Jenna’s story
After walking through the doors of Acorn feeling lost and unsure of myself, I committed to my recovery and slowly began to rebuild my life. With the right support around me, I’ve created a stable home for my son and found a future I can believe in.
When I first walked through the doors of Acorn in April 2025 for 20 weeks of treatment, I knew I wanted to build a better life for myself and my young son. I’d been through experiences that had broken my heart, and I arrived feeling emotionally lost and unsure of myself. But even then, I knew I wanted things to change, and I was determined to give my recovery everything I had.
From the very start, I committed fully to my recovery. I attended every group, got involved in the programme, and began to look honestly at my past and how it was affecting my behaviour in the present. It wasn’t easy, but I put the work in. I started learning new coping strategies and understanding my emotions better, so I could deal with things in healthier ways.
As time went on, I settled into the routine of treatment and began to feel more confident in myself. I moved through the primary programme and into the secondary stage, where the focus shifted to building independence and creating structure in my day-to-day life. After 12 weeks, I began volunteering for Active Lancashire & Off Shoots. Being part of the wider community and fellowship helped along the way too. It gave me encouragement and connection, and I found myself able to support others as well, which helped reinforce the changes I was already making.
As I became more stable, I was able to take the next step and apply for the Pathway to Housing, with Acorn and Calico Homes. Being offered a secure Calico home gave me a safe foundation to build on and helped me move from treatment into independent living with confidence.
The transition was carefully supported, with the right help at the right time, and it meant I could keep the routines and progress I’d already worked hard to establish. Having a stable home made a real difference for me and my son. It gave us security, helped me be a mum with more confidence, and meant I could keep focusing on my recovery with less uncertainty.
As my confidence grew, I started thinking about how I could give something back to the place that had supported me through my recovery. I began volunteering with Acorn, using my lived experience to support others and offer encouragement in a way that felt honest and real. Being able to share understanding, rather than advice, helped me feel useful and connected in a new way.
Upon completing my treatment, I started a 12-week COMBI Learning course where I learned group facilitation and level two counselling skills. During this time, I began volunteering at Bank Parade.
Over time, that led to a new opportunity. I was successful in securing a paid role as a Housing Support Worker at Acorn in January 2026. Stepping into this role has allowed me to keep building on my own recovery while supporting others who are at different stages of their journey. It’s something I take seriously, and it reflects how far I’ve come and the commitment I continue to make every day.
When I think about it, my recovery hasn’t been about one moment or one decision. It’s been about showing up consistently, taking things step by step, and believing that change was possible, even when I wasn’t sure where it would lead.
I walked through the doors of Acorn with a broken heart and a lost soul. After taking the time to understand how my past experiences impact my present behaviour, my heart is on the mend. I’m leaving with a belief that I am worth living for, and that broken hearts can heal. I’ve rebuilt my life for myself and my son, and I’m focused on maintaining a stable, healthy future, one day at a time.
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Jenna’s story is something we can genuinely feel proud of. It shows what is possible when someone leads their own recovery and is met with trauma‑informed, consistent support. Her determination and sustained engagement highlight the importance of safe environments, personalised care planning, and steady progression through treatment.
The Pathway to Housing played a crucial role in helping Jenna turn hard‑won progress into long‑term stability for herself and her son. Her journey from volunteer to paid Housing Support Worker is a real achievement, and a powerful reminder of the value of lived experience in strengthening our recovery community and culture.
