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SUMMER EDITION 2015 | Issue 013 | www.affinitymagazine.org.uk BE ACTIVE TAKE NOTICE KEEP
Magazine AFFINITY JO B S FR IE N D S & H O U SE S M U LB ER RY P R O JEC T
FLEETWOOD FAMIL IES IN RECOV ERY SAHAR A K O R O VA
B R IC RED ROS E R EC OV E RY
ENJOY
THE WELL
SUMMER ...and more!
CONNECTING RECOVERY ACROSS LANCASHIRE Inspire, belong, support, achieve...
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WELCO M E!
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Welcome to the summer edition of the Affinity magazine!
Whilst we’re all waiting for the summer to hot up... here is some of the latest news and stories happening across our recovery communities in Lancashire and surrounding areas. We like to think recovery is sometimes like building a camp fire. When we first try and light the fire, it can be reluctant to stay alight and often fizzles out when left to its own devices. But with a bit of care and attention, slowly building up the fire with the support of kindling and air... the flames begin to grow. The fire soon becomes bigger, stronger and burns more ferociously than before. The fire becomes a beacon of hope and inspiration to others that want to come out of the dark and build their own fires. Strong fires will inevitably dwindle if it’s not maintained and supported. Every branch and twig is important however small, as they all add to the glow. Like all good fires they can catch easily! So remember - recovery is contagious! We can’t do it alone... especially if we want to stay alight and burn bright. If you feel you’re in the dark, get near those positive fires and see what’s out there.
Backgound images on pgs 1/4/20/24 © Freepik.com
So let’s get stuck into some community recovery and grab life by the horns. What have you got to loose?
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 September 12th 2015 Like what you’ve read? Give us a like on
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RECOVERY COACH TRAINING
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Coaching has grown in popularity over the last 30 years primarily in America but more recently in the last decade here in the UK. Coaching has actually been around for a very long time and can even be traced back to the time of Socrates in ancient Greece. There are many different aspects to coaching, but nearly all focus on supporting the coachee to get to where they want to be, whether that be in terms of sport, education, housing, relationships, personal wellbeing or recovery. Coaching therefore can be seen as being all about; enhancing the wellbeing of others through focussing on goals, exploring/developing values, challenging limiting beliefs via a structured approach over a designated period of time and all of this should be peer led by coaches that have already walked the walk. At Red Rose Recovery we aim to achieve all of this by helping coaches to identify: 1) Where they are 2) Where they really want to be
3) And how to get there
We achieve this by setting mutually agreed goals and then by giving the coaches targets to help them achieve their personal goals, so that they may embark on a journey of discovery. We support and identify each of the coaches inner strengths, assets and skills so that they may build upon theses foundations that will then lead them into the various pathways and options available within recovery community. We never force our coaches down a set path but rather let each individual coach choose their own preferences thus enabling them to achieve their own set of goals (not everyone is the same, therefore what works for one doesn’t always work for all). The course consists of six days of very intensive training that is broken down into manageable sections. The course is run by Emma Daggers and all participants finishing the course will get a completion certificate and if identified as a high pass then a certain percentage of the attendees will move on and become an accredited Red Rose Recovery coach.
For more information please contact: Red Rose Recovery: 01772 884745 or Emma Daggers: 07591325774 AFFINITY Maga zine
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Dawn & Stu’s
Now we’ve hit June there are still lots of our hardest trials coming up - with our 100k walk from London to Brighton, where we only have 30 hours to complete it! We are raising funds for the British Heart Foundation and are always looking for sponsors. We also did the Airfield Anarchy on June 13th/14th where we have raised approx £600 up to now for a variety of charities and we’ll hopefully continue to raise some more. We have also completed the Rock Solid in March, which I found tougher than the Badass due to the amount of water that was on the course - I’m afraid of water! Facing fears again, I had Stu by my side so I knew I could do it! We have also walked from Preston to Morecambe along the canal in 1 day, just as part of my journey to get myself fitter. Which I will add is a lovely walk for anyone that fancies it? Stu did the Manchester Marathon on 19th April dates and completed it in an amazing 4hrs 30mins. I feel like I might be getting amazingly fitter and stronger but I won’t be attempting this one until next year. Stu’s next marathon is on July 11th and its called “ The Piece of Cake” seemingly it isn’t a piece of cake! Onwards and upwards as we carry on into July I will be doing the Race for Life for Breast Cancer Research on July 26th at Lancaster university - females only. If anyone fancies joining me and some others to walk, jog or run the 5k you are welcome. There is also a Recovery 5k Run, walk or jog being held in Morecambe in September, so keep your eyes and ears open and join in for that one! If anyone wants to get involved, sponsor us or support in anyway contact Dawn: e: Dawnwakefield@hotmail.co.uk t: 01524 410076 Stanley’s Youth & Community Centre, 79-83 Stanley Road, Morecambe (Monday /Wednesdays 10-2pm) sponsor: www.justgiving.com/dawn-mitchell2015 4
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WELCOME TO
FLEETWOOD FAMILIES IN RECOVERY
by Shaz Hargreaves
We are the Fleetwood Families in Recovery Group, which is a new group to Fleetwood and feel that lots of families could benefit from coming. We are based at West View Community Centre and have an outdoor play area for children to play games.
