“I started drinking when I was 12. It got even worse when lockdown hit – that’s when I knew I needed to ask for help,” says Peter, reflecting on the moment they realised things had to change.
With over a decade of heavy drinking behind them, the isolation and uncertainty of lockdown made everything feel even more unmanageable. It was during the final national lockdown that Peter decided to take action, self-referring into Wirral Ways for support.
They threw themselves into online recovery, joining virtual groups like Voyage of Change and SMART Recovery, and taking part in online meditation and mindfulness sessions. “Those sessions really helped me manage my anxiety,” Peter says. “They gave me space to breathe.”
When in-person groups resumed, Peter admits they felt both excited and nervous. “I made myself go to the first face-to-face group that was offered,” they said. “I knew it would help me in the long run.” Thanks to the mindfulness practices they had been developing, Peter was able to manage those anxieties and take a bold step forward in their recovery.
Peter later joined the Discovery Academy, a 12-week programme that delves into the reasons behind substance use and offers tools to manage cravings and avoid triggers. They found the experience invaluable.
After graduating, Peter became a volunteer – getting stuck into everything from reception duties to group support. But it was during a placement with the alcohol team and our nurses that something clicked. “That’s when I really found my calling,” they said.
Peter is now proudly employed at Wirral Ways as a Health and Wellbeing Connector, supporting people with their health and recovery journeys. They help run COPD clinics, deliver NHS health checks, and lead wellbeing courses – using their lived experience and compassion to lift others up.
Peter’s story is a brilliant example of what’s possible when people are empowered, supported, and given the chance to thrive.