Stuart's Story

Since joining DHI my life has really changed.

When I finished my peer training I was assessed at the dental hospital and over the next four weeks I had to have all my teeth removed, the support I received during this time was fantastic. I was told by DHI not to worry about how long my recovery would be but just to keep them informed of what was happening and to come in when I felt like just for a chat so as not to isolate myself.

Then one Thursday I was there for a coffee and I was told about a photography group that was going on with other peers, so I went along to have a look and ended up staying. I ended up attending all the group sessions, all the time going out and about in Bristol with no teeth in my mouth. At the end of the photography group we all had a piece of work on display at the Arnolfini in a exhibition to highlight isolation in addiction. I also spent two afternoons there acting as a guide on this exhibition.

So it’s a new year, and I have started to engage every Monday at the peers meeting. I also have new teeth and no infections in my mouth, these had made the process seem like it went on forever just to get new teeth. I am acting as a guide again at the Island Gallery for Homelessness Awareness week and I have a framed piece of work hanging in DHI Bristol as well.