My psychiatrist gave me a card to contact the Magdalene Project.

I held on to it for 2 months because I didn't know if I was strong enough to talk to anybody; then one day I did! I was given an appointment to be assessed. I was an emotional state crying, shaking all the time but the counsellor was great that day and I got a lot off my chest; it was the first time I had spoken to anybody and told them my story.

I went home with a headache.

A few weeks after I got a call to make an appointment for weekly sessions. Counselling has helped turn my life around. I have a long way to go but I'm getting there. I feel supported. I feel alive now. For years I just wanted to die. I feel I've been given a second chance with my life and this has to do with the Magdalene Project. Sometimes I feel quite empty as all the worries that used to fill my head are now going.

I never thought I would be able to do normal things like keep appointments, go to college and look into volunteer work but I am now doing these things.

I am excited about waking up in the mornings, everything is fresh and new. I have hope. I have started to like myself and my new life and am looking forward to the future.

I don't know where I would be today if I hadn't made that call to the Magdalene Project.