My name is John*,
I attended Matt’s Café for a little over a year. I fell on hard times due to drug and alcohol and self abuse issues. Because of financial difficulties during my recovery I had a massive amount of support and success because of Matt’s Café and what it delivered to me, not only a friendly atmosphere and warm reception by all that worked there, but a hot meal and comfort in a safe environment to relax in… it literally was my favourite thing to look forward to.
Thom was the person who I still hold dear to myself, because I wanted someone to believe in at that time of need. However busy he was he found time to chat with me and see how things we’re. It meant a lot because it allowed me to feel that I was important to his day as he was to mine. I made a friend who had the right impact towards my self esteem and my part of that friendship was to do my best for my recovery which was a rollercoaster of self control and I had to go back to basics to reduce my risk of using.
Eating was the most valuable thing for me and for my body, socially within a positive environment which is not easy when it’s not available. My Christmas was made better by far because of the Matt’s House, beyond any kind of hope to heal the pain I was going through but new the gift of giving was my saviour to my recovery and the new me. I know Thom worked hard on me and I now hold down a full time job that I love. It’s selling food as a direct sales operative all over west Wales. I have had a couple of bumps during this time but I know I’m just going to accept that for what it is and not to dwell on the mistakes I make but to proceed with the belief that it will get better for having to remember the journey that I’ve taken. The people who I’ve met and the treatment of care they gave me both, non judgmental and understanding of what help was always available if needed for me. Thank you all at Matt’s Café, I’ll pop by soon and say hello and Thom, a special sit down chat with you would make my day. I appreciate your support, and for this I have a great admiration for all do. John
* John’s has been used in this story to keep the identity of this guest confidential