Nicola Rediscovered Herself Thanks To Blossome

I’ve been with my partner for 16 years; but recently we’ve been through a difficult time due to his alcoholism. He’s been battling it for years, but he thought he was OK, ‘normal’, but his behaviour was out of control. Sadly, that had a big effect on us as a family, but when you care for someone so much and you have five children, you really want to help them with their addiction.

A couple of years ago my health had deteriorated, I had put on a lot of weight, I was always looking after him and the children, never putting myself first. I was also living in fear of what might happen to him. I felt scared, out of control, emotionally drained. I hadn’t been going out, so had lost contact with friends, I just didn’t feel like me anymore.

I decided to go to a slimming class, and I found a new power in weight control. I could have some control over part of my life. After losing weight, I also realised that life shouldn’t be like this, so I gave him almost an ultimatum. Fortunately, he didn’t want to lose me or the children, he wanted to make a change and will be two years sober in April (2025).

Although he still has an addictive personality, it’s such a relief that he’s now sober. But I’ve been through so much trauma along the way, and it has left a mark on me. I heard about Blossome via a friend, and she recommended I went to one of their early rise dips in the sea. It was such a wonderful experience! I arrived at the beach huts and met so many other women in similar situations, it was lovely to chat about shared experiences. I’d kept his drinking quiet, protecting him from how people may judge. It was so good to be able to speak openly.

The founder of Blossome, Kim Moore, met me at the dip and she thought I would benefit from their twelve-week self-care programme. I met with their psychologist to see if I would be suitable, she also thought it would really help me. I was so emotional; it was such a huge relief, a massive weight was taken off my shoulders, someone was going to help me. I’m the oldest sibling so I’m always the one everyone goes to for help, but we’re all human and sometimes we need help too.

Blossome is just amazing. It is such a lovely community. For someone to let me onto the programme it meant the world. It meant that I’m worthy of this! Nobody asked me for anything, no money. It feels like someone is looking after you, they’re so compassionate and kind. It’s an amazing feeling. It’s also wonderful to be somewhere where you feel safe and there’s no judgement.

When I first started the programme I was a bag of nerves, but I came away excited for the following week. They taught me how to build my resilience, be compassionate, not to blame myself. I felt alive! I’d gone through the past couple of years grateful that my partner was sober, but still worrying what might happen next, we’d all been through so much trauma.

Thanks to Blossome I’m now kinder to myself. It’s also helped the kids; they can see I’m much more resilient. It shows them that you don’t give up on things and you have to put yourself first. The self-care practices have also made me and my family happier and calmer. I have a new sense of life, I love journalling, making jewellery- I take my necklace, which we made and soaked in essential oils, with me whenever I need to feel strong. When I smell the beads, it makes me feel positive and peace comes over me.

I’m keen to share my experiences as I know there are so many people out there, all in similar positions supporting someone with an addiction. I want everyone to know about Blossome, it’s just amazing. It’s a safe space where you can learn to be you again, learn about self-care so you can open up and be there for loved ones. I know I have a lot to give, I’m also a very compassionate person. I would recommend Blossome to anyone caring for someone with alcoholism or addiction.