Fleetwood Families in Recovery Group have a fantastic bunch of people all ready enjoying the group and invite you to come along on a Saturday 12 till 3pm. A small donation of ÂŁ1 per adult and we will provide you and your family with brews/ soft drinks and a sandwich.
We have many games available to entertain you and we also do craft projects. Or if you just fancy a chat, we also do that! Fleetwood Families in Recovery just enjoyed a trip to Farmer Parr’s Animal World and we are hoping to get out on more trips soon. Our main aim is to build a stronger community in Fleetwood and stop people feeling isolated and alone. We are there for your family to provide support when you need it and provide a safe environment to play with your children.
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www.jobsfriendshouses.org.uk
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01253 292612
Here at Affinity we have been hearing some great things about Jobs, Friends and Houses (JFH) in Blackpool so we thought we would go and checkout what all the hype was about. Last month we spend the day with these guys and we were not disappointed with what we found. But firstly ... a little bit about what JFH is and how it came to be: JFH is a community interest company set up by the police. It has been funded by the Department of communities and Local government. JFH buy run down properties in Blackpool and renovates them using fully qualified tradesmen. Alongside these tradesmen are volunteers who gain qualifications and move on to full time employment within JFH. These houses are then rented out to the guys training and working within JFH. It’s a great idea the guys get experience and qualifications in a skill while building affordable decent housing. I thought it sounded great in principle but wanted to know what difference it was making to the guy on the ground. So asked to spend some time with the guys who were working at JFH and this is Hamish’s story.
“
I’ve been in and out of prison from a young age and been taking heroin since I was 14yrs old, I heard about JFH through an ACE worker and she arranged an interview for me. I was a bit sceptical about it all at first as I knew it was run by the police, but decided to give it a go and started with them a week out of prison. I was living at an address probation gave me when I first got out of prison and found this difficult as there were people using drugs and the police were there every day. I spoke to JFH and they arranged for me to rent one of their shared houses it’s good because they have rules and the people I live with look out for each other. I knew I had to change because I don’t have another prison sentence left in me. It was really hard at first. I wasn’t institutionalised but it was difficult to get used to being out. JFH has made it easier and really helped me. Usually when I get of prison I’m stopped everyday by the police. They have left me alone this time because they see me doing something different.
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I’ve always found it hard to ask for help because in the past no one ever did help me they either just got on my case or put me back into prison. So asking for the help to go to detox was massive, I didn’t really want to say it, I thought if I said I was struggling they would not want to work with me and send me back to prison but they were great and arranged for me to have a 2 week in patient detox. I’m now drug free and loving life. I have a sense of purpose and belonging, I’ve never worked properly before so it’s all new to me but I like going to work in the morning. It’s all about giving back I’ve done some bad things in my past and regret them now. I’ve let my family down so much and they can see I’m doing something better now. You can’t keep blaming other people, you have to take responsibility for the choices you have made - the past is the past I need to look at the future. I’ve got goals now that I want to reach; I want to learn to drive. I’m a trained brick layer and I am looking at doing a level 3 in teaching (with the help of JFH) so I can give something back and teach others. I can now share my experience and try to help other younger lads on the project and do something good. JFH have never given up on me, it was overwhelming at first having people caring for you but I trust the guys around me because they have been where I have. I’ve done things I’ve never even dreamed off working, going to the theatre and even spoke with David Best the other month. I owe a lot to Jobs friends and houses.
”
- Hamish
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THE WELL
The Well would like to use this edition of Affinity to commend our paid staff and volunteers for the service and commitment that they have shown. Without them, what we do just wouldn’t be possible. We continue to be blown away by the willingness and passion that our guys have for The Well and recovery in general and are extremely lucky to have such great people on board. In having such quality, we are able to bring about and be a part of huge personal successes for the people who have come to us for support. We’d like to share a few of our member’s stories with you...
Michelle began her journey with The Well about a year ago, first accessing us for recovery support as she had relocated from another area. From the off, Michelle showed great commitment and enthusiasm and soon became a volunteer. Michelle’s qualities always stood out and last month, we were able to offer her paid part-time work as a Recovery Assistant.
Michelle
“Volunteering gave me a sense of self worth and helped build my confidence. I love being involved in The Well and i’m looking forward to the next phase of my journey” Another recent success that we’d like to share is that we now have Ascentis Centre Recognition. This gives us the opportunity to deliver educational courses to our community and the community at large.
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Eddie’s commitment to The Well has been phenomenal: volunteering for us since we very first opened. Eddie turns up twice a week, every week and is a great source of support to everyone involved. His commitment is unparalleled.
Eddie
”Being involved with The Well means being with a good group of friends, doing activities and courses that I enjoy, in a place where I genuinely feel a part of”
Shannon accessed the The Well two years ago. Very shy and unconfident with very little self belief. Shannon has found great personal success since completing our Pathways to Employment course, both academically and professionally and is now on our team of volunteers as well as heading across to HomeStart to become a HomeStart worker!
