From Crisis to Stability: My Journey with The Welcome Organisation

I grew up in a stable home and had what many would consider a “normal” childhood. But everything began to change when I turned 15. I started hanging out with an older crowd, going to parties, and experimenting with what people called “party drugs.” At first, it felt fun—harmless even. But it didn’t stay that way for long.

During those years, my mum passed away after a battle with cancer. Her loss hit me harder than I could have imagined. I didn’t know how to cope with the grief, so I turned more heavily to drugs. What started as occasional use became a crutch—something I leaned on just to get through each day.

As my drug use worsened, it took a toll on my relationships. My family and I drifted apart, and eventually, everything fell apart. That’s when I became homeless.

At first, I stayed in hostels. But being in those environments, surrounded by others also struggling with addiction, only made things worse. I was introduced to heroin, and it wasn’t long before I was injecting. That’s when I first came to The Welcome Organisation for help.

As time went on, I found myself rough sleeping more often. I began relying on The Welcome’s outreach team just to get through the day. The Drop-In Centre became a place of respite—a safe space where I could feel human again.

Through The Welcome, I was connected with the Belfast Inclusion Health Service’s Drug Outreach Team (DOT). After some time working with them, I was referred to the Street-Based Prescribing Team (SPT) and started on a methadone script. That was the turning point. I began reducing my heroin use and, eventually, I was able to stop completely.

Around the same time, I received an offer for a flat through housing. Floating Support from The Welcome Organisation helped me move in, access financial assistance, and get settled. I’ve now been in my tenancy for a year and a half.

Throughout this time, I’ve had the same floating support worker by my side. My key worker is just a phone call away, and I honestly don’t know where I’d be without them. I’m deeply thankful for everything they’ve done—and continue to do—for me.