My name is Liam Cleak and I was once an alcoholic whose problem had become so severe that physically I was dying, mentally I was becoming unstable and socially I had all but lost everyone.

I was living behind a sea container in the middle of Fremantle, drinking myself into sickness and oblivion every day.

I was thrown a life preserver, and this came in the form of a program called the Northam Recovery Program. I was visiting my parents one afternoon and while I sat there drinking and chatting to my father, my stepmother went inside and called a friend of mine who worked in the community services sector. My parents were so very worried about me as I had never looked unhealthier than I did on that day. This friend happened to mention to my stepmother that the Northam Recovery Program would consider me as a client if I was to go to the clinic in Subiaco and present myself. I was lucky, the very next day I was admitted to the clinic and I received a Naltrexone implant which I daresay, very much saved my life.

The staff were wonderful and supportive and genuinely cared whether I lived or died. That was the beginning of my journey of recovery. I attended the York Street Lodge where physically, I regained my health and some mental stability. From there I was moved into the therapeutic community, where I now reside in Northam.

“The program has quite literally saved my life.”

Now that I am here, I am on the verge of graduation. I have reconnected with my family and friends who always cared about me and believed in me and physically I am healthier than I have ever been. Everybody deserves a Fresh Start “The program has quite literally saved my life.” Liam Cleak, graduate of The Northam Recovery Program process of my recovery has been long and arduous and it most certainly is not over, but with Fresh Start’s help I have learnt the tools to help me battle my addiction for the rest of my life.

Since allowing Fresh Start to help me I have nearly completed a certificate in community services and have gained employment in the community of Northam and best of all, I am starting a relationship with my teenage son again. We are both very happy to be back in each other’s lives. I can thank the Fresh Start Recovery Programme in Northam for this.