A WOMAN who became trapped in a downward spiral of depression, drugs, alcohol and debt is now volunteering for the charity that helped her turn her life around.

Jane Silliker, from Ferryhill, experienced problems in younger life that had a massive impact on her as she grew older.

Lonely and battling depression, Ms Silliker moved from house-to-house, drank heavily, experimented with drugs and began to self harm.

“I had to pay for these things and subsequently the debt letters started to mount up,” she said. “I felt worthless and useless and felt I could never do anything right.

“I started to lose everything that I held dearly in my heart. I fell in a pit and tried desperately to get out but on my own it all seemed impossible.”

Ms Silliker, 42, contacted Lifeline Community Action’s Helping Hands team in Newton Aycliffe, and describes it as the best decision she has ever made.

As well as providing food and household packs, the charity offered long-term solutions, including learning and development courses and money education workshops.

She has now put her old lifestyle behind her and is volunteering for the charity three days a week.

Ms Silliker urged others not to suffer in silence, adding: “If Helping Hands can’t help you they will signpost you to the right support.”

Anyone who needs help, can contact 07936431262.