Photo © Michael Holt 2014
Shannon
“The Well is a wonderful and welcoming place. The people have become my second family and have really helped me with my confidence” If anyone is interested in finding out more about The Well, our courses, activities, support and opportunities:
Contact - Kerrie on 07826959517 / kerrie@thewell2.co.uk or Visit - www.thewellcommunities.co.uk
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PASSPORT TO HOUSING
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by Maggie Leslie
Hi! I would like to share my experience of enrolling on the course ‘Passport to Housing’. This played a big part in my recovery journey as I was due to leave supported housing and had to face the reality of being responsible for my own daily living, such as paying my rent and bills, being responsible for reporting repairs or issues in my own property, living alone and managing my own timetable of activities to make sure I had stability. It is a proven fact that moving home is one of the most stressful things we will ever do in our lives. I was so excited with the thought of finally having my own home which I could decorate and make it how I wanted. But the flip of the coin was I was scared, the word responsibility hadn’t been part of my vocabulary for a long while. A lot of my problem was having lack of self belief. I was also scared of trusting my future landlord, as I’d had some bad experiences in the past, which made me vulnerable.. I lived in Inward House for 7 months which I am always very grateful for. We had weekly groups and I also had daily testing which was a god send, as I knew that if I drunk my consequences would be massive. You could say it was as a safety blanket. When I moved there was none of this - just me who had to be responsible for everything. Before I lived at Inward House, I lived with my daughter drinking most of this time and before that I was in a very dysfunctional relationship, which was very controlling having no great say in how things should be in my own home. So by the time I moved into my own flat this year it had been 7 years of very little independence. The LUF boat is the center point and where Passport to Housing is delivered. The boat was re-fitted by kirk Ryder and several dedicated volunteers including Richard Latham, Lee park, James Pollard and Paddy Leonard who created this image from a shell. Passport to Housing is a 6 week course (1 day a week), which I enjoyed immensely as it had a calming feeling being on the boat, being surrounded with nature. What a great way to learn. During this time I learnt a lot about how to sustain a tenancy, what rights I have as a tenant, but also what my responsibilities were as a tenant to ensure I keep a roof over my head, what to do if I am struggling to pay my bill or rent and which of my bills are my priority.
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I was one of many people who used to struggle to pay my bills and I would keep my front door locked shut the curtains and ignore having to take responsibility. I’m looking at getting involved in my local community, taking notice of my local environment where I live. I am also looking at anti-social behaviour and the affect it has on ourselves and others, and how the consequences of this behaviour impacts on daily living. The means we can get involved in voluntary work in our local community and give back to others. By taking notice of the vulnerable in the community and being able to assist them or guild them to where they can get help, this has made me more mindful of others, as I now take notice of other peoples needs and am also more grateful of what I have on a daily basis. I am now doing my pttls training, so I can join kirk Ryder and Rosie Latham in delivering the course. It will be my way of giving back all the support I was given when I was going through this scary time of moving. There is so much more to this course than I have mentioned but I would like to say it’s well worth the time, it will help you gain confidence in moving on into living independently but also you will gain more skills to help you on a daily basis.
For more information, contact Kirk: kirk@redroserecovery.org.uk or call 07927960332
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I would love to say that everything at Mulberry has been fine and dandy and that everyone has been smashing their recovery and all is well with the world. But that would not be the reality of the world that we live in and that would lessen the true effort that can lie behind people’s recovery, after all it was that easy it wouldn’t be a problem would it? There would be no reason for the support groups to operate if it was that easy.
The past few weeks have not been easy at Mulberry, we have had 2 people go into massive relapse and even worse than that we have had a death of one of our guys. That has had a profound effect on Mulberry and it has helped people re-evaluate their lives and their commitment towards their recovery. It has shown just how vulnerable people are and how life is so precious and just how much addiction can put you in danger. The sight of a body bag being carried out of one of our properties with live with me forever and it is a sight that I never never want to undergo again. It effected all the guys in that house who saw the same thing that I saw.
Another experience that I never never want to undergo is having to deal with the parents and relatives of someone that has just died and they are confused, upset, seeking answers and in shock from losing a son just when they thought that their problems were easing and they were looking forward to something different from the tragedy that has just occurred.
I also never never want to lead another funeral service for someone that has been in Mulberry even though it made me feel quite humble for the family to allow me to do this for them and to lead a celebration of his life to a full room at Morecambe Crematorium. 12
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What this tragic event has done is fire me up to “encourage� people to take their recovery seriously and to get to grips with it and do not play around with it. It has renewed the passion and the drive that is required for helping people to stop playing at recovery and to do RECOVERY knowing that you cannot sit on any fence when doing this and it is not something you can do today but have a day off tomorrow. It has to have a full time commitment and passion to drive you forward especially during the rough times and there will be rough times. RECOVERY is full on and something that you must never lose sight of because if you do it will come and bite you and believe me it is difficult having to face parents and a brother and explain just how you found their son and brother dead in a bedroom. It is something that nobody should ever have to do. Paul did not die because he was still using but he died because of the accumulated damage that he had done to his body during his time in active addiction. If he had decided to stop just a little while earlier he might still be with us and all this pain would not have happened.
There has been some good come out of it and he has impassioned people in Mulberry and outside Mulberry to get to grips with their RECOVERY and to get passionate about it and I am sure that it will save other lives in the long run. Please take care and never make anyone go through what we have recently gone through in Mulberry because you are worth more than that, your family is worth more than that and your friends are worth more than that. Take Care.
