Linda N
I was referred to Imani by my counsellor from an addiction treatment centre where I had landed up in desperation after my fourth alcohol and drug relapse. I had spent 4 years in the rooms of AA, NA and OA and would have periods of clean time, but I could never find lasting abstinence. My biggest struggle was with my eating disorder, which completely ruled my life and had me at the point where I felt recovery from it was impossible for me.

At Imani I was introduced to a loving and sustainable way of eating, which I found hard to adapt to at first, but with all the help from the staff and other patients, I was able to get through my initial fears and obstacles in a safe and nurturing environment. The programme helped me to start facing myself and the real issues underlying my eating disorder behaviours and attitudes. I completely trusted the highly competent staff who challenged me when I was stuck in self destructive patterns and nurtured and built me up when I needed it.

I have been for some time now on my eating disorder and coping with huge changes in my life, thanks to the solid foundation of recovery and ongoing support given to me by the people at Imani.

Kelly M
My eating disorder was slowly and surely killing me. I had been trapped in a cycle of starving and purging for 7 years and had wasted away into a very scared, lonely and desperate individual. I had resisted help for so long and found myself not knowing how to ask for it.

I finally went to a treatment clinic for six weeks and learnt how to eat again and to ask for help. I then went to Secondary Care for treatment and learnt how to live. I was taught various coping skills for life and provided with a loving environment to practice implementing them. The counselors and house-mates provided me with an environment that was not only disciplined and structured, but also incredibly warm and supportive. This gave me the space to truly explore myself as a person and to discover new, healthier ways of doing things.

I owe my life to the awesome team of counsellors and the friends that I made during my stay – without their love and support I do not think I would have made it through the earlier stages of my recovery.

"I regard the time that I spent at Imani as a precious gift for which I will always be grateful."