A Carer's Journey...

"One night I came in from work. It was only about 5.30 in the evening and the whole house was in darkness. Steven, my son, was slumped over the living room chair. I tried to wake him up, when he did I was saying 'what's the matter' but he was in a terrible state. He was totally out of it; I didn't know what to do. I was at my wits end.

Steven admitted he had been smoking cannabis as well taking ecstasy and speed. He said he was bored and said that his friends were doing it. He kept saying he was going to stop, but I had to call the police numerous times, because he was going to a nightclub and taking drugs.

I heard about PROPS and contacted them after the frightening episode of finding my son high on drugs, and I had a consultation with the Family Support Worker who was attached to my case.

She gave me advice and suggested other ways of approaching things. They completely changed my parenting skills. In the beginning I was screaming and shouting at Steven but then I took a totally different approach. Then I said if he wanted to go down that road, I was not happy but there was nothing I could do.

I told him I loved him and was always there if he needed someone to talk to.

Steven is now approaching 18 and has managed to kick his habit. He has a steady girlfriend and is looking to the future.

I would not be where I am today if it had not been for PROPS. They have been fantastic. They lifted my confidence and my whole life has been changed because of them."


‘This was taken from an article published in the Evening Chronicle on the 5th February 2007. The above carer is now a volunteer and has successfully managed to establish her own business.’

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