Kelly has put the past behind. She has joined our team in Plymouth as a volunteer to help others who have been through similar circumstances.
Growing up in Peckham
Growing up in Peckham was difficult. With ADHD, she was labelled naughty at school. She got in with the wrong crowd and ended up in and out of homes and foster care.
One thing led to another
One thing led to another and life became chaotic. After an arrest at the airport, she ended up in prison. Kelly found herself going through the revolving doors of the Justice System for 23 years.
Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners’ Trust
Whilst inside in 2013, Kelly started the three-month Rehabilitation for Addicted Prisoners Programme. Consequently, she managed to get a place at Longreach House, a rehab centre in Plymouth (now, unfortunately, closed). Longreach House took her towards the road to recovery. About eight years later, Kelly got incredible support at The Sunflower Women’s Centre, Harbour, Shekinah, and Hamoaze House in Plymouth. It was a long road, but she got there eventually.
28 months clean
We’re proud to say that Kelly is now 28 months clean. Thanks to Narcotics Anonymous in Plymouth, she has been able to make the changes to put the past behind. She’s completely dedicated to the 12 Steps Programme and becoming a productive and trustworthy member of society.
You can become the person that you want to be.
Back with family
This is what Kelly has to say:
‘I’m so happy that I’m back with some of my family. Narcotics Anon has saved my life. I’ve realised that I don’t need to be someone who doesn’t care about life. And I’m also a good mother, friend and work colleague. The way I am now is how my parents would have wanted me to be.
Doing good with my life
Although I’ve lost both my parents, I have a new family in the recovery community here in Plymouth. I have my own flat and I can be a good neighbour to the people around me. I enjoyed studying for my Level One Peer Mentoring with Shekinah. I’m volunteering with Improving Lives Digital Community with Plymouth City Council. Also, I’m excited to have graduated from The Revolving Doors Academy leadership programme as a Certified Changemaker and Team Builder. On top of this, I recently contributed to a Revolving Doors blog about my new qualification, marking Stephen Lawrence Day 2025. Ultimately, my volunteering with CASS+ inside Plymouth Magistrates’ Court means that I can help others with the same issues that I faced. I’m taking baby steps. I’ve allowed people to support me to get to where I am. It’s nothing to do with age.’
I want everyone to know that it’s never too late to rebuild your life.
Need help?
If you need help with any of the issues raised, please contact your local hub in Devon or Cornwall here.