"Littledale has done so much for me. When I came to treatment I didn't really understand what I had volunteered to do to help myself but I didn't care I just wanted help and as soon as I came to visit Littledale I knew it was the place for me. It has helped me understand myself better, the way I behave when I feel a certain way. I have learnt to look inside instead of out. I know that even though I have left treatment my recovery is going to be for the rest of my life and life isn't always going to be easy but one way that will help me would be to talk to my peers the ones who know me, understand and don't judge me for my past. Littledale, staff and residents, helped me in lots of different ways. It taught me how to cope without having to resort to drugs or drink. It helped me to understand my past and family, my self and the way I treat my own child and I think one of the biggest things it has done for me is changed the way I feel about myself.

Sometimes I resent the programme I did at LHTC, when I am really struggling and I just want it all to go away to be able to slide into the oblivion of drink and drugs. But what I occasionally resent is what I am actually most grateful for, the knowledge and belief that substances are not the answer to any issues or struggles I have in my life. The intensity of the programme and hard work of all the staff has given me a substantial understanding of myself, why I felt I had no alternative to drugs and the tools and support I need to live my life without substances. I now manage my daily life, I have a home, friends and am lucky enough to have a family that are working with me rebuilding relationships. More than anything though I now believe in myself enough to live in the real world, independently, with pride and my self respect. So although sometimes when I am struggling to see a way through I resent not being able to take the easy option of drugs I'm no longer able to allow myself that option because I deserve better. I'm strong enough to get through anything without substances. Littledale gave me that belief in myself."
- Ex-resident 2008.

________________

"When I arrived at Littledale I was a mess, I could hardly walk, I had and showed no emotion, I was seriously lost and swore a lot I felt very isolated. During my time at Littledale I began to look at my behaviours and my lack of any will to live, I felt that I could not get away form my past. During 12 months of intense therapy , I now have certain qualities and believe in myself, it is very hard to describe. I am now able to have conversations with people and engage in those conversations. I am able to express my emotions safely and I have learnt more things about myself and the way I behave.

Once leaving treatment with my peers have become my friends, the relationship with staff is completely different more on a friend basis. We have an aftercare system that is supportive. Anytime I feel alone I am able to go up to the house for support I do not have to sit at home and try and deal with things alone or I can contact my peers or my aftercare worker it does however depend on what I ended support with. This is a brilliant thing for me and I can literally talk about anything, especially things which I feel could trip me up in my recovery. Littledale offered me a lifeline and I took it and believe in what they do because with the support offered by my peers and staff I have stayed sober and drug free for 9 months form leaving. I think the best explanation I can offer it is almost like having a new family, you accept them all, you have days when you dislike them, sometimes they tell you things you do not want to hear but at the end of the day they have a love for you that is unconditional and forgiving.

I now have a life free form drugs and alcohol and I feel alive and free and most of all I have hope and belief in myself."
- Ex-resident 2008.

________________

"Littledale Hall has taught me how to live a healthy, abstinent, happy life through teaching me the tools I need to manage and cope with life without the need for alcohol. It has helped me to realise that I deserve a happy, clean life and that I am important. It has helped me learn how to trust and let people in again and made me realise the importance of support and that vulnerability is not a weakness but can be a strength when accepted and embraced. Littledale has given me a belief in a future I never had before.

I have made friends I never envisaged I would, I now have people in my life that I trust and that trust me with no hidden agenda or motive. I feel blessed for the life that I have and for the future I have the ability to make for myself. I feel like I belong to something special that I will be a part of for a long time. I have always felt welcome and it will always feel like home to me. Littledale Hall, and all those involved with it, helped me to save my life and I will be forever grateful."
- Ex-resident 2008.

________________

"I think like all of us who completed treatment I find it very difficult to put into words my gratitude for what Littledale has done for me.

I thank staff for seeing that I was no only desperate to get help but also that I wanted that help and that I am serious about my recovery. I believe that the work that staff do behind the scenes is so often overlooked and that don't just give their work. Many times since completing I have been grateful for brilliant advice and care shown to me."

Staff have been a massive part of my programme - I benefited massively from the alcohol group. Getting to know staff and them me has, I believe, helped me a great deal in the later stages of my treatment and into aftercare to this day.

The staff's passion for Littledale and for changing lives for the better is astounding the lengths they will go to to aid our recovery is way beyond jib or vocation.

I cannot thank them enough nor I believe can my family for the help that they have given me to put me where I am today."
- Ex-resident 2008.

________________

"Thanks for your continued support, care and advice you've given me during my stay. For helping me to find a better way to live. For believing in me, which helped me believe in myself. And for helping me realise that you can't exist on your own, you need people around you in this life."
- Ex-resident 2007.