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© terry hu
ghes
The Preston and surrounding recovery community were in need for a venue where participants can get together on a regular basis for unity and entertainment. Red Rose Recovery volunteer Callum Kristiansen decided to hold a regular Open Mic night at the Korova Arts Café located in the heart of Preston City centre, every last Sunday of the month from 6.30 pm till 9pm. Here anyone is welcome to come forward to perform whatever they like, be it music, comedy, poetry, stories about recovery, plus more. Anything goes as it’s an open creative space.
© terry hughes
The event is a great way for people in recovery to gain confidence and self-worth as well as build essential socializing skills in a relaxed and friendly environment. It is a dry bar only event meaning there is no alcohol for sale, but there are many other drinks and snacks available. Since the first event in April 2015 the nights have gone down very well. We have had a good turnout with people coming from Preston and the surrounding areas to as far as Leeds. Come along and join us for events… If you want to know more or reserve place to perform please contact: Callum Kristiansen 07511779443
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or Lizzie Allan 07935251579
© terry hughes
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Event / Activity Sahara club night
28th June
Recovery Open Mic Night
Info JFH Events brings Blackpool something new & unique - dry club nights. Sahara - it's hot, it's dry. There will be comedy, music, + more
11th July
North Lancashire User Forum
Come along and get involved in your local recovery community!
25th July
Addictive Comedy
26th July
Recovery Open Mic Night
A welcome return for Addicitve Comedy and the chance to laugh your bits off! There will be comedy, music, + more
31st July
Sahara club night
18th August
County Lancashire User Forum
JFH Events brings Blackpool something new & unique - dry club nights. Sahara - it's hot, it's dry. Come along and get involved in your local recovery community!
21st-23rd August
LUF STOCK
Recovery family camp / festival
28th August
Sahara club night
30th August
Recovery Open Mic Night
JFH Events brings Blackpool something new & unique - dry club nights. Sahara - it's hot, it's dry. There will be comedy, music, + more
12th September UK Recovery Walk
Recovery walk!
15th September East Lancashire User Forum 19th September 5K Recovery Run
Come along and get involved in your local recovery community! Run starts at Beach Cafe, Morecambe Prom @ 11am/ Register from 9.30am JFH Events brings Blackpool something new & unique - dry club nights. Sahara - it's hot, it's dry. There will be comedy, music, + more
27th September Recovery Open Mic Night Summer 2015 |
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Date 26th June
25th September Sahara club night
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Location Underbar, Bank Hey Street, Blackpool, FY1 4RU Korova Arts Cafe, 15-16 St Wilfred St, Preston Sefton Road Church, Morecambe
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Time 7pm - 3am (last entry 1am) 6.30-9pm
Contact jfhevents on facebook
Booking Tickets (£5/£7)
Callum Kristiansen 07511779443
Free
11-2pm
admin@redroserecovery.org.uk
Just turn up!
6.30-9pm
Callum Kristiansen - 07511779443
Suggested donation of £4. Free
7pm - 3am (last entry 1am) 10.30-3pm
jfhevents/ on facebook
The Dry Umbrella, Nexus Art Cafe, 2 Dale Street, M1 1JW Korova Arts Cafe, 15-16 St Wilfred St, Preston Underbar, Bank Hey Street, Blackpool, FY1 4RU Visions learning trust, Victoria Mill, Trafalgar St. Burnley, BB11 1RA Charity Farm Camp, Smithy Brow, Toogood Lane, WN6 9PP Underbar, Bank Hey Street, Blackpool, FY1 4RU Korova Arts Cafe, 15-16 St Wilfred St, Preston The Sands - Durham
12am
tbc
tbc
SandyLands Promenade, Morecambe
From 9.30am
7:30pm11pm
Tickets (£5/£7)
admin@redroserecovery.org.uk
All weekend! 01772 884745 www.redroserecovery.org.uk 7pm - 3am (last entry 1am) 6.30-9pm
Underbar, Bank Hey 7pm - 3am Street, Blackpool, FY1 (last entry 4RU 1am) Korova Arts Cafe, 15-16 St 6.30-9pm Wilfred St, Preston
jfhevents/ on facebook
Tickets (£5/£7)
Callum Kristiansen - 07511779443
Free
www.facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk. org/ Jane.Riley@bprcvs.co.uk
Free Just turn up!
Stuart Nevin - 07885374291
Just turn up!
jfhevents/ on facebook
Tickets (£5/£7)
Callum Kristiansen - 07511779443
Free
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EAST BRIC One Recovery Community Cooperative
Background image © Jason Linton Rees Boothman
Excitedly we now have several new stakeholders on board to grow the Cooperative in order to establish recovery enterprise and training hubs across the locality. Over the last year we have been awaiting the completed renovations to our first venture – a recovery hub in Bacup, however due to unforeseen circumstances beyond our control we had to pull out of this building at the end of the work. We are now busy looking into other suitable properties so watch this space
Families in Recovery In the last 12 months I have supported the set up and growth of the two East Lancashire Families in Recovery groups (Burnley & Pendle & Accrington) who I am now delighted to say have both launched and running their independent groups weekly from community bases in Accrington and Burnley every Saturday. It has been a long process securing the necessary funding, getting constituted, amalgamating the two groups, forming committee, getting a bank account and agreeing on logos and tshirts but it has all been worth it and I am confident that both groups will continue to grow and as our mission statement suggests “ a healthy family structure sets the foundation for a healthy community”. Two weeks ago 15 of us walked for our cause as part of the annual Church & Oswaldwistle Rotary Charity walk. It was a 10k walk with some opting for 5k and everyone who attended had raised money through sponsorship. The youngest finisher was aged 4. And put me and my 10year old daughter and friend to shame who half way round refused to walk and instead opted for a lift back on the LUF boat!
