Telephone: 01793 524661 Email: adminthreshold@thl.org.uk
Patsy’s Story
Patsy grew up in an abusive household. At 13 years old she sought the solace of an older man, who introduced her to regular heroin use. At 15 she was entrenched in a world of prostitution and drugs.
When our Outreach team met her Patsy was 3 months pregnant, sleeping with 9 others in a crack den: a rat-infested one bed flat. “I hated anything official - it all scared me, felt like I was back at school, in trouble.” But Patsy was accommodated in Wat Tyler House after outreach advocating further at Swindon Borough Council the same day. We arranged proper medical support with methadone, and pre-natal care.
Patsy was working hard to bring order into her life. Then the father of her baby, a well-known local drug dealer and pimp, was released from prison and soon persuaded her back on the streets, and her old way of life. Sentenced on prostitution charges, Patsy gave birth in prison hospital to her baby, which now suffers many health problems related to Patsy’s drug use. Sad to say Patsy is still seeking her happy ending - but we hope we can help her write it some time in the future.
