AUTUMN EDITION 2016 | Issue 017 | www.affinitymagazine.org.uk
AFFINITY Maga zine GET CONNECTED WITH YOUR RECOVERY THIS AUTUMN INSPIRING DRUG AND ALCOHOL RECOVERY NEWS, INFO AND SUPPORT ACROSS LANCASHIRE
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Welcome! Hello and welcome to the Autumn 2016 edition of the Affinity Magazine! For those new to Affinity, we'll quickly give you a snap shot of what the magazine is all about. We first set off as a 'kind of' news bulleton to allow people to share what events, activities and support were available across Lancashire and originally stemmed from the Morecambe and Lancaster area.... as that's where we are based! To date - the magazine stretches across Lancashire and Blackpool and is now booming with inpirational stories from people in their recovery from the grass routes through to organisations supporting those in addiction recovery. This edition we have articles from individuals experiencing the latest recovery events, including the The Bay 5K Recovery Run, Doncaster Recovery Games and the Halton Recovery Walk.
We also get to find out more about what local communities and services have been up to, including Out In The Bay, The Well, Emerging Futures, Fallen Angels, Kirkham Prison, Littledale T.C, C.S.I and TAF.
There's too much to mention in this tiny intro.... so get your nose stuck into this Autumn edition and maybe you'll be inspired to get connected with your local recovery community, find an activity you want to try out or volunteer for... or even see yourself already featured! Credits to images on page 2, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 18, 19, 30, 31, 32 go to freepik.com and planwall.com
Want to send a story into our next edition or know of any great events coming up? Send them in to: info@affinitymagazine.org.uk by January 12th 2017 Like what you’ve read? Give us a like on
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Women’s Wellbeing Workshop
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At The Well, More Music, ‘The Hothouse’ 13-17 Devonshire Road, Morecambe, LA3 1QT The new Women’s Wellbeing Workshop was set up in August this year, following a Women’s Forum at CGL Inspire, Morecambe. The forum was held to ascertain if the women whom accessed local services felt the need for a Women’s Group and if so, what would be beneficial to them. Following this meeting, which was also attended by Kerrie Higham, Manager of The Well in Morecambe it was clear that this was a great opportunity for another great example of partnership working in the community was on the horizon, helping women move through services whilst connecting with the wider recovery community. The Women’s Wellbeing Workshop is held at The Well in Morecambe every Thursday 1.30-3.30pm and has been a great success so far. Jo, Recovery Champion of Morecambe Inspire said “We wanted to provide a safe place for women to connect with other women in the community, which was not just exclusive for those whose lives have been personally affected by substance misuse. By bringing the two organisations together in partnership it helps to bridge the gap from services to community whilst providing support during that transition, which in turn can help promote confidence and build on their own personal recovery capital”. At the start of the project and continually since it has run, the women have been an integral part of the groups development and structure, promoting empowerment. Jo explained “All the activities have been created from the ideas generated by the women. There is a wealth of skills and assets amongst the group, all of which have been utilised to create a 6 week programme”. Some of the activities so far include Yoga, Meditation, Arts and Crafts, Pamper Session, Clothes Swap, Knit and Knatter, Gentle Relaxation, Zen Doodle, Spiritual Growth Session. For further development of the sessions and activities, we are currently looking to invite speakers from other organisations to come into the group and deliver short information sessions on various topics including specific women’s issues, diet and nutrition, self defence, sexual heath etc. If you feel that you could offer some support and would like to discuss further please contact either Jo at Inspire on Morecambe 01524 834210 or Kerrie Higham on 07826 959517. AFFINITY Maga zine
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Y R E V O C E R M KIRKHA VOICE By Lisa Allen
HMP Kirkham Recovery Community are pleased to share the great news of their recent triumph in winning the DONCASTER RECOVERY GAMES 2016.
This is the first year that the prison has entered this fantastic event, and not only did we participate, but we walked away with the overall trophy.
