Army veteran John Molleneux was battling to escape alcohol addiction when he was referred to The Poppy Factory’s Navigator service in Merseyside. Our Navigator, Pete Rhodes, worked with John to help him improve his mental wellbeing, to the point where John could take control of his housing difficulties and move into a new home. A referral on to Andrew Pickersgill in our employment team helped John to continue moving forward, initially by volunteering and now through a new job with Wirral Borough Council, transporting school children with disabilities.
Difficulties through civilian life
John said: “I served from 1978 to 1982 in the Royal Army Ordnance Corps. I didn’t have a good childhood and I was a bit wayward. Joining the Army did me the world of good.
“When I went back into the civilian world, I hated it. I came out looking for somewhere to live and I was just left to my own devices, and I would get into trouble. I’ve had an interesting life. I’ve had cancer. Those things make you the person you are.
“My last job was well paid, but I lost it through drink. After that I decided I was going to sort myself out and do something good.
Finding help to make a new start
“The Poppy Factory was recommended to me by Wirral Ways, which helps people who struggle with drug and alcohol use. I was trying to get dry and I was still all over the place. Pete Rhodes contacted me about their Navigator service and we arranged to meet.
Pete Rhodes, Navigator in Cheshire and Merseyside
“I was very relaxed with Pete straight away. I could tell he knew his stuff, and he cared and was very personable. Pete also referred me on to Andrew in The Poppy Factory’s employment team and I had the same relationship with him.
“Sometimes people just go through the motions with you, but Pete and Andrew didn’t. They really took an interest. When you’re in a bad place and are trying to find your way out of it, knowing that someone is there for you is a little thing that can make a big difference.
Making a habit of positive change
“It’s really good to have a support network. And you can lead a horse to water, but you’ve got to want to help yourself as well.
“I’ve been volunteering with Wirral Ways, working in the café on Saturday mornings. I’ve also found a job with Wirral Borough Council, working with children with disabilities. They go to school in an ambulance that has a lift for wheelchairs. In the morning I go with the driver to pick them up, and we do the same in the afternoon.
“I’m very close to my daughter, and she says she’s so proud of me. Since I stopped drinking, I’m not the same person. It’s been hard, but it’s getting easier through habit. I can go into a local pub and have a coffee, because I’m determined I’m not going back there.
“I feel like I’ve got the bit between my teeth now – I’m not the finished article and there are things I want to do and to achieve. But I feel great about myself and I’m happy with myself.”
More you might like
- Make a professional referral to the Navigator service
- Find out about employment support for the Armed Forces community
- Read inspiring stories of veterans who are transforming their lives