Road to recovery – Linda’s story

From high-life to hard times

What began as weekend highs of ecstasy and cocaine quickly turned into daily dependence.

As the drugs took hold, her grip on work slipped.

Reliability faded, job after job was lost, and her casual habit escalated into a dangerous addiction; crack cocaine and heroin replaced the party drugs.

Her once-promising career was gone, and a 15-year struggle with substance abuse had begun.

At rock bottom, with nothing left but the will to change, Linda returned to her hometown of Poole, ready to rebuild, reclaim her future, and fight for her life.

Faith, purpose, fresh start

For six long years, Linda tried every traditional therapy and recovery method doctors recommended, but nothing stuck.

The cycle of relapse felt endless, and hope was slipping away.

Then, nine years ago, everything changed. Linda joined a Christian rehabilitation programme, and it became the breakthrough she had been searching for.

For the first time in years, she felt a spark, healing, purpose, and real hope.

As her recovery gained strength, so did her passion to help others.

She began volunteering with Teen Challenge UK, using her own hard-won experience to guide people battling addiction and mental health struggles.

Linda’s journey wasn’t just about survival; it became a mission to uplift others walking a similar path.

Motherhood, motivation, and the road back to work

Motherhood gave Linda a new purpose – but it also meant putting her career on pause.

As her son neared school age, the spark to start again began to burn brighter.

She knew it was time to chase her potential, not just for herself, but for her future as a role model.

That’s when she met Seetec employment adviser Tyler at Poole Jobcentre Plus.

From their very first conversation, Linda felt ‘seen’.

She self-referred to the WHP Pioneer programme – a bold first step toward a brighter, more stable future.

How Linda landed her dream job

“Tyler saw my potential, understood my challenges, and said, ‘Let’s do this!’

“I’m so grateful for the support,” Linda says, reflecting on the moment things began to shift.

With Seetec’s personalised support, from digital upskilling to job-readiness workshops and confidence-boosting 1:1 coaching, Linda began to rise.

Each session helped her rediscover her value. Her self-belief was back, and she was ready to aim high.

She took a bold step and applied for her dream job – a project manager role with a local recovery service where she was already volunteering.

And while she didn’t land that role, her passion and determination made a lasting impression.

So much so, the employer created a part-time administrator position just for her – a powerful reminder of how the right attitude and volunteering can open unexpected doors.

There’s always a way back

Linda didn’t stop there. She worked hard, proved her worth, and just months later, was promoted to project manager.

She got the job she once thought was out of reach – and earned every step of it.

With Seetec’s support, she found more than a job – she found her calling.

Where addiction once held her back, passion now pushes her forward. Linda is thriving, fulfilled, and finally walking the path she was meant for.

Her employer, who remains unnamed for privacy reasons, shared: “Linda has such passion and drive to help people in addiction. She’s growing in confidence, and we’re certain she’ll flourish within our team.”