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The whole day was just superb! It was a great experience for the lads who participated on the day, and it was equally the same for the staff team to witness just how they embraced their recovery and other peoples recovery too. I remember one of the lads on the day saying to me, “Lisa you was right when you said that Recovery is contagious!!” We asked the lads to write a testimony about their experience of the whole day and this is some of the feedback:
“On August 26th, 2016 the Inspire recovery team from HMP Kirkham took part in the Recovery Games at Doncaster. I, one of the 8 inmates were lucky enough to be picked to take part in this amazing event. After a nearly 2 hour loading and travel, we arrived at Hatfield Activity Centre all psyched up and ready for the events. This was our first attendance, so we didn’t know what to expect. The amount of people at the event suggested it was an occasion that had been built up for some time. Gathering ourselves, we signed in as Team Kirkham, ready for games such as Gladiator Climb, Human Wrecking Ball, Gladiator Joust, plus more. There was a timetable, and as we moved through games we began at a loss. We then picked up our game, creating a winning streak of eight out of ten events won. Three teams had to fight it out for supremacy on the final assault course, and three members of our team gave a good representation of Team Kirkham, winning overall. This gave myself and our team a sense of pride for the lads and the establishment. 4
© RDaSH Communications
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Well done all involved with Inspire.” - Andrew
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“Doncaster Recovery Games! Wow, what an experience! I can actually say it was one of the best days of my life. The fact so many people together at one time were embracing the occasion and most importantly RECOVERY, was fantastic. I felt that I belonged there, I felt like I fitted in, and the fact I could just be myself and not care what people thought was amazing! I had so much fun on the day and the bringing home of the trophy was an absolute bonus, but I sensed a message that day and that message was: *There is hope outside, there is a community of people in similar positions that come together to battle addiction and that community is RECOVERY!*” - Brent “I enjoyed the day, it was good to see people who are engaging in recovery out and about enjoying themselves. I thought the boat race was the best part of the day and that throughout the day we all worked as a team.” - Stuart
© RDaSH Communications
“I must say, I had some expectations but nothing could compare to what I experienced on 26th August. I was lucky enough to be picked to go on this event and I am so grateful, as it was a day in prison like no other and one I will always remember for good reasons. The whole day was full of fun and happy people coming together to support each other and share their recovery journey – amazing! Every event had been thought out but was still competitive with laughs all round, the sun blessed us all day and Team Kirkham won! I would like to say thanks to Hazel, Amanda and Lisa for giving me this opportunity but just as important the organisers of this event and my team members for bringing it home and keeping it real! Thank you!” - Stephen Everybody that attended from HMP Kirkham would like to thank all the team from the Aspire Drug and Alcohol service, with special thanks to Neil Firbank for all their hard work with organising such a fantastic event. We will see you all again next year!! “RECOVERY ROCKS” AFFINITY Maga zine
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FALLEN ANGELS
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BY PHIL ASHBY
In 2012 when I came to rehab I was absolutely destroyed. I wouldn't say boo to a goose, I felt so sorry for myself. I was so low that I couldn't think past myself. I was a little mouse. You had to go to this dance thing with Donna-Marie, maybe 20 of us in a room trying to keep up, being self obsessed - I was still so quiet I did it because I had to do it. Don't think I really enjoyed it. I had to perform to the rest of the group and the key workers, it was all about smashing your ego, and bringing you down to the point where you feel vulnerable and then building you back up. I went to see the (Fallen Angels Dance Theatre) show. The guys performing were only a little bit further on than me and they were on stage. Then the professionals came on, telling a beautiful story and they were moving in such an amazing way and BANG! There was a strange connection with what everyone was doing on stage. What was I feeling? What am I getting? Yes! I think I want to have a go at that- I want to do this. I started taking it seriously then in rehab sessions I would say "come on you lot your messing about I want to do this". 