Before I came to the Haven my life was turned upside down. I was kicked out of my mother's home as we never got on. I was on a lot of drugs and turned to heavier drugs because I felt so alone and had nowhere to go.
After a few months I was surviving on other people to let me use their sofas as a bed. I turned to crime to support my habit and pay for sofas for the night. In the end I ended up being put in a hostel in Bedford. I turned to the drugs more as I was far away from friends and family. So my probation officer helped me get into the Haven. I was so scared to come in another hostel but I really needed to sort myself out.
When I came into the Haven it looked so nice and respectable, totally different to what I expected. I met the staff and they were all very nice and comforting and made me fit in after the first night. I realised this was where I needed to be. I got a lot of support for all my problems. I cut down on the drugs and did not do crime.
A year down the line I have stopped all crime and most of my drug habits, with the help of James Taylor the drugs supporter! He helped me realise I was a better person than I made out to be. I loved living with all the residents as they never judged me or anyone else. They were very supportive and helped me along the line. Now I have been housed at Griffin Homes by the Haven. I still come back to the Haven to help and support the new residents that are in the same position I was in. I can't thank the staff enough for all the help they gave me but I can help in other little ways but I know the staff appreciate every little thing. I would move back in any day given the chance. I have passed my Maths and English exams since leaving the Haven and haven't touched drugs for a year now. I only thank the Haven for this as all the staff helped me change.
Dianne - Ex-Resident.