I was adopted at 5 years old and brought up in a fishing town. I grew up isolated, never going to school. This became worse when my mum moved us away from my grandparents and other family members, who I had felt safe with. All this left me feeling resentful towards my mum and she never showed me much attention.

I had ambitions of becoming a chef and went to college to train but it didn’t work out. Instead, I began fishing on a prawn boat. It was hard work, and I was only ever home for 36 hours before I was away working again. When I was at home, I spent all my time drinking in the pub. After 36 years of doing this, I ended up with Korsakoff’s syndrome and COPD.

I left the sea and got a house where people were coming in and stealing my money. My home ended up in a right mess and it was unsafe. My physical and mental health deteriorated, and I was still drinking heavily and spending all my money. I was drinking to numb how I really felt about my life and how lonely I was.

Eventually local services got involved and my doctor, along with an Occupational Therapist, helped me get a house in a different town. This house came with SAMH support. Their support has been brilliant in helping me emotionally and they supported me in settling into my new home and surroundings. I had no idea about money or paying bills and could not live independently or look after myself.

SAMH staff helped me to set up direct debits for my bills and helped me to apply for the benefits I was entitled to. They have introduced ways to make my life easier and enable me to be more responsible for myself. I went with staff to the local gym and community groups, and they helped me to manage my medication. I feel they are like my family and I have lots of confidence in SAMH and in turn more confidence in myself.

My life is a lot better and every time I meet with SAMH they introduce me to something new.

I trust SAMH and what they suggest to me is usually “spot on”.

If it wasn’t for SAMH I do not think I would be here today – they have made me feel included and I have a new self-worth and I feel secure in myself.