'Cos I was into it. I wanted to do this. Then when I got out of rehab I had to keep in touch. I knew I needed to meet people and to constantly challenge myself. We worked with Fallen Angels intensively at The Lowry and performed with the group. We started weekly workshops and it was at this time I started doing ballet, contemporary, improvisation and other classes. Which led onto College and now University, and who knows where it will go. My body is damaged, dance enables me to explore my mashed up body.. I have a curiosity to see how I can experience techniques like ballet in my own way. I want to explore what I can do, explore the principles and how I can be soft, strong become more expressive, confident, comfortable with Phil, within my own skin. After performances with our group I need to take a moment alone to absorb the feeling of complete happiness. It's overwhelming joy. All the preparation and hours of creation and rehearsal comes together in performance. Participating as part of this group where we share together our heart and soul.. We're are all getting up there sharing our journey's. Dance has opened a creative mind for me, to consider what is possible. Where am I going? I am no longer scared for the future. I have those times when I think I'll never be a workshop leader, dancer, choreographer then I'll do a workshop and I come away thinking it doesn't matter, I will carry on this dance journey just because I can. 6
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Wed 16 November 8pm Tickets: £12 (£10 concession)
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PIER 8 SALFORD QUAYS M50 3AZ T: 0843 208 6010* www.thelowry.com/dance
* Calls to this number will cost 7p per minute plus your network operator’s access charge
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Littledale Hall T.C
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A few months ago, just before Easter Weekend, I was at a friend’s house called Ste, along with many others to celebrate his son’s first birthday. I was at a 1 year old’s birthday party, the cake was lovely, I had some pop, but alas didn’t join in with ‘pass the parcel’. My loss.
I fear I’m getting ahead of myself. Let me start again and I'll introduce myself. My name is Phil, I’m 35, I'm a wheelchair user, and for 3 years I’ve been a volunteer at Littledale Hall Therapeutic Community (LHTC). I know Ste because he works at LHTC; he’s one of their amazing treatment practitioners, and often we do groups together. If you do know Littledale it’s likely you know of it’s reputation as a (could very well be) magical place. Actually that’s a bit daft isn’t it?! Littledale isn’t magical at all. It’s not Hogwarts! What Littledale is is a community of staff and residents who all work seriously bloody hard, together, to help each other be able to live lives in Recovery. Not just lives without substances, but lives with substance. Lives with hope, lives able to manage ‘the past’, to be able to cope with unideal situations, take responsibility for ‘our stuff’, ultimately live good lives as compassionate humans beings … away from addiction. So … back to the party. There I was eating a bit of birthday cake, sat in the kitchen with several LHTC staff, ex-residents, friends and family, a few random kids flying about - the usual kids party scene! While I'm sat there Ste, Keith (LHTC Director) and Andy (staff treatment practitioner) start talking about why they still haven’t done ‘that sponsored cycle’ they were talking about at Christmas. No one seems to have an answer. I keep quiet; “I'm not getting involved in this one” I think to myself. Afterwards, there is some general talk about how good the buffet is (it was a great spread), and then I’m asked the question that makes me quite uncomfortable. “When’s your new wheelchair coming Phil?” bellows Keith (if you know Keith you know he likes a bit of bellowing). I shrug my shoulders and give a half arsed answer that neither satisfies either of us. Now Ste and Andy are involved. “Yeah what happened to that chair you were getting?” they ask in chorus. So I begin, with a bit of hesitation, the timely tale of ‘The Wheelchair User Goes to Wheelchair Services’. Sounds like a happy story yeah?! Trust me it’s not. For those not aware, Wheelchair Services is the NHS department that provides/mends...
