Rebuilding a Life After Abuse and Addiction

At just 16, she arrived at Eat Sleep Ride carrying the weight of an abusive relationship, paranoid schizophrenia, and struggles with drug and alcohol addiction. She was also a new mother, determined to reclaim her life for herself and her child.

We focused on both immediate safety and long-term stability—coaching her towards employment pathways, liaising with Scottish Borders Council to secure disability benefits and housing grants, and advocating for her as she left the abusive environment.

Over time, she secured her own home, regained custody of her child, and began building a healthy, supportive life. Now in a positive new relationship, she is preparing to return to Eat Sleep Ride—not for help this time, but as a volunteer ready to inspire others with her resilience.