Abie's Story

From Crisis to Clarity

Abbie’s journey to HARP began after many years of working in high-pressure environments, where things gradually became overwhelming.

From the age of 16, Abbie worked in sport and leisure, gaining experience as a swimming teacher, gym instructor, and receptionist. This early experience led her to London, where she spent 17–18 years working her way up from reception to becoming a Personal Assistant. While successful on the surface, the demands of the role began to take their toll.

“I thought I was just burnt out — executive burnout. I didn’t really understand what that meant. I was in denial.”

After returning to Essex and continuing to work as a PA, Abbie’s drinking began to increase. Over time, this had a significant impact on her health, her relationships, and her ability to maintain employment.

By late 2023, her health had deteriorated, and she began experiencing hallucinations and severe mental health challenges linked to alcohol use and lack of sleep. Despite periods of sobriety, the cycle continued.

“I was in a constant daily battle with myself, and I wasn’t winning. Right until the end, I didn’t even realise I was an alcoholic. You have to fully admit it — I had a problem.”

Things reached a crisis point in early 2024, when Abbie experienced a serious incident involving her mother. This led to police involvement and court proceedings, leaving her without support or somewhere safe to go.

With nowhere else to turn, Abbie was connected to support and brought to HARP’s night shelter.

Finding Safety and Support

Although initially unsure about accessing the shelter, Abbie stayed for several nights and began visiting the Day Centre for breakfast and basic support.

Very quickly, things began to change.

“I remember Donna saying to me, ‘Don’t go, I think we’ve got you a room.’

I didn’t really understand what that meant at the time, but it meant everything.”

Abbie moved into White Heather House, where she stayed for around three months, supported by her keyworker, Claire. From there, she moved into further supported accommodation and eventually into a dry house, where she continued her recovery journey.

Throughout this time, the support from staff played a crucial role.

“John really stood out to me from the very beginning — he helped me feel safe when everything felt uncertain. I also remember Stevie from the night shelter and Day Centre, always checking in and making sure I was okay. There was just a presence about them that made me feel safe.”

Abbie also highlights the impact of the mental health support she received.

“The mental health nurse tracked me down and made sure I had the support in place. He even gave me his number in case I needed anything — that meant a lot.”

A Moment of Realisation

While waiting for her court date, Abbie was asked to attend probation for a pre-sentence report — something she initially didn’t fully understand.

“I didn’t even know what a pre-sentence report was. I went in and had to sit down with probation, and they took me right back to when I was 11 — everything.”

During this process, Abbie was confronted with the full picture of her life over many years.

“When you see it all written down, it’s shocking. From my 20s through to my 50s — the drinking, the arrests, the car accidents, hospital visits, broken teeth, arms, nose and wrists — everything. I didn’t realise how much trouble I’d actually been in.

Every time the neighbours called the police, they would take me away — and I didn’t realise how often that had happened until I saw it on paper.

I didn’t have time for things like marriage — as you can see, I’d been quite busy — but seeing it all laid out like that really made me stop and think.”

Despite how difficult it was to face, this moment became a turning point.

“The report actually went in my favour. They could see I’d had a career, and they got a real glimpse of my life — and that I deserved one final chance to make a change.”

Abbie reflects on how powerful it was to sit in front of someone reading her story back to her.

“It’s one thing reading about someone, but then I was sitting right there in front of her. I remember thinking… wow.”

She is now continuing to understand herself more deeply and is awaiting an ADHD assessment, which she feels is helping her make sense of her experiences.

A Turning Point

While waiting for her court date, Abbie focused on her recovery — attending meetings, learning about addiction, and working on herself.

“I treated it like a project. I had to make the best out of what I saw as a nightmare.”

She fully committed to change, attending recovery meetings regularly and beginning to understand addiction in a new way.

She describes the outcome of her court case as a significant turning point.

“That was the moment things really changed. I could see a way forward.”

Alongside this, the ongoing support from HARP staff continued to make a difference — from practical help to emotional support, including simple but meaningful moments like going for walks and having someone to talk to.

“I was just so grateful for that little room.”

Life Now

Today, Abbie is over two years sober and describes herself as a completely different person.

“I’m gobsmacked at the clarity I have now. I look back and can’t believe how ill I was — mentally and physically. I’m a brand new person.”

She has embraced volunteering and is now passionate about giving back, using her lived experience to support others.

“I want to turn my story into something positive. I’ve gained so much knowledge about homelessness, addiction, and recovery — I didn’t even know I needed it.”

She also reflects on how different her journey could have been without HARP.

“Without a doubt, HARP saved my life. My journey could have been completely different.”

Looking Ahead

Abbie is now focused on building a new career, particularly within homelessness services.

“I’d really like to work in this field — especially in housing, supporting people once they’ve moved on. It feels like a complete career change, but one that makes sense.”

She is motivated by her lived experience and the desire to make a difference to others going through similar situations.

Final Thoughts

When asked to describe HARP, Abbie said:

“Wonderful. I can’t even put it into words — and I’ve never meant that more sincerely. What a fantastic job they do.”