Affinity Magazine - March 2015 by Lexi West

March 2015 | Issue 012 | www.affinitymagazine.org.uk

AFFINITY Magazine Families in Recovery The Well

LUF BRiC

Mulberry Project

Dear Albert

Red Rose Recovery

My Recov er

Everest Re:Cafe Fleetwood Allotments

us Outrageo s Ambition

Central Allotment s

Stuart & Dawn Cha Challenge rity s Inspire, belong, support, achieve...

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HELLO

KEEP LEARNING

“We have to continually be jumping off cliffs and developing our wings on the way down” Kurt Vonnegut. Welcome to the 12th edition of our Affinity Magazine which we are proud to see celebrating all the wonderful recovery in our community. Our previous edition reflected much of the fantastic work being done by people in recovery. Many of those people work or volunteer within services and in their local communities. We feel it is important that everybody hears about them and knows how to get hold of them. This is valuable and positive work but it does not represent all of the hard work and passion within our recover community. Whilst we want to reflect the full diversity of recovery within your magazine we can only print the stories that we hear about. So please if you know of a story worth telling, of a journey undertaken or a community project that is blossoming then please get it to us. If you know of anything that can support your own, or somebody else’s recovery then shout it out and we will let the community know.

Photo © Sarah Bürvenich

Let’s share and learn from one another, hear each other’s voice and work together to help our community to grow.

2 November 2014 |

Want to send a story into our next edition or know of any great events coming up? Send them in to: affinitymagazine@yahoo.co.uk by May 10th 2015 Like what you’ve read? Give us a like on AffinityMagazine

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FAMILY FOCUS FORUM by Alison Kershaw

Having been approached by SU’s/Commissioners we set up a consultation meeting with Key figures from Inspire, RRR, Impact, Discover and East North Central Localities and HMP Lancaster and HMP Kirkham Prisons. After a really positive meeting to share our ideas, we all agreed that the aim is to establish a vibrant Family Recovery Network that works in partnership within the LUF and Recovery Coaching and Mutual Aid Networks. The family plays a key part in both preventing and intervening with substance use and misuse, both through reducing risk, and/or encouraging and promoting protection and resilience. Whatever the exact nature of these relationships and circumstances, the impact of substance misuse on families is profound, and often devastating. It can include anguish and unhappiness, experience of stigma and discrimination, isolation, poverty, mental health problems and social exclusion. Some families feel that their only option is to withdraw support and to break their ties with a family member with a substance misuse problem, but this is very difficult to cope with too. We are working closely with prisoners at HMP Kirkham and HMP Lancaster Farms. Imprisonment is a family experience. For prisoners, separation from loved ones is often the most painful consequence. Main issues for families in general were emotional problems such as stigma and stress; Financial problems; Prison visiting including difficulties with childcare and transportation; and social exclusion. By developing and maintaining relationships within the family structure this involvement is a massive support for the prisoners before release. The prime focus of this forum will be to address the needs of the family and the carer. Families will be given a voice and a safe place to discus any concerns or issues relating to the above. This will be non-judgmental and accessible to all. Members of the forum will work collectively for all families, respect each other’s views & make best use of one another’s skills & resources. We aim to provide opportunities for families and carers to influence the decisions that affect their lives and to contribute to developing services that meet the needs of their families and their recovery. The first Family Forum will be on:

8th March 12 till 3pm at WE, Regent Park, Regent Road, Morecambe LA4 4QY AFFINITY Maga zine

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Hep. C Support Group

Do you need support or guidance around the diagnosis or treatment of Hepatitis C? We meet weekly on a Wednesday from 1-2pm For more info please contact us on the details below. 3.1.2 Storey House, White Cross Business Park, Lancaster, LA1 4XQ. Tel: 07449311406

OITB CHARITY NUMBER 1153064

4 March 2015 |

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Central’s Recovery Allotment

This will be Central’s 3rd year. The allotment is well established and has massive potential this year. The plot consists of a large greenhouse, various beds and plenty of established fruit trees, roses and bushes. We have a brewing area and a barbeque. This year’s plan is tidy the allotment before the weeds start, start off a variety of seedlings and grow an abundance of crop that can then be fed back into St Wilf’s recovery café. To do this we need your help and support. We will be running the allotment at present every Thursday 10am-3pm, there will be soup for lunch and a fire going to keep us warm. The allotment is open to all, from those wanting to just come and have a brew and see what it’s about to those who want to get stuck in and bring their own ideas. We are planning to have a few barbeques this year and maybe incorporate this into a walk similar to the one we had last year which was a massive success. The allotment is a Bric funded project and is a community project so it belongs to you. I would encourage anyone to come along and see us, don’t be shy.