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BY KERRY STEWART Roses Netball The Roses have now commenced in the Summer league as part of the North Lancs Training Group Hyndburn league. The team have progressed leaps and bounds and are no longer getting annihilated. The confidence in the women has increased ten fold and we are now playing like winners (even when we lose). We have a Back 2 Netball FREE training and skills session every Monday evening 6-7.30pm at Accrington College Sports Centre so come on ladies come and connect whilst getting fit and having a good laugh with others. © Michael Holt
Little Purple Book New Summer edition will be going to print in the next two weeks and closing date for photographic images for the Front cover will be 15th June. Entries can be forwarded to me (Kerry.stewart@cri.org.uk) or uploaded on iTog facebook group through one of the admins. iTog
© Janet Stansfield
Photography group still going strong with trips to various local places of beauty and interest on the last Wednesday of each month. The last few trips we have had between 6-8 attending and everyone who comes just loves the group and have all formed close friendships. Recently we have been to Bolton Abbey, Brimham Rocks in Harrogate and Crosby Beach. Michael Holt also runs editing sessions every Wednesday in Burnley and the group are now concentrating on the enterprise side of iTog producing cards, prints, fridge magnets etc for sale at local outlets. Watch this space for a Summer exhibition and iTog showcase! Red Rose Recovery Choir Last but no means least the wonderful Red Rose Recovery Choir members still meet every Thursday at Café Hub in Darwen 6-8pm and are always welcoming of new members. We have some new uplifting material and look forward to our next performances at Kirkham Recovery event and the next County Lancashire User Forum! AFFINITY Maga zine
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NORTH BRIC 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 Gate 2 panel will meet: 20/7/2015—22/9/15—24/11/15 If you wish to discuss or apply for BRiC funding please contact Gary Byrne 07899873327
Fleetwood Allotment Project The existing poly tunnel space will be expanded by another poly tunnel in the site of the old greenhouse that will allow for more people and other agencies to become involved in the project. The ‘Basket of Fire’ chilly plants and peppers are really coming on and are just string to show signs of flowering. Whilst in the raised beds the Beetroot and Potatoes are ram-pant. Dez is really needing some support to manage the plot as the combination of hot and wet weather has caused massive weed growth. Many hand make light work. The Volunteers are now focussed on future planning to create new spaces for crop for next year. If you would like to become involved with the Allotment Project on Sunday’s then contact Derek (Dez) Hargreaves on 07541482446
Bay 5k Recovery Run The Bay 5k Recovery Run came about as a result of an idea that emerged from Stuart Nevins experience’s of the events he has ran whilst funds raising. Stuart expressed “I want people to feel the warmth and camaraderie that you get when running in an event”. Having also entered events myself and having felt the same warm and support Stuart described, I agreed to support Stuart to bring his vision to life and suggested we stage it in the recovery month of September. I also wanted a way in which the BRiC could promote not only the emotional wellbeing that ... 20
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BY GARY BYRNE ... recovery brings but also the message of how important physical recovery is and how we need to best model physical recovery wellbeing within the recovery community as a whole. Our aim was to stage 5k run based around the NHS ‘Couch to 5k’ model as the online training plans and App’s are really user friendly Both Stuart and I realised that this task would not be easy so we roped in the versatile CRI Inspire Foundations of Recovery Co-ordinator Michael Watson. Michael’s enthusiastic approach and willingness to share access to his networks in Morecambe and the time and effort given has made the job of organising the event a whole lot easier. Big thanks Michael! We are now happy to announce that we have been granted the necessary permits to stage the event on Saturday the 19th of September 2015 and have a risk assessment in place with St John’s Ambulance Service providing our medical cover on the day. This means that the event will be provided with a high standard of care in the organisation to ensure the expected 100 race competitors will have a great day and a real experience of what its like to run in a organised event. The route allows for lots of room for competitors friends and family to watch safely and be part of what is hoped to be an inclusive visible recovery atmosphere of hope and fun. 5k (or just over three miles) is an achievable distance for all ages and abilities. You can run, jog or walk the route. There is no pressure to finish in a certain time, as it’s all about visibly uniting in celebration of recovery.