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Charity Cycle
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...wheelchairs. Like many public services, for several decades it has slowly become a severely underfunded department that has been quietly whittled away to not much of anything. It’s a familiar story I agree, especially for many of those in Recovery who will be all too well aware of how difficult it can be to find support. As a wheelchair user I’ve had a lifelong, increasingly love-hate relationship with Wheelchair Services. About 5 years ago I got in touch with them as my current wheelchair (20 years old, and I’ve cared for it very well) started to show signs of acute wear & tear. They said I needed a new one, I agreed. They said that they’d order said new one, I’d have a fitting, a couple of adjustments would likely be needed. Great stuff! I won’t lie, I thought this was going too well. Anyways, it turns out the chair they had in mind basically wouldn’t fit in my house - it couldn’t go from one room to the next without out someone else removing the footplates each time I wanted to leave a room. I hope you’ll understand why I wasn’t exactly chuffed with this. So began my 5+ year long ‘tussle’ with wheelchair services to find a chair that would replace the chair that I’m sitting in as I write this. A chair so old they stopped making it in the late 90’s, so passed it that if the motors go (again) I’m screwed as … there are NO MORE spare motors left in the UK (NB: the last replacement motor was in Brighton, and for the past 3 years has been sitting a few inches beneath my bum). Back to the party. So I'm explaining all the above to Ste, Keith, and Andy in the kitchen, still eating cake, and that’s when Keith suggested they do the sponsored cycle to raise money to help me fund a new wheelchair; and by proxy undercutting (underfunded) wheelchair services. At first I wanted to say no, in fact i think I did, several times. I felt very uncomfortable with the idea of people raising money just for me. For charity, a cause, a group, I can get on board with that … but just for me?! Difficult. I’ll be honest I felt guilty, and still do ... otherwise I wouldn’t have left this bit in. Anyways after MUCH discussion I seceded to the basic fact that these really nice people, who I respect, who have taught me a lot, wanted to do this (plainly bonkers) thing for me. Cycling as a group from Edinburgh Castle to Lancaster Castle. Not a sniff under 180 miles in three days. I was very touched by it all, and at the party, eating cake, had a tear in my eye. Don’t tell anyone, OK? AFFINITY Maga zine
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On the way home I decided that I would do all I could to help them help me. It was genuinely the least I could do. I knew how to make little short films, I was well versed in Facebook and twitter parlance. Keith said he would register the JustGiving page and, on my request, leave the online side of things to me. Not long after Ste, Keith, Sandra, Andy, and Jay had settled on the when and where's and were training hard … except Ste who (keep this under hat dear reader) didn’t do a bit of training LOL. When I saw him on the 2nd day in Penrith, he did not look happy #eep. As the summer went by Keith & co. trained (except Ste), I did a few short videos of me clowning about promoting the campaign, and did a bit of the old social media malarkey. Once the campaign was launched the response was very unexpected. Donations were coming in from all angles, people were being so kind and generous. At one point early on it felt like every few hours someone new donated. It was a very moving time; not just for me but I think for all the staff at Littledale. By the time late September came by, it was time for Keith & co. to head North across the border and begin their three day trek. My guilt came back in earnest, especially when the weather forecast said it would rain on day 2 and 3, but by that time so much had been raised and so much effort had been put in by everyone involved that there was no going back. By all accounts it was pretty hard going, especially day 2 from Hawick to Penrith (very strong winds apparently), but they actually did it; all 180 miles in three days. Quite impressive I hope you’ll agree. Now that it’s all over, with the money raised I’ve been able to order my new chair (one that will really help ease my back pain), and that’s all great, it really is. However, what I’ll most remember from this summer is that I really am a lucky bloke. I have a lot of really good, genuinely good, supportive people in my life, people who actually care about my well-being. That means so much to me. We all have hard times, and go through stuff we could do without, but just knowing that I somehow have people in my life who care and are their for me … well that’s just awesome. Thanks for listening, I wish you well. - Phil
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SUCO SUCO SAMBA!
There is nothing in the world quite so instantly energising and uplifting as the sound of Samba. We’d defy anyone not to feel instantly better after listening to the exhilarating drumbeats and infectious rhythms that invoke the spirit of a Brazilian Street Carnival. Suco Suco Samba is a drum battery and dance troupe formed by ‘Juice’, who are a support and social group for people in recovery from addiction. The benefits of drumming and dancing are well documented, and scientifically proven to heighten levels of health and wellbeing. Most addiction problems are a consequence of poor underlying mental health, and community drumming groups have been shown to reduce levels of anxiety, depression and stress, alongside improvements in physical and mental wellbeing, and increased social resilience. Being a part of Suco Suco Samba has enabled members to sustain their recovery, and go on to lead full and active lives, which has had a knock-on positive impact on their families and their communities.