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by John Gauntlett- Recovery Advocate Dear Albert is a social enterprise supported and partly funded by Leicester Recovery Partnership Innovation Fund. Led by Jon Roberts - Dear Albert aims to make recovery more visible, attractive and achievable for those seeking a better way of life. We have many aspirations here at Dear Albert such as Service user engagement, recovery merchandise plus other projects in the pipeline. However, the main aspect at the moment is group work. I’ve had substance misuse issues for 20+ years. I’ve attended many group work sessions and although I got something from them, no group has impressed me as much as ’You Do The MAFs’. I liked it so much that I wanted to be involved. That’s one of the beauties about ‘Mutual Aid Facilitation sessions’. It’s run by service users/ ex service users in recovery who promote abstinence. Service users are involved in various parts of setting up the group and potentially in co facilitating, once they are at a certain stage of their recovery. What got me well may not get the next fellow well. What we do here is to help the service user to decide which recovery pathway is for them and help them to realise their idea of what recovery is. We go through the history of substance abuse and mutual aid. Some steps from the 12 step programme, myth busting, SMART recovery. And we ask lots of questions such as ‘ is addiction a disease, am an addict, et. We also look at family & friends services etc.

We include participants in activities promoting the services and actively encourage attending mutual aid meetings, and I’ll personally come and take you if you so wish. There is a growing community of people that don’t drink alcohol or take other drugs and what better way to increase your recovery capital than connecting with the like-minded.

6 March 2015 |

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We even have professionals in group as it’s important that they know about this stuff. Many don’t know how to answer questions by their service users. With our group they find answers. To round it off, every S.U. that does the 6 wk course receives a Dear Albert Recovery Hamper with recovery related literature of their choice, t-shirt ( printed by us too), soft drink, and sometimes including a shopping voucher and tickets to see the new film ‘Dear Albert’.

Recovery consultant Jon Roberts has just come back from abroad with Nick Hamer (Intrepid media) from yet another film festival at which Nick showed his film, of the same name, Dear Albert. Nick followed Jon around his day to day life for 3.5 years helping others achieve abstinence from alcohol & other mindmood altering substances. The film was premiered in Leicester on 5th Dec and there are plans to hold screenings & workshops around the country for everyone to experience this awesome documentary and learn from each others experiences.

Find out more on Facebook “Dear Albert Recovery” Follow us on twitter “Dear Albert”

If you would like to request/book a viewing of the film or want to get in touch go to www.dearalbert.co.uk or call 01162917298 AFFINITY Maga zine

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FLEET WOOD The Fleetwood allotment has been a work in progress for a while now and it’s wonderful to see everyone’s hard work bearing fruit. The Red Rose volunteer that leads on the project is Derek Hargreaves. He has been an inspiration to many, turning up week in – week out in all weathers with his loyal band of helpers. The transformation has included widening the footpaths along with putting in raised beds to enhance the allotment to allow for disabled access. The Polly tunnel has been a huge success so far with some of our y oungsters not only having fun but also learning with some hands on experience around growing vegetables and flowers and learning about the environment in general. Hopefully this will roll out to have similar Family days in the future. Looking forward, as the better weather comes in we are hoping to produce such things as potatoes, onions, carrots etc. and our vision has always been to involve the community as much as possible and make our produce available to those in need . The allotment is making a huge difference to volunteer’s lives whilst building invaluable bridges with the community as a whole.

8 March 2015 |

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ALLOTMENTS Massive thanks to all involved!! This community allotment has been made possible through great partnership work . Huge appreciation to staff and volunteers from Inspire, Westview community centre and Red Rose Recovery.