The Bay 5k
Recovery Run
Just for today I will run the 5K Saturday the 19th September 2015 Run Starts behind the Beach Cafe on Morecambe promenade @ 11.00am Registration opens at 9.30am
Medals and goodie bags for those who complete the run AFFINITY Maga zine
| Summer 2015
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NORTH INSPIRE PHOTOGRAPHY North Lancs BRiC and the St Anne’s and Fleetwood Inspire Teams went on a photography trip to the Ingleborough Cave in North Yorkshire. The day was a really friendly and happy affair in spite of the poor weather and low light conditions. There were the odd few decent images which can be seen below, but on the whole the weather was more fitting for a ramble.... So that’s exactly what we did and what an absolutely stunning place to walk around Ingleborough is. We were all a bit surprised when we stumbled across a tree that was adorned with coins that had been tapped into its trunk by well wishers.
success it was. Thanks guys PS Nicci top effort with the picnic it was lush. If you would like to get involved on our next trip contact our projects in your area and ask to speak to the recovery champions. Also the trip destinations are decided by you the people so share with us the places that are close to your heart and we’ll do the rest. I can’t we can :) 22
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Check out the pic of the small tree stump with the coins. It was too dark to get a good shot of the big Yew tree. (Maybe YOU the reader can take the pic of it next time we are there) Anyway huge thanks to Nicci our Recovery Champion and Dez our Volunteer and North LUF Chair and of course the guys who supported us for giving their time to make the day
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LANCASTER RECOVERY CAFE
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Often when service users speak to us at Lancaster one of their main concerns is that they have nowhere where they can go during the daytime to connect with each other and have fun. Since January 2015 we have tried to help them change this at Inspire by running a weekly recovery cafe on a Thursday afternoon from 2-4pm at the local Y.M.C.A building.
We use a local building which has a fully equipped kitchen as well as a great social space, featuring a seating area, pool table, football table and a television so that they can play Nintendo. It has been fantastic for our service users in the Lancaster and Morecambe area.
We have been able to fund training for Food Hygiene Level 2 for around 15 service users/staff with a view to be able to operate as a service user led cafe one day a week in the future.
Having played board games, cards and other party games for several weeks as a group, the most exciting recent development haseen the formation of a partnership with Linda Smalley, from You Can Flourish, who is attending the cafe for the next six weeks to deliver cookery sessions. Fancy coming down to the cafe? Thursday’s 2-4pm Lancaster Y.M.C.A, Heart of the City, Fleet Square, Lancaster, LA1 1EZ Maga zine AFFINITY
| Summer 2015
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BLACKBURN WITH DARWEN CARERS SERVICE When someone is addicted to drugs or alcohol, they can dramatically affect the lives of those around them. Some estimates state that for every user, between 3 and 8 people are profoundly affected. They could be partners, parents, children, friends or neighbours.
Many family members and friends can struggle when someone they love has an addiction, and it can have profound effects on a person’s life: anxiety, fear, isolation and financial pressure, to name just a few. Families can play such a crucial role in recovery, and it is really important that they get support in their own right.
Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service has specialist support for families and friends who are concerned about someone else’s drug or alcohol use. It is for anyone over the age of 18 living in Blackburn and Darwen, and provides a crucial support so that families don’t have to cope alone.
The service is FREE and CONFIDENTIAL, and offers 1-1’s and a weekly support group, as well as activities, outings and complimentary therapies, all aimed at helping families to address their own needs. Here’s what one of the family members has to say: “I contacted Clare, the Drug and Alcohol Carers Advisor, and she arranged for me to have a 1-1 session with her to discuss my situation and how she could help. I was extremely worried before going to my first appointment because I was going to have to admit what was going on. I sat and spoke to Clare for a good hour or more, and I still regularly do. 24
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What Clare did for me was what nobody else has ever done, she sat and listened but did not judge me, didn’t try and make up my mind for me, she listened to what I was saying and offered me support in dealing with my situation that meant I didn’t have to finish my relationship. © alex bruda
I started going to the weekly support group to talk to other people in similar situations and I have met some amazing people who are all going through the same emotions as I am. The weekly support group has become an essential part of my week; it is a time when we can all discuss what is going on in our lives with as little or as much detail as we want. Just through sharing these experiences and receiving advice from both Clare and the other members helps me to feel relieved and ready to face whatever is next to come.
I have also benefited immensely from doing various courses with the group and I have come to understand a lot more about what it is my loved one has to deal with; but through learning this I also have realised that I do not need to go through this with them! I can be there to support my partner but I do not need to allow myself to be devoured by his addictive behaviour. The key thing that I have learnt is that knowledge is power and when you are faced with something that is frightful, alien and frustrating, the best thing to do is find out as much as you can about it, because once you know what it is you are dealing with then you can tackle it in a much more positive and healthier way.”
“You don’t have to use drugs or alcohol to be affected by them”, says Clare Hobley, the Drug and Alcohol Advisor from Blackburn with Darwen Carers Service. “If someone you are close to has a substance misuse problem, we are reaching out to let you know that there is support available for you.”
