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Testimonials
“I volunteered with CADAS many years ago, doing the volunteer training and the Black Box training, too, but when my life as a carer began to get on top of me it was CADAS that I turned to for support. I am a full-time carer for my mother, and also a busy grandmother, but it was when my grown-up but dependent daughter started to use binge drinking to cope with her mental health problems that I asked for help. Initially I came for a refresher in Black Box so that I could use it to help my daughter manage her emotions but I ended up attending the Tai Chi and Mindfulness sessions in Carlisle for myself. Phil is a wonderfully calming presence and they are a great way to switch off and relax. I would recommend them to anyone!” – Janice, Parent Carer Client
“The first few weeks [of the C19 lockdown] were OK. I was managing to get out of the house, into the sunshine and I felt really positive but with the change in the weather, my mood has slipped and I’ve been feeling fed up. I’m frightened of slipping in to my old ways of drinking to pass the day. I’ve come such a long way and really don’t want to go back to square one. The beauty of having that positive relationship with Nicki at CADAS is that I was able to reach out to her today. Having someone to talk to and motivate me really helped this morning. Nicki reminded me how far I have come on this journey and how proud I am of myself”. – CADAS/BBO Client
“I began smoking cannabis and drinking alcohol at age 16. This continued into University, where I also tried ketamine, ecstacy, cocaine and mushrooms. It quickly became apparent that I was using these substances as a form of escape. After a year and a half, l made the decision to leave University. This was followed by 9 years of unemployment, during which time I tried to come to terms with my experiences and find self-acceptance. After meeting some people involved with CADAS on a training course, I decided to become a volunteer. I was inspired by their non-judgemental approach to alcohol and drug use, and their understanding of people’s individual circumstances. Volunteering helped me gain the self-acceptance I had been searching for, and gave me the confidence to apply for a full-time apprenticeship role with the organisation. I have now worked for CADAS for over a year.”
– CADAS Staff Member
“Throughout my younger years and in to my adult life, I have been affected by the substance use of some of my family members. In 2010 I became overwhelmed by this and found that I wasn’t coping very well. I called CADAS for support, and met Jackie Wren who was the Parent, Carer and Family Support (PCFS) worker at the time. The PCFS supported me, and slowly helped me to change my behaviour towards my family. In an effort to live a healthier and happier life, I worked with CADAS on becoming more assertive and was able to take control of my own choices. I was also able to help some of my family to make positive changes and live healthier. Inspired by this experience, in 2013 I completed my training to support individuals with substance misuse problems, and became a volunteer for CADAS. After volunteering for a couple of years, I applied for a part-time job and now work on the Parent, Carer and Family Support Project, the same project which helped me back in 2010.”
– CADAS Staff Member
“Thanks for inviting us to the family group yesterday. It was really useful. Though people are having tough times there’s a strength and comfort for us in feeling we aren’t alone, and lots of useful examples of how others are coping and supporting their loved ones in really difficult circumstances. There was real bravery and courage in the stories people shared, impressive, humbling and instructive. Thanks again, we’ll be doing all we can to become regular members.”
– Parent, Carer and Family Support Group
“Today has been really helpful, it has helped to talk about my alcohol problem. I am still struggling a bit, but I have been reducing my intake. Collette is really good to talk to and is very understanding. I am slowly getting my family back, but it is one day at a time. I look forward to these meetings as well as AA. They both help me keep focused.”
– Parent, Carer and Family Support Group
“When I first came to CADAS I was really down about the problems I was facing, but talking about them has put them in to context and made me realise that I am not the bad person I feel I am. Some things I can not solve or control, and with the help and support I have received I can accept that without beating myself up all the time.”
– Parent, Carer and Family Support Group
“When I first came to CADAS I was pretty lost and didn’t know where to turn. I had previously tried another organisation and found it wasn’t for me at all. I had little to no confidence in myself and I felt pretty low. It was a vicious cycle, the more I felt like that the worse I drank or took painkillers. Thanks to the sessions I have had with Collette through CADAS I feel a lot more confident and feel I have a brighter future.”
– Parent, Carer and Family Support Group
“I feel that today has been helpful for me, I find that mindfulness helps me a lot to calm down and makes me feel really relaxed.”
– Parent, Carer and Family Support Group
“My support from Collette and CADAS over the last few weeks has been very helpful. I really don’t know how I would have managed without the support.”
– Parent, Carer and Family Support Group
“This group gives me the opportunity to express my feelings in a non-judgemental environment.”
– Parent, Carer and Family Support Group
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Company registration number: 2585199 | Charity number: 1002201
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