Anyone wishing to get involved with the allotment please contact DEREK HARGREAVES - 07541482446 STEVE WATSON - 07535891647

The volunteers meet every Sunday at: Westview Community Centre, Eden avenue, Fleetwood, FY7 8DH 12pm – 3pm

COME ALONG AND GET INVOLVED… AFFINITY Maga zine

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Outrageous Ambition is a social enterprise that uses a sustainable model to improve inclusion and opportunities for people who feel excluded or marginalised from our communities. We provide an environment for people and their talents to be embraced, included and accepted. Feeling purpose is important to all of us, people who live their lives with varying levels of difficulty are no different to anyone else, recognising an individuals unique talents gives every person we work with the feeling of true purpose. We have recently moved into the Outrageous Hub, a beautiful inspiring space for creativity and innovation over looking Lancaster Canal. The Outrageous Hub is like no other workspace in Lancaster, we have only been in the hub since April 2014 but if you visited the hub today you would already see the seeds of our creative identity being sown; a garden shed in one corner complete with fake grass on the roof, in the opposite corner a 12ft origami tree. The hub has already become a laboratory for social innovation with a number of enterprises and projects already taking place involving people with physical and learning disabilities and long term mental health conditions as well as individual from the recovery community and on the Autistic Spectrum. 100% of our profits will go back into the enterprise for ongoing development so that we can continue to provide more opportunities for people in the future. Ultimately we hope that by engaging in enterprise we can improve lives and change attitudes and perceptions towards people who live difficult lives, leading to more inclusive, accepting communities. The North Lancs BRiC Coordinator Gary Byrne had this to say: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Were so excited to be able to support such an innovative and important organization that is making a huge difference to the on the ground grass roots recovery movement in Lancaster. The hub is an awe inspiring place with an energy and optimism that I have never seen or felt before.â&#x20AC;? 10 March 2015 |

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P KEETITLE THE FAITH

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Stuart Nevin

I face the crowd the line its drawn, A battle cry of oath is sworn. To hold steadfast to face the test To take my place amongst the blessed But are these words on death ears call , Do I rise once more to fall. Inspite misgivings still I rise Brush past the guilt, deceit and lies. To face myself to face my fears, The laughter,sadness and the tears. The time soon past, are gone, the years. A memory lost a life mistaken, Fall to my knees again awaken. What is the cost freedom forsaken. Again I stand and take my place The klaxon sounds I start my race. Again I catch a glimpse of I And promise me to always try To keep the faith till the day I die.

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WALLED

Garden

Worden Park, Leyland Every other Sunday 12-2:30pm

The Walled Garden is a project that runs every other Sunday afternoon. We work alongside the Brothers of Charities. The Walled Garden is situated in Worden Park, Leyland and is a beautiful project to be able to volunteer on. The garden itself dates back to the 18th century and consists of many of its original features. It includes an aviary, a small reptile house and a small petting zoo. We are involved with the upkeep of the beds, work within the greenhouse along with care of the animals. We work alongside Charlotte, an employee at the garden and we are well looked after whilst there. Come along and see what itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s all about or just pop along for a brew.

12 March 2015 |

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“Mulberry Community Project is a supported housing project that operates in Blackpool”

We have been operational for around 4 years now and we provide support for those seeking to maintain an abstinent based lifestyle. We have had a lot of people go through Mulberry and a lot of them are now living an abstinent based life and working or in education or volunteering and living independently in their own place. We run both male and female houses and they are either 3 or 4 bedroomed houses and we currently have 7 houses. We have a great group of people in at the moment who are getting to grips with their recovery through attending our groups, which are 3 times a week, and also going to outside meetings such as AA/NA/CA/SMART. Everyone has a keyworker and people can have one to one sessions as well.

I cannot place a time limit on how long a person will take to find their recovery so we do not have a time limit on how long people can stay for and our strap line is

“For as long as it takes” To get a better idea of what we do and what we offer please feel free to drop into our office in Blackpool and just sample the atmosphere of Recovery.