If you want to know more about the service, please give us a call, or log onto: www.bwdcarers.org.uk/support-drugs-alcohol-issues Families can also get in touch with Clare for a confidential discussion on 01254 688440. AFFINITY Maga zine
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A JOURNEY Paul was referred to RRR Recovery Coaching via Gateways HMP Kirkham project. Paul at the time was serving a 5 year custodial sentence for the supplying of Class A substances (crack cocaine & Heroin) to other suffering addicts. Who in turn would have been committing crime within their own community to maintain their addiction? This was also enabling Paul to continue to maintain his own addiction, which he too was held hostage. Since receiving a referral from HMP Kirkham a legal visit was arranged to go and visit Paul with a RRR Recovery Coach. This was to conduct an Initial Assessment and form a rapport with Paul prior to his release .RRR agreed and arranged a gate pick up with Paul on the day of his release. On Paul’s release we arranged to go and visit his mother, as we pulled up onto the driveway of Paul’s mother’s home, she was stood waiting at the window of her front room. As she opened the front door the glow on her face was beaming and a priceless moment, something I personally will never forget. Knowing that her son was in good hands and had the support of a Recovery Coach, must have given her a tremendous sense of relief. Paul was then supported with attending his first probation appointment subsequently supporting him to attend his new accommodation. Which was arranged prior to his release. Paul has since engaged with a Recovery Coach, who supports Paul on a weekly basis however this can at times be on a daily basis, depending on the support Paul requires at that time. The aim of the support is to help Paul adjust progressively back into society as a pro-social member. Paul’s journey has been a gradual process, with its ups and downs, but today Paul is not only attending Mutual Aid Groups (Narcotics Anonymous) he is also encouraging and motivating others to attend too. With the support of RRR Recovery Coach Paul is attending an IT course at college, this is allowing Paul to develop his IT skills. Paul is also volunteering as well as holding down a part time job which Paul has just secured. Paul recognises that without the support and encouragement from the Recovery Coach and RRR this would not have been possible. Paul is forever grateful with the support that has been offered to him. It has been a real privilege as a Recovery Coach Coordinator to witness the growth and transition of Paul’s progression. Once a destructive, chaotic member of his community, is now an active member of his community and consequently becoming a responsible, mature member of society supporting others in their recovery.
Peter Cook (Recovery coach) Darren Walters (Recovery Coach Co-ordinator) 26
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ROYAL LANCASHIRE AGRICULTURAL SHOW NEEDS YOU!!! Fancy a brilliant opportunity to get involved in volunteering with the Royal Lancashire Agricultural Show gaining experience, certificated Health and Safety Training, being part of something to be proud of and have fun doing so? Free tickets are available for those who volunteer for at least 2 days and a show day. Transport and food provided. SHOW DATES 7th, 8th and 9th August 2015. At SALESBURY HALL, RIBCHESTER, PR3 3XR. Volunteers needed from MONDAY the 27th July to FRIDAY the 14th August. Times volunteer required will be ranging from 8am – 5pm on days leading up to show, possibly longer days over weekend of show. Come on Lancashire lets smash some stigma and prove just what we can achieve when we pull together.
If interested please don’t hesitate to contact one of the Red Rose Recovery Locality workers: East Lancs: Jane Riley 07885 557699
jane@redroserecovery.org.uk
North Lancs: Steve Watson 07935 251579
ste@redroserecovery.org.uk
Central Lancs: Lizzie Allen 07535 891647
lizzie@redroserecover.org.uk
Red Rose Recovery
01254 352580
www.redroserecovery.org.uk
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THORNTON FENCE PAINTING
Ste Watson
This was a project in conjunction with the housing provider “Great Places” following a conversation with Katherine Michaels (Community Development Coordinator). This was an amazing project that brought the community and volunteers together smashing stigma and building bridges.
The day involved everybody mucking in to paint the outside perimeter fence that just needed some ‘TLC’. The elderly residence treated us to a tour of their allotment they have got thriving around the back of the building. As a locality worker it was a joy to be part of, watching volunteers merged with residents of Great Places, talking and laughing, enjoying each others company and making a difference. Katherine Partington from Great Places said she “Just want to say thanks for today, shows how partnership working really does work.”
Great Places were kind enough to put on a lovely spread for lunch and the weather stayed kind to us as well making for an all-round superb day. A huge thanks to all involved and a big thanks to John Benson, our North media volunteer, for capturing the day for us. We are all looking forward to the next Red Rose Recovery/ Inspire / Great Places multi-agency project. # ASSET BASED COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 28
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WOMEN ONLY FACEBOOK GROUP www.facebook.com/groups/womansrecovery
Online Group, E-Therapy, Virtual Community, what do these groups offer and what does a ‘Women Only’ group offer? They bring together people with common experience and allow them to share mutual support and information. They share practical knowledge, be more specific than face-face and have a potential worldwide reach. They are flexible, easy to access not restricted to certain times and places. They carry a perceived intimacy and anonymity, with the safety of the browsing in private button. My name is Annalice Sibley a North East women in recovery. After working with women in the substance misuse services and being a women in recovery. I noticed over the years that many women face to face groups had been set up and closed due to little continuous attendance. I found the reasons being, fear of being ‘known’ as many had children and had issues such as childcare and domestic violence. On International Women’s Day 2014 I decided to set up an online Facebook group ,dedicated to my friend Michelle Duell who died through this illness early last year RIP my friend, you will be missed. I believe the group helps with coping strategies, helps women feel more empowered and for a sense of community, a place to relate their personal experiences and a place that provides empathetic understanding. Women open up on issues so pertinent to their