Bronagh’s Story

“Before Coolmine my life was at a level of unmanageable chaos and trauma. My childhood traumas had led me to a place of chronic substance misuse and poor health. I was just over 6 stone and had damaged every single relationship. I had prioritised drugs before my son, which Is hard for me to say even now 15 years on. My body was so scarred from abscesses due to me thinking it didn’t matter: I would be dead soon anyway.

“After numerous failed suicide-attempts I finally found myself a Faith-based addiction meeting in a Church which led me to Coolmine Lord Edward Street. I engaged with the pre-entry group where a staff member told me I had clean urine. This was a first after many years of trying to do it on my own. Two weeks from the initial engagement I was offered a bed in Ashleigh house.

“The most prominent memory for me was lying in bed and for the first time in my life feeling safe. I was introduced to staff and peers. Supported in safety every step of the way by the staff here. Something really special happened in Ashleigh house. I was challenged and pushed. One peer saw me struggling to find motivation. “Just do it” this peer said. And it’s a principle I still live by.

“Recovery has given me a meaningful life, transparent and full of trials, challenges and blessings. I’ve been 15 years drug-free since January. Recovery gave me back my family. I have been given a second chance. Just as Rome wasn’t built in a day, years of trauma’s impact isn’t undone in a day.

“I have worked now for 14 years with vulnerable people dealing with substance misuses. I have travelled and worked in orphanages in Belarus just loving and caring and giving back. I have educated myself and am currently studying in DCU. I have overseen and been involved in many charity projects, coordinated and trained volunteers for 4 years for homeless outreach. My family and friend relationships have been restored to a point I could never have imagined. I’m currently working with an amazing organisation who are so invested in people, right now specifically working with some women who have come through Ashleigh house.

“I have gained my sanity and my identity. I have gained a life unimaginable. I’m a fully productive member of society and making a difference in the lives of people less fortunate."