Family fun day We take people straight from Rehab/detox/ prison and anyone can refer into us so if you think we can help someone struggling with their recovery then give us a shout.

www.mulberrycompro.co.uk

Family fun day AFFINITY Maga zine

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In recent months, The Well has developed from a Saturday social club, purely based in Lancaster, to a thriving recovering community that is spread across three sites. After 18 months of success in Lancaster, The Well branched out to the West End of Morecambe. There was a real drive to try and establish some visible recovery in this area as the West End is deeply affected by addiction and all its trappings. Visits by the local police, primary schools, childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s centres and residents have met what we are trying to achieve with open arms and believe it long overdue. Starting with a breakfast club and drop-in to get us on the map, this soon developed in to a day of Well-being. Activities include, boxercise, yoga and meditation, as well as our family support group and our Well-being recovery support group, with healthy food served throughout the day. We have also started a Pathways to Employment and Personal/Recovery development course, which is held on a Tuesday and Thursday. Recognising that many in recovery have been disassociated from the labour market for quite some time, this course offers accreditation in literacy and numeracy, as well as help with self-development, confidence building and communication: the end point being work experience in the learners chosen sector. Much like Morecambe, in its lack of visibility where recovery is concerned, Barrow-inFurness is our latest, most recent success. Starting with a 4 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; bed recovery house, specifically aimed at those on the offending/short term sentence loop, The Well was very quickly able to establish a hub in Barrow town centre, so that the support could be accessed by many. We have been able to establish various recovery support groups and 14 March 2015 |

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mutual aid meetings, women’s groups and family fun and support nights. There is a real buzz about what we’re doing up there. The official opening of The Well Recovery House is 19 March. We will be holding an open day to show both the recovering community, professionals and the community at large our success thus far and our vision for the future. In just the past week alone, The Well has engaged almost 100 people across our 3 sites. These numbers show how we are helping individuals desist in their criminal activity and making the transition into steady, long term recovery a reality. Our Lancaster site still remains the most popular and as a result of the commitment of our volunteers, the activities and support that we offer and the strong community feel, we continue to grow each week. Partnership working with local agencies and treatment providers gives us a steady stream of referrals, giving people the opportunity to be introduced to a thriving, recovering community. A major success story for us as an organisation is that our team of volunteers stands at 15 and we now have 6 paid employees: 5 in full-time employment, 1 part-time. This is an astounding achievement from our humble beginnings and these employment opportunities are the best way we have been able to thank some of our long serving, committed volunteers. We are truly proud that as an ABCD project, each and every staff member and our members, have come through the criminal justice system or are themselves, in recovery. If you would like more information about The Well and what we have to offer, please contact: kerrie@thewell2.co.uk for Lancaster and Morecambe projects or carl@thewell2.co.uk for Barrow. You can also find us on Facebook – The Well www.thewellcommunities.co.uk/ CEO – Dave Higham dave@thewell2.co.uk

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BRIC : NORTH BRiC supports the initiation & development of community based projects which create enterprise, employment, training, environmental and social wellbeing. BRiC has funding available to support individuals/groups & organisations who can evidence the inclusion of this criteria. The BRiC process for approving funding applications has been restructured for 2014/15 . The BRiC panels will meet quarterly to decide on received BRiC applications. The final panel will meet: 20/04/2015. If you wish to discuss or apply for BRiC funding please contact Gary Byrne 07899873327 Couch to 5k on the Bay Looking to shake off the Xmas Pudding and get fit for 2015. Our plan is to follow the ‘Couch to 5k’ training guide. We welcome all levels of fitness and the sessions will be tailored to meet your needs. Just bring yourself a water bottle and your running shoes. Next weekly training session 10th February @ More-cambe Inspire Project at 2.00pm Footie! Friendly none competitive games with people in recovery across North Lancs. All you need is suitable shoes (Astro Pitch) Thursday 2-5pm Fleetwood Inspire Project contact 01253 877633 (Aaron Morris) Wednesday 5.15 –6.30 Lancaster & Morecambe College contact 07474595521 (Stu Nevin) Roses are Red - origami is forever – why not eternalise your loving endeavour Support your local ABCD Social Enterprise Outra-geous Ambition. The above attached image is of a beautiful origami rose that has been lovingly crafted by a community of people who come from all walks of life who actively challenge ignorance and stigma around their mental and physical dis-abilities including substance misuse issues. A BRiC application is in process to hopefully support this project as it works directly with people in Re-covery who have left Littledale Hall. The Roses were crafted by a chap who has used Inspire ser-vices in the past and who is now an active member of the Outrageous Ambition community. Roses retail at £5 (Details on Facebook/Twitter) 16 March 2015 |

