Former Hereford alcoholic has turned his life around

Jimi O'Doherty used to drink 30 to 50 units a day during his 20s and lost contact with his son during the pandemic. 

However, the 33-year-old has now been sober for two years and is now working at Turning Point where he can help other people.

"I lost contact when I he was about two-and-a-half but now I have him every Saturday," said Mr O'Doherty.

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"My life has completely changed. I have a new home, and a partner and with Turning Point’s support, I managed to get parental responsibility and stepped access for my son, and we recently spent our first Christmas together.

"I was made homeless during the pandemic, but it was a blessing in disguise - I found my second calling.

Mr Doherty said during his darkest times, he wasn't sleeping.

"I was in jobs that I wasn't happy in and I found myself volunteering," said Mr O'Doherty.

"One morning I got up enjoying myself and I wasn't being paid."

Jimi O'Doherty says Turning Point has helped turn his life around (Image: Rob Dav)

Turning Point, whose main hub is by All Saints Church in Hereford city centre, provides free and confidential advice and support for adults and young people around their substance use. Staff also offer support to families and carers affected by the alcohol or drug use of someone else, as well as a dedicated pathway for veterans and armed forces personnel.

Mr O'Doherty, who first got involved with the service in August 2021, is a trainee recovery worker and PSI facilitator that runs online and face-to-face meetings with people to help with their recovery. 

"I've tried other services through the years but Turning Point was the only place where I've managed to keep at it," he said.

"It has a person-centred approach and they value your experiences." 

Chris Franks, operations manager at Turning Point Herefordshire, said: “We are proud of the strong links we have built with the community in Herefordshire.

"As well as people using drugs and alcohol, we also help rough sleepers in the county, work with people involved in the criminal justice system and train people to become peer mentors to use their lived experience to help others.

"We have seen so many people’s lives transformed, and we look forward to helping many more people in the future."

For more information about Turning Point, visit turning-point.co.uk