healing that would otherwise be tabu in mixed meetings. The ‘closed’ group, which means only members can see posts, is open to women already in recovery looking for continued and extra support and for women looking for a way out. The group is also open to female family members looking for an understanding or to support their relative and for professional females such as counsellors and drug workers who are interested in helping and supporting. “Women have very different issues to men regarding addiction, many are afraid to admit they have a problem due to the fear of losing their children, if we can help and support just one such mother with our own experiences then it’s a worthwhile group” “There are no predators on here, we are all here to help and support each other and also I always believe that women should stick with women and men stick with men. I am grateful for this Women Only Group” “Here we can talk about our experience strength and hope around relationships (of all kinds, not just sexual) with men, without men jumping in with their point of view” I am a Women in Recovery/Mum/Wife/Sister/Daughter/Aunty/Counsellor/12 Step Therapist and founder of ‘Women Only’ Group, which has over 1,000 members, the majority from the UK and is growing every day. I believe we need other women in our lives to heal and stay sober, so we pray for the right women to come so we can experience the ‘spirit of sisterhood’. AFFINITY Maga zine
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Blackpool, a town best known for fun, frivolity and a boisterous night out, has become home to the UK’s first dedicated dry club night. Sahara - so called because “it’s hot and it’s dry” - launched in the resort last month offering everything revellers want from a night out, except no alcohol. Based on the premise people don’t need to be drunk to have fun, Sahara instead focuses on all the other joys of a night out; the music, the crowd and the atmosphere. Held in Underbar, in the heart of the town, it offered a uniquely styled venue with clear sections for those wanting to dance, those wanting to be seen and those wanting to catch up with old friends. And as with most Blackpool venues it captured that same characteristically diverse crowd; not just those in recovery but revellers wanting to avoid the inevitable awkwardness that comes with sharing space with drunk people or the young and health conscious. DJ Ed Mahon, a Blackpool local, warmed up the crowd with a mix of funk, dance and old house before dancers Freefly Crew wowed the crowd ahead of world champion scratch DJ, DJ Woody, took to the decks playing hip hop.
© Photo Monkeys
Now bosses behind it, from social enterprise Jobs, Friends and Houses, of which Mr Hodgkins is CEO, a company offering training, employment and housing to people in recovery, hope to grow it to become a permanent fixture in the town.
© Photo Monkeys
Sahara follows on from the successes of venues like Brink in Liverpool and Sobar in Nottingham, dry bars offering employment and training for people in recovery.
Organiser Steve Hodgkins said: “We went off the basic idea that you don’t need drink and drugs to have a good time, and the 150 people who turned out and danced the night away at our first night proved just that.”
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Review by Bridget Chandler:
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© Photo Monkeys
Billed as the UK’s first dry club night, Sahara promised a true nightclub experience - without the alcohol. The event is the brainchild of Blackpool-based community project Jobs, Friends and Houses, which offers support to people in recovery from drug or alcohol addiction. The idea being that those vulnerable to the usual temptations on offer in your standard Blackpool club get a place they can feel comfortable in to enjoy a classic night out. It’s also designed as a place where you can just dance the night away without being exposed to drunken advances, making this a welcome addition to the Blackpool scene. It’s fitting that this night should be hosted in the resort, which has long prided itself on offering fantastic entertainment to people from all walks of life. The crowd that packed into Underbar got everything they were promised - a typical space designed purely for chatting to friends old or new or simply jumping around to the superb music. © terry hughes
A team of DJs including local Cowbell radio stalwart Ed Mahon and world scratch champion DJ Woody, who also lives on the Fylde coast, played top class old school house, hip hop with the occasional disco anthem thrown in for good measure. The dancing crowd were well and truly treated to pure classics from start to finish and it was refreshing to see such a mixture of identities, ages and dress styles all sorts just enjoying the music with no other agenda getting in the way.
There were also other soft drinks behind the bar and for some reason it just didn’t seem at all weird that everyone was in a nightclub with no alcohol. Such a success was this inaugural event that the next one has already been scheduled for the end of this month. Sahara deserves to be a success for trying something different and the sheer class of its musical offering. The next event takes place on Friday, June 26, at Underbar, Blackpool. For more infomation, search ‘JFH Events’ on Facebook. AFFINITY Maga zine
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WOMEN’S ENGAGEMENT LEAD
EMA RIMMER
My name is Ema Rimmer and I am the new woman’s engagement lead for Red Rose Recovery. Originally from Southport, I now reside in Morecambe which is where my recovery journey really started. After over 20 years in addiction and being on the wrong side of the law I came to the conclusion that enough was enough and it was my time to start living life instead of just existing.
I spent a lot of time working on myself initially and then I was fortunate to have the opportunity to participate in the peer mentoring course with Inspire. After completing this I co-facilitated it for a year alongside completing other courses, such as value based interviewing. As my confidence grew so did my ambition, I carried on getting skilled up and volunteering which opened my eyes to a world that had always been there - I just hadn’t seen it!
Volunteering for Red Rose Recovery has given me direction and structure and helped me realise my passion around helping marginalised women, who have not found their own voice yet but still deserve a second chance, just like we all do!!
Undertaking this role has been a huge learning curve for me. From being an inmate in HMP Styal 7 years ago to now going into prisons and rehabs to hopefully inspire and empower other women who’s shoe’s I’ve walked in is more fulfilling than I ever imagined. “Every new day is another chance to change your life”
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