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CONTRIBUTED BY

GARY BYRNE NORTH BRIC CO-ORDINATOR

SPONSORED BY

Roses Netball

As of beginning of January the Roses have linked in with another well-established Netball club in order to share resources and reduce costs. We now have a full 1.5hrs a week of intense fitness coaching, Netball skills training as well as a game of Netball. Our sessions are free and open to any women with an interest. Initially we were set up as a team for women in recovery but we have grown in attraction to ladies outside of the recovery community and this has proven to be really productive in many ways. One of the ladies donated (from her employer) nearly ÂŁ1,000 to us so that we can continue our place in the local league for the next 2yrs. Another lady enjoys playing with us that much her daughters joined too. We have played some regular friendlies against a BME team in Blackburn and continue to play weekly in a league. Last year we won a Community Sports Team Award. We have also just been awarded some funding in order to train a few of the ladies in Netball Coaching and umpiring qualifications.

Also: Red Rose Recovery Choir: Every Thursday 6-8pm at CafĂŠ Hub, foundry St, Darwen Itog photography trips: last Wednesday of each month (East pick ups 9.30am Accrington, 10am Burnley)

BRiC funded enterprises

So far this quarter East BRiC applications approved consist of: Cobras gym, Zumba 2 recovery, KL Express, Roots 2 Recovery, New Freedom, Low Cost Upholstery, Families in Recovery, Acorn Shabby 2 Chic, Little Purple Book, Bacup hub training ro om, GW Canvas printing, HUFS and Netball. 7 of the 13 applications received were from current or ex Inspire Service users wishing to set up their own business or group. If you live in East Lancashire and have an idea for a project, group or enterprise and you wish to get support with funding then feel free to get in touch with me to discuss BRiC funding: Kerry.stewart@cri.org.uk or 07788 317838 AFFINITY Maga zine

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Blackpool Families in Recovery & Blackpool Recovery Group Magical Christmas Day Success From months of planning and a remarkable team effort we saw approximately 70 people (including families, friends and an army of volunteers) tuck into a three course meal at St Marks Community Hall Blackpool on Christmas Day. We discussed the idea of Blackpool Recovery Group (BRG) joining the Families in Recovery (FiR) building on the previous year when FiR had their first Magical Memory Day; we wanted to open the day up to adults in recovery who also found themselves alone at this special time of year. It was also our first year at St Marks, a venue that could host such a large event, so the timing was perfect. Lots of people told us that it was too big to organise but we decided that the positives outweighed the negatives, being together was the main aim and in recovery everything is possible! We contacted service providers in Blackpool and asked for support, which overwhelmingly was given. Supporters of recovery community rallied round and the donations came pouring in from as far away as Turkey. On the day families arrived and the build up to Santa had begun, a special stage was set up and excitement mounted,at one oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;clock the wait was over with the sound of Ho Ho Ho Merry Christmas!!! One by one the childrenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s names were called up to receive their sackful of goodies and the excitement of the kiddies made it all worthwhile. 22 March 2015 |

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This year we also gave gifts to the adults and seeing Shughie Morrison sat on Santa’s lap was a photo opportunity that couldn’t be missed. Peter the Vicar at St Marks left his family to come down and say Grace which was very special and he talked about recovery and how proud he was of everyone there. The meal was a feast, including homemade soup, Christmas dinner and the star of the show - Rudolf cake pudding As a recovery event they don’t come much better than bringing lots and lots of people in recovery and supporters of recovery together at a time that can be very lonely. To be around your extended family is a memory that people can cherish. The smiles on faces told us we had done well and we felt good. The Recovery Community & the Supporters of Recovery breaking down stigma, social isolation and indulging in the 5 ways to well being, we really did it all, same time next year folks!!! With special thanks to, who without the day could not have been possible- Volunteers on the big day. Chloe, Benny, Kelly, Terry, Helen, Andy and Glynn Head chef - Michael Hughes Kitchen staff - Leigh, Sue, John. Pass Brent Santa Lee McNeil Mother Christmas Nadine. Cake made by Ruth Wolf soup Clinton Lee & Kieran Caulfield Veg donated by HMP Kirkham Karon Brown (Delphi Medical), Kath Tallboys (Renaissance) Pauline Wigglesworth (The Hub) Glynn Smithson (fulfilling Lives) Maggie Cork and (Horizon) Matt Idle (Jobs, Friends & Houses) AFFINITY Maga zine

