Dean’s Barbers

'Most kids looked forward to weekends and school holidays — I dreaded them.

'For me, they meant the start of my mum’s drinking binges...

'By morning, I’d walk downstairs to find people passed out on the floor, bottles scattered everywhere.

'My siblings would be crying, hungry, confused.

'And at just six, seven, eight years old — it was me who searched cupboards for food, me who cleaned the mess, me who tried to keep us safe...

'Eventually, I made the heartbreaking choice to cut ties.

'I couldn’t let her hurt me anymore.'

'She’s still alive, still drowning in alcohol, and I live with the constant fear of that phone call telling me she’s gone.

'To anyone else who grew up in a home like mine: I see you. I feel your pain. And you are not alone. 🖤'

💙 Please wonderful people send huge love to Ami in the comments. We'll make sure she sees them.

This piece resembles the child who came before it...

Brave beyond measure. 💙

Full thing here: https://nacoa.org.uk/experiences/the-truth-of-my-childhood/?slug=for-adults

Though there is so much pain in these memories, we can still talk back to that child and say, as Ami says:

'I didn't deserve it, It wasn't my fault, I was brave, I am strong.'

And through Nacoa, you can certainly see you are not alone.

https://nacoa.org.uk/experiences/the-truth-of-my-childhood/?slug=for-adults

Tyson fury collectors item £250 mint xmas gift 🥊

Xmas gift £250 Ricky the hitman Hatton collectors piece🥊

Barber wanted for busy Bolton town centre shop self employed basis call Dean on 01204-383238 or inbox please share guy thanks 💈💈👌👌👌💈💈

'I was excited that my mum wanted to see me receive an award.

'But I wished she didn’t as she turned up clearly drunk and embarrassed me in front of my teachers and friends.

'By this time, she wasn’t on the whiskey as much, she was drinking vodka.

'It had truly taken over her life. This put the fear of God in me and my family.

'Her behaviour got so disturbing and distressing.

'We walked on eggshells every single second, minute, and hour of every single day.

'She was no longer a person I recognized as my mother...

'One thing I will say is that you cannot blame yourself.

'It’s an illness that is chronic and toxic in nature.

'There was no help for children back then. This is why this charity is vitally important to all.'

💙 Incredible bravery and honesty from Sarah.

Thank you for sharing these most painful life memories with the community to help others feel less alone.

Please give huge love to Sarah in the comments.

Read the full piece: https://nacoa.org.uk/experiences/dont-blame-yourself-for-your-parents-behaviour/?slug=for-adults

One of the things we hear most on the helpline is young people dealing with shame and embarrassment about the people supposed to protect us.

One thing this shines a light on is how vital schools respond to issues like this.

Nacoa's schools programme is designed to help teachers better understand situations Sarah describes above.

More info https://nacoa.org.uk/helping-children-affected-by-their-parents-drinking-in-schools/

Top tips this Christmas for those wanting to find recovery and for those in recovery from addiction🎄

In a former life, seeing the word 'tip' would have meant something very different!

1. For the person in active addiction....

In fact forget the word addiction. You'll decide if you're an addict or not, once you start working through your recovery. For now, it's just important you try and make the position you're in, your rock bottom. If you do nothing about your current situation, that rock bottom will become worse and worse, especially if this Christmas is "one last blow out".

Don't do what I did and think, "I'll just get through Christmas and my New Year's resolution will be to stop gambling". What that meant is I wasn't done and signing myself up to another Christmas of misery and a very difficult start to the new year. It always resulted in another Christmas of letting people down, as well as letting myself down!

If it's alcohol, people usually think "I'm not stopping Christmas, when everyone is out" or "I'll have one last blow out" or "one last binge".

That's blow out for an addict usually ends in utter carnage and puts you in a much worse position. For some it can be life threatening.

It's now early December. The best present you can give yourself is starting today!

You might feel like you've lost all control when it comes to a substance (like drink or drugs) or a behaviour (like gambling). There is truth in that. But what you are in control of is asking for help and putting your heart and soul into your recovery.

There are some fantastic organisations and people out there, that will provide that platform where you can turn your life around.

What are you waiting for? Start today!

2. To those in recovery....

Reflect on how far you've come. Enjoy that normality we used to crave. Be present with the people we care about and always be grateful.

And finally keep your guard up. Whether you're 3 months, 3 years or 30 years into your recovery, it's important you still try to look after 🧠 and prioritise your recovery.

That's not selfish. It's you being kind to yourself, so others can have the best version of you. Especially those you love the most!

What am I looking forward to the most this Christmas? Recharging my batteries after a busy year at work, and spending some time with the people who I love the most.

One of those being my daughter Elsie on her first Christmas 😊❤️🎄

Mark

Reliving our youth.. conker wars! With VIDA LOCA TATTOO STUDIO

We can’t stress enough how important grip condition is in golf. If yours is worn out, drop by this week to take advantage of our fantastic re-gripping service and view our amazing selection🗜️

👉 fg1.uk/2196-Q677505