15 June 2026
A 29-year-old man in recovery from alcohol, tramadol, and crack cocaine is sharing his story this Men’s Health Week to offer hope to people struggling with their mental health.
William, 29, grew up in a home filled with books and storytelling by his father who taught English Literature. “I developed an interest in stories from a young age,” he says. “But as I grew older and started using drugs and alcohol, I forgot who I really wanted to be.”
William started taking tramadol in his teens. In his early twenties an attempt to quit the strong opioid led him to be introduced to crack cocaine by a friend. He shakes his head, “I got hooked from the very first use. I would not even wish my worst enemy ever to get hooked on crack.” After nearly twenty attempts to quit, he eventually found his way through faith and a church community.
In 2022 he moved to work in care homes, supporting vulnerable people with mental health challenges. But he struggled with the isolation, night shifts, and adjusting to a new home. William sighs, “I was using alcohol more and more. That’s the only way I knew how to cope.”
After trying to quit on his own and failing, eventually he went to his GP who referred him to WithYou in Wigan and Leigh. “I was desperate and that’s why I came, but I didn’t have so much hope,” he explains. “It would just be like any other service I’d been to in the past. What are they going to tell me? What’s new about this service? But from the very first day I realised - this is where I have to be.”
William was enrolled in a 12-week community prehab programme at Haigh Hall - a 12-week course delivered in partnership by WithYou and BAC O’Connor which includes group meetings and activities such as gym sessions, yoga, photography lessons and sports activities delivered by Wigan Warriors. “It made me feel good that I wasn’t alone,” he says. “And when I realised some of the facilitators themselves were once drug users, I was wowed by the fact they could turn their lives around and were now helping other people quit. It gave me hope. And I decided - okay, I was going to stick to this group till the end.”
When someone on the course asked what he would like to do with his life, it brought him back to his childhood - reading, writing, storytelling. “I remembered my old self,” he smiles.
WithYou’s intensive employment support programme, IPS, supported William to enroll in college alongside his job at the care home. “I’ve started writing again and I’ve written some really beautiful stories,” he says enthusiastically.
I like taking photos of people too. Photography and filmmaking is my new high.
Reflecting on his life now, and how far he’s come, William says, “It’s kind of amazing that I experience mental health challenges myself, but I help other people with that too. Sometimes, I’m not so kind to myself - I expect more from myself. But when I realise the things that I do, I give myself a pat on the back and say: ‘William, you just have to keep on. Don’t give up.’
“I’m not ashamed anymore, because I know I no longer live that life. I want to tell people: you can still turn your life around. People need hope.”
According to the BUPA Wellbeing Index, 50% of men have struggled with mental health difficulties at some point, yet fewer than half have sought medical advice. Men’s Health Week UK - which this year takes place 15-21 June - looks to raise global awareness of men’s mental health, and encourage men to speak up before reaching a crisis point.
Sarah Humphreys, Head of Service Delivery at WithYou in Wigan and Leigh, says:
“We are incredibly proud of William for having the courage to share his story so openly. Many men find it difficult to talk about their struggles, or to ask for help. I know William will inspire other people to come forward.
“Men’s Health Week is a reminder that these conversations matter so much. Too many men suffer in silence, and stories like William’s show recovery is possible, that help is out there, and that there is always hope.
At WithYou in Wigan and Leigh, we are here for anyone who is struggling. If William’s story resonates with you, or reminds you of someone you know, please reach out - you don’t have to face this alone, we are with you.
WithYou in Wigan and Leigh provides free, confidential drug and alcohol support for adults, young people, and families.
Working in partnership with BAC O’Connor, our local team offers a range of services including one-to-one support, community rehab, and structured group programmes - all without judgement and without a GP referral. Anyone can refer themselves directly by contacting 01942 487500 or visiting: wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/wigan-and-leigh