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S T UA R T & DA Stuart Nevin and Dawn Wakefield-Mitchell are doing a series of challenges in 2015 to raise money for worthy causes. They kicked off their first event on February 21st completing Badass Mucker in Lancaster, raising £300 for Northwest Air Ambulance. We asked Dawn what made her decide to do all of the challenges this year: “I decided after having split up with hubby 2 years ago that I wanted to get fit. A few good friends around me (some from recovery and some not) died suddenly and I this spurred me on to make a bucket list - sounds a bit bizarre to some I know!! I also had a health scare myself, lost my job, the children had gone to uni and others were growing up, so I wanted to do more... but didnt know what! I’ve always known Stuart to say hi to, as I was used to seeing him around all my different roles within the community. One day he came into “Get connected” (Stanleys Youth & Community Centre in Morecambe) and said he was running a free gym class and did I fancy coming down? So I did. That was September last year! From there on, he mentioned the walks on Wednesday’s, which I attended and it evolved into taking other people down to do as a joint thing. I did a couple of cycle rides on Sunday’s with C.R.I too. I have always done volunteering alongside work, so when Stuart suggested doing a 5k run, I thought why not! I asked Stu if he would do 3km fun run at Man Utd standium instead with me on the 1st dec, as that was on my bucket list and but we ended up doing the 5km run anyway! 24 March 2015 |

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AW N ’ S

S FOR 2015 CHARIT Y CHALLENGE

After conquering that challenge, I decided I wanted to do a 10km run because I’d completed 5km. This event (Lancaster BADASS) was my choice and was a challenge back at Stu!! We like challenging each other!” We asked Dawn how she found the BADASS event at Lancaster: “I like to push myself. I loved the badass! I found the hills were killers. I faced my fears... because I can’t swim and I hate water. I did every obstacle including the lake, however if Stu hadnt been by my side I might have chickened out of that one. He gave me the courage and respect to conquer it and he believed in me, where others may not have - and for that he should get HUGE Respect.” Stuart and Dawn will be be raising money for a multitude of charities and aim to raise much needed funds for inidividual worthy causes. These include Children with Cancer, Mcmillan, British Heart Foundation and Help for Heroes. The events vary from 10km to 100km. By doing the challenges they hope to inspire others to do likewise or donate just £1 and help make a difference in many deserved peoples lives. Their moto is ... “I CANT WE CAN!”

EVENTS:

• March 22nd - Rockhard Event, Epsom (Rasing money for Getconnected @ Stanleys Youth & Community Centre) • May 9th/10th - Dirty Weekend Rat Race (Rasing money for Children with Cancer UK) • June 13th/14th - Airfield Anarchy (Raising money for Help for Heroes) • June 27th/28th - London to Brighton walk (Raising money for British heart foundation) • September 12th/13th - Tough Mudder, Cheshire (Raising money for Mcmillan) • September 27th - Born Survivor, Cheshire (Raising money for Unique kids in Carnforth) Anybody wanting more info or to sponsor the Stuart and Dawn... email dawnwakefield@hotmail.co.uk. You can also donate for the Rat Race event at: www.justgiving.com/owner-email/pleasesponsor/stuart-nevin AFFINITY Maga zine

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MY RECOVERY BY MAGGIE LESLIE Hi my name is Maggie Leslie and at present I am lead for East LUF. I want to start by giving a brief outline of my recovery journey. I started in recovery 10 months ago when attending groups at Inspire in Accrington. When I started my treatment I had a very heavy heart feelings of desperation and no hope. I had 2 choices at this point - I could live or die. Feeling mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually broken, I was also aware that my family where very concerned about me and wanted me to come out of the nightmare I had lived in for 3 years. I attended RAMP and DEEP at Inspire which where very challenging at times but so worth it. I had to look at myself which had always been a big issue for me, leaving the past behind me and concentrating on living for the present. While I was in DEEP I moved into Inward House supported housing. This was a massive move for me as it brought a lot of fear and feelings of being vulnerable, as I had to face the prospect of eventually having to live independantly. This for me was one of my biggest hurdles. Today I live in my own little flat independently and I have a lot of gratitude for all the staff at Inward House. I also got involved with Red Rose Recovery, joining in some of the environmental projects which where on and learning more about Red Rose and LUF. I met a lot of new people who where very passionate about what they where doing, but at this point I wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t able to see my own self worth, my assets or that I had any potential; I was unable to look at others when speaking to me as I believed i wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t worth their time. I went to my first LUF in July 2014 and felt so empowered I wanted more of this! So I became part of the East steering group taking on the role of Secretary. I learnt lots of new skills, got involved in more things with LUF and Red Rose and really started to see a shift in my confidence.

