“My life before I knew about this course was in one word, chaos.
I was battling an addiction and was losing. I had lost a partner who died through his own addiction and was on the verge of losing my son; because of my behaviour, my son was showing signs of anger, out of control, swearing… he had only just turned 3!
The first time I attended the course I didn’t stay. It hurt me too much; the damage I was causing to my family was too great for me to accept. I was in denial. I returned a few years later and completed Level 2, then went onto Level 3. My outlook on life and the understanding changed almost immediately.
I’ve learnt so much on how my children’s behaviour starts with me. I have two children, one is 15 months and the other now 7 has been diagnosed ADHD; so my days are extremely ‘full on’. I have days were I feel stretched to my limit and being a single Mum I have no days off.
However, because of these courses I have learnt many ways to help me to deal differently with situations when times get hard. The power of thought and energy connection has worked wonders for my family and me. I have seen a massive change in my son’s behaviour too; especially on the days I use the energy connection.
There was an occasion recently when his teacher pulled me to one side when I went to collect him and told me of just how much of a fantastic day he had had. She explained that at one point when his usual group of friends became disruptive, he took himself away from them and played with another group of children.
I have also made great changes in my life. While on the course I applied to train and volunteer with the local substance misuse centre and I have now been a volunteer there for four months and can see how what I had learned could be used with our service users.
I strongly believe that the ideas and techniques to create self-empowerment can, and should, be used in a wide variety of areas. I have also joined other courses and plan on enrolling on a counselling course. Without attending the Parent Champions course I would still be stuck like a hamster on a wheel – wanting change but not having the confidence to move for it.
I would like to say to anyone thinking about this course, who may be still in the kind of place I found myself, “it is most definitely worth attending. You will find the tools you need to make that change for the better”. I have also met some amazing people through this group. Although we were from all different backgrounds we were all striving for the same thing; positive, brilliant and independent children and a world that will allow them to be; just themselves!
The meditation exercises focusing on self worth are extremely powerful; these can be applied to so many situations such as domestic violence; where women need empowerment and addiction; addicts often lose themselves and the ability to reconnect with feelings and emotions would, I think, benefit them.
This is also, I feel, the case for those who self harm, have eating disorders, mental health issues such as depression, self loathing and teenagers who are on the brink of going down the wrong path. Allowing them to know and accept that it is ok for them to be themselves; is very powerful.
I shall be using what I have learned through the courses to enable service users to empower themselves to break free of addiction and aid them in their journey of self-discovery, so they can live life free of substance. Without being on this programme I feel that there would be a strong chance that I would never of been here, where I am today.
How many others are missing out by not knowing about these courses? Too many!”
Ms S H parent
PS I’ve just heard have been given my own groups to work with at the misuse Centre!!
Note:
Since completing the course and whilst volunteering for KCA, Sarah was invited to lead a presentation to The Big Lottery, where she opened, did her bit and closed the meeting. The presentation was for a £42million joint project for Medway Council and Family Action, which was successful.
Sarah now has a full time job with Citizens Trust as a Specialist Employment Advisor, helping substance misusers back into employment.
