Members Stories – Elizabeth

Elizabeth’s Story

Relatively new member, Elizabeth has found strength and peace in our GCP community, where she feels she can be herself,

‘GCP changed my life and gave me a chance to be myself. I’ve been a loner all my life and it makes me mix with other people which is fun. I’m still a loner though.’

‘I feel like I had massive progress recently. I went on the member trip recently, which was a big deal for me being with other people all the time. Two years ago, I wouldn’t even leave my house. Two weeks before the trip, I felt so nervous and half-way through I was considering leaving but I had such a laugh and really enjoyed it. I’m glad I stayed, I’m proud of myself.’

Elizabeth has given us permission to share her story.

She spent a tricky childhood in Vancouver, coping with being bipolar and bullied at school, a difficult family environment and a dangerous boyfriend. As a teenager, her parents separated, and she moved to Edinburgh with her Scottish mum,

‘Moving helped me escape a difficult relationship which was very unhealthy but made me a wiser woman.’

Back in Scotland she studied for an HNC in Social work but struggled concentrating due to a head injury when she was 14,

‘I have good days and bad days and have been helped by my spirituality and spiritual studies. Each day is a gift, and I try and bring in the light to help me heal.’

Sadly, in 2019, Elizabeth endured another abusive relationship,

‘In the beginning it was a great laugh and I thought I could change him… by 2023 I knew I had to get out. GCP has helped me get my life back.’

Elizabeth heard about GCP from her friend who was already a member. She enjoys IT on a Monday and the Meadows Walking Group on a Tuesday,

‘I love that there are all kinds of people here and everyone fits in.’

She would encourage anyone to come along,

‘Oh my God, go for it, there is so much you can do.’

Hopefully one day you will be able to read more about Elizabeth’s incredible life as she is writing her life story, with the help of Women’s Aid. She wants it to be raw, unaltered and non-judgemental.

Elizabeth is growing in confidence all the time and has ambitions. She would love to travel the world, publish her book and find a nice best friend she can giggle with!

Thank you for sharing your story Elizabeth. We are lucky to have you as part of our GCP family.

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