26 March 2015 |

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One afternoon, when I was spending time chatting with staff at Red Rose, Jane Riley asked if I was interested in starting up Families in Recovery in Accrington with Sarah. After the shock of realising someone could have that faith in me, it was never a question of if, what or maybe .... I embraced the opportunity to connect with other families and between us we did an amazing Christmas party for 50 children. We are all so passionate about creating a place for families to have a safe place to go. At present we are working towards a launch day with a vision to empower and inspire other families as we have been. Continuing with LUF, meeting new people connecting and practising the 5 ways of well-being, I am growing and having a sense of belonging. I am finally feeling that I am being excepted for who I am. In November I stepped up for the position of lead for East LUF with a great amount of support but again no-one ever doubted me. I lead my first LUF in Bacup in January and to be really honest this was the point that I could really see how far I had come in my recovery. I was finally able to hold up my head, look around at everyone and believe what I was saying was worth listening to. I was seeing that I have assets and sharing them with others just as i had been given. My vision for LUF is unity for all, working in partnership with other community groups and organizations helping create an environment that is safe, empowering, inspirational and helping to reduce stigma for those in recovery.

Thank you to my family for always being part of my recovery - love you all. Thank you to LUF, Red Rose and Inward House for supporting me and all my amazing friends for being part of my life.

| March 2014 AFFINITY Maga zine | November 2015 27

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RERECOVERY : CAFE CAFE

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Re:Caf has been working alongside a cafe which was already established in the community called “the beautiful planet” for the past 3 years. We take over the beautiful planet on a Friday Night from 6pm till late, we sell our homemade soup and cakes. We hold quiz nights, card games and are in the process of setting up a darts league. There are many more exciting things planned for the up and coming months, we would also like to hear from the recovery community of what they would like to do on a Friday night down at Re:caf. So if you are stuck for something to do on a Friday night or would like to volunteer, come on down this Friday to:

Re: Caf, Beautiful Planet, 53a Friargate, Preston, PR1 2AT “You’ll get a warm welcome and have a laugh for the price of a brew!”

Contact: alan.fish69@gmail.com 07903567338 28 March 2015 |

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RECOVERY THROUGH NATURE

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What is it? Recovery through Nature is our pioneering way of aiding peoples’ recovery through being out in a natural environment, being focused on a task and working with peers to achieve it. We have run conservation programmes with people for 11 years and have seen spectacular success with our: • Conservation programmes • Horticultural therapy • Tree planting

Every Wednesday, pick ups from Chorley, Leyland, Preston, Euxton. (lunch provided) Contact Gavin for more details- 07795960553 AFFINITY Maga zine

| March 2015 29

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FAMILIES IN RECOVERY

BY RUTH OWEN

October 2013, the weather reports were predicting that one of the worst storms for a decade was about to sweep across the county of Lancashire. The prediction was correct. It crept in Friday morning, by the evening it was screaming, for three days the rain poured the wind howled and it was bitterly cold. Two men from Accrington remember that weekend more than most. They lived rough right through it. Not because they were homeless. They had warm beds and could put the kettle on any time they wished. Knowing this made it all the more difficult for them to bare the wind and rain. They did it by choice to raise founds for Community Solutions North West. They knew that if they could brave the misery the storm brought for anybody living rough, that a lot of family’s all across Lancashire could sleep with food in their stomachs and electric on the meter for the next few weeks. Knowing this made it a whole lot easier. By doing the sponsored sleep out, they raised over £500 - hard and much needed cash for vulnerable Lancashire family’s. But who raised that money? The two men were just part of a small group, around 15 in total who came together at Inspire Accrington and decided that they would like to do something for those less fortunate than themselves. The sleepover was organised a couple of weeks before and 3 chosen days just so happened to coincide with the storm. Some people advised the volunteers not to do it and said they must be mad to be outside. But they just smiled! They had seen more horrors in active addition than a bit of wind and rain and they went ahead. The other group members took home sponsor sheets to their families. That’s where the £500 came from. The family members weren’t in recovery for substance, alcohol misuse themselves, but they all knew the pain of losing a family member to the evil of addiction. They also knew the joy and felt the relief to have that family member returned again. 30 March 2015 |

