Living with addiction had taken a heavy toll on Laura’s health and well-being, and without routine or structure, each day felt harder than the last.
She describes that time as feeling stuck, unsure how to move forward or where to turn, though things began to change when Laura moved to Chorley and into supported living.
Around the same time, she was introduced to Acorn Recovery Projects. What started as another step in her recovery quickly became something much bigger.
With consistent, peer-led support around her, Laura began to rebuild her life. She achieved sobriety and slowly started to rediscover the confidence she thought she’d lost. Being around people who understood her experiences, many of whom had lived experience of their own, helped her feel safe, accepted, and motivated to keep going.
As her recovery grew stronger, Laura decided she wanted to give something back. She began volunteering with Acorn through supporting group sessions and sharing her own experiences. This gave her a purpose and a reason to keep showing up.
Speaking on her volunteering journey, Laura explained: “I needed structure, I needed routine, I needed connection, and more than anything, I wanted to be part of something.
“That’s why I volunteered for Acorn; while volunteering in the groups, I finally found my purpose again.
“Just turning up to help in groups gave me self-esteem and the ability to share my knowledge back into the community.”
Over time, Laura’s role developed, and her confidence grew. She went on to co‑facilitate groups, supporting people at different stages of recovery. Drawing on her lived experience, she helps others build routines, find healthier ways to cope, and imagine a life without substances.
Today, Laura is in a very different, much better place. She is thriving in supported living, has celebrated two years of sobriety, and has secured part‑time work with Acorn Recovery Projects. She once dreamed of independence, stability, and work that truly matters to her, and that is now her reality.
Laura’s story of recovery, shaped by real experience, built on connection, and focused on long‑term change, reflects what Acorn Recovery Projects is all about. It shows how the right support, at the right time, can help people not only recover, but rediscover who they are.
Her journey is a reminder that recovery isn’t just about stopping something; it’s about gaining confidence, purpose, and a sense of belonging. And with the right support around them, people really can rebuild their lives.
