Case Study

From one of our trainees

“It happened out of the blue. I was going home from work one day. I was in Leeds market and I knew I just had to get home. I thought I was going to pass out. I didn’t feel right. I jumped in a taxi and my anxiety calmed a little. It was a panic attack. It got to the point where I was scared to go out, in case it happened again. That triggered the agoraphobia. With staying in as much as I did, I started drinking. I’d drink alone and throughout the day. I’d wake up the following morning, feeling terrible and I’d start all over again. I became an alcoholic.

Over a number of years, I was able to detox and come out of that situation. But I was left with mental health issues. It was when I was at 5 WAYS recovery clinic that I met Clare and Emma (Founders of The Wren Bakery). I can cook but I’d never baked. I would never have thought that something like baking could lift me like it has. My family has seen such a difference in me. It’s been the best thing that’s ever, ever happened to me in my life. I feel more energised, like I have a focus. When I put pictures of things I’ve baked up on Facebook my family don’t believe I’ve made them. It’s been life-changing. I felt like I was just existing before, but now I feel like I’m living!”.