Woman who struggled with drug abuse helps others

Kelly, from Darlington, struggled with drug abuse throughout her life

A Darlington woman whose children were taken from her care as she struggled with drug abuse has thanked a charity for helping her to turn her life around.

Kelly struggled with substance misuse on and off since her teens, as a way to cope with devastating life events.

At one point, she said she spent up to £300 a day on her drug habit.

Kelly eventually found help during the “hardest time” of her life and is now working with charity With You to support others.

Kelly says she suffered with postnatal depression after "almost dying" when giving birth to her son.

She was also in a "toxic relationship", she says, and grieving the loss of her sister's partner.

“There was so much going on with my mental health, so much hurt," Kelly said. "The person that I was, was very chaotic. I dealt with things in the wrong way. I was irrational and up in the air."

To escape from those feelings, she said she started taking crack cocaine as a "release".

"It just took away all those emotions and those feelings."

'Broken'

In April 2022, Kelly's children were temporarily removed from her care.

It was then she approached charity With You, which helps people in Darlington, Redcar and Cleveland struggling with drugs and alcohol.

“I came to With You absolutely broken," Kelly said. "It was the hardest time of my life. I wanted my children home... I wanted anything and anyone to help me sort my life out, and thankfully I got that help."

Kelly said she felt supported and understood by the charity.

"It’s not about people looking down on you for your mistakes or choices - they're giving alternatives. They’re giving you that second chance when you need it the most."

'There is light'

It has now been two years since Kelly used crack cocaine, she says.

Kelly’s children have been legally returned to her care and she now works with the charity to support others.

She says she wants to be an advocate for women and mothers, particularly those experiencing challenges with drugs or alcohol.

Gary Besterfield, head of service delivery at With You in Darlington, said: “Every single member of staff including our partners are proud of Kelly.

"From being in the place she was to being able to fully engage with the help offered and achieve what she achieved through sheer determination is incredible.

“It might seem overwhelming to others who find themselves in a similar situation, but there is help, there is light and we are ready to support you - without judgement."