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That stormy weekend was the beginning of ‘Family’s in Recovery’ - Accrington. The group were keen to follow the event up with something else. They decided that the emphasis should be on family. We found a charity called Donna’s Dream House, who provide free holiday experiences for children and teenagers with life threatening illness. They organised a family fun day after approaching East Lanc’s Fire and Rescue who kindly agreed to work with them. The group had doubled in size now to over 35 people. Whole family’s got involved; children made cakes, created the posters and spread the word. The local press came down and dozens of local businesses and organisations were approached. It turned into not only a family event, but a massive community event. Over £1500 was raised on the day, split between Donna’s Dream House and the Fire Fighters Charity . But more rewarding than the money raised was the feeling of togetherness, between the community and the people in recovery. It was amazing. At the same time the family fun day event was being organised, some of our group attended the L.U.F conference in Blackburn where they met a group of people from Blackpool who called themselves F.I.R. That’s who we are, that’s what we do, but until now we were nameless group, now we are F.I.R Accrington! The L.U.F have a rather unique way of helping people. They just throw them in at the deep end. They just don’t leave them there flaring and gasping but support, motivate and encourage. Two of the ladies from our group attended LUF event at Accrington, where it was sprung on them to organise a Christmas party for Family’s in Recovery in just 6 weeks. It was done and it was a huge event, over 60 children received a gift from father Christmas. There was a lovely spread put on from Red Rose and a fun time was had by all. But the story doesn’t end there... it goes on. Family’s in Recovery came in with a storm and its still raging but in a good way!

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| March 2015 31

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EVEREST BASECAMP

BY LEXI WEST

Sometimes we are lucky enough to have opportunities present themselves, but its not often they land on our lap... I can’t think of many times when things have magically happened without putting some work in or effort in. Especially now in recovery, I realise that most things don’t just happen... and really I can’t think of any examples now where things have ‘just happened’ without me either speaking up, putting some action in, making plans and most importantly of all not expecting results instantly... but persevering! 2015 has become my lucky year, as I have been chosen alongside Matt Taylor (from Gateways) to raise money for Red Rose Recovery by climbing to Everest Base Camp! Kindly sponsored by Shardale T.C, who are also sending up two of their very own, Wayne O’Sullivan and Dale Mordlock, the 4 man team will be taking on the challenge late September. I hope by doing this phenomenal challenge we will show the world how amazing recovery is. I have found through my own experiences, we are far more capable than we ever dreamed of being. I used to look back at myself with no sense of worth, no purpose and felt I had nothing to give. It has taken time to rebuild myself and discover that I have got a lot to give to other people and I wouldn’t have discovered this if I hadn’t pushed myself out of my comfort zones. I realise now that we are more than capable of achieving our dreams... if it be baby steps, the end goals are still possible. For me, without the drink and drugs I feel more awake, as my life is now much more clear eyed, brighter and colourful than before. The drink that I thought was my crutch, my best friend and my saviour from my thoughts, feelings and reality... was really just holding me back from this life I never thought I would or could have.

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So here I am... March 2015... with these aims: • Raise as much money as I can for Red Rose Recovery. • Train as hard as I can - so that when finally go to Nepal and do the epic trek up Mount Everest... I will enjoy it as much as I can because I’ll have put the work in before hand. • Inspire as many people as I can... by sharing that recovery is amazing. Each and every one of us who begin the journey of recovery IS AMAZING and can also do AMAZING things with their lives! So raise your hand in the air with me and say to yourselves that you will make your voice count, discover and nurture your talents and be heard because you are all AMAZING and are WORTH IT! I will be documenting the journey through Affinity and my blog ‘Really Big Dreams’ http://reallybigdreams.wordpress.com/ Check it out if you would like to follow my story or learn of ways to donate. 32 March 2015 |

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