Suco Suco Samba practise on Friday nights at The Vanguard Centre, Bevington Close, Burnley, BB11 4SD, between 6.30pm and 9.00pm – Membership is not exclusively for those in recovery from addiction, but is open to anyone who wants to improve their health and wellbeing, and be part of something fun. ‘Juice’ draws its membership from Burnley, Pendle, Rossendale and Hyndburn, and also meets on Thursday nights for support groups in complimentary therapy, creative writing, music therapy, social enterprise and self- development. A social night is held on Saturdays with live music, karaoke, quizzes and trips out. All these activities are undertaken at The Citadel, Market Place, Colne, BB8 0HY. For any further information, please contact Steve on 07549 625 852. AFFINITY Maga zine
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The Well The Well – Fleetwood Six months ago, The Well was commissioned by CGL Inspire and CSI Lancashire Sport to go to Fleetwood to stimulate abstinence based recovery options and to generate more activity in this area for people and their families. These partnerships involve working with the existing organisations on the recovery landscape and are helping to forge new relationships with the wider Fleetwood community to create a vibrant and diverse recovery approach.
Calum Mar sd
en
Calum Marsden, is our Fleetwood Recovery worker and along with support from his team of volunteers, the staff at Inspire, Dean Wilson from CSI and the Fleetwood Recovery Workshop (FRW), the activities there are going from strength to strength. On behalf of The Well and our partners, we would like to thank everyone who has made us feel welcome and we look forward to the next six months being, as productive as the last.
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A week in Fleetwood Monday – You can find Calum at The Inspire offices – free to chat, offer support, and connect to what is going on. Later in the day Calum is at the Mustard Seed at St. Peter’s Church. There is also the Re-caf running on a Monday afternoon at the Pavillion by the FRW. Tuesday – drop in at Creative Support 10-12 Warren Hurst Rd, Fleetwood. Football 2-4, Fleetwood Town FC Sports Complex, Thornton. Wednesday – Couch to 5k 11-12, Fleetwood Memorial Park. Badminton 4-5, YMCA Fleetwood. MARS group 5.30-7.30, Fleetwood Inspire. Friday – Breakfast Club/Abstinent Group 10-12, Fleetwood Inspire. Fleetwood Recovery Workshop 1-4, Pavillion Fleetwood Memorial Park.
Should you require any more information or want to reach out for some support, please contact:
calum@thewell2.co.uk
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From Salford to Halton 2016
Salford’s recovery community is blossoming at the moment. It’s fantastic to see, and I know our late friend, Julie Stewart would be so proud of us all. I remember her coming into our Practical Recovery course a few years ago absolutely bursting with energy and saying, “Let’s put Salford Recovery on the map!”.
I was in awe and only a few weeks after detox, but I recognized she had something special and, boy, did I want some of that. Julie lived and breathed that Recovery is “Caught not Taught”, the slogan adopted by Greater Manchester Recovery Federation (GMRF) for our UK Recovery Walk in 2014 Last year and this, GMRF, always keen to build recovery networks, funded transport to the UK Recovery Walks in Durham and Halton. Bloco Mundo (Salford’s community samba drummers) were on board; Fallen Angels had travelled ahead for the sleepover and for an early, stunning performance on the day and there were plenty of others from all over Greater Manchester. 14
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It was great to be on a coach to Halton with friends old and new, many sporting purple boas, bandanas and tutus. Travelling with us was an amazing woman, Angela (Penny) Barrett who has devoted her life to the charity she founded, helping
homeless people in Salford and Manchester to find shelter, warmth, clothes and food, even helping some to become free from Spice, a nasty drug, wreaking havoc on our streets. Sadly, she has also seen people lose their battle with drugs, or use drugs to end a life of struggle. Penny was in awe of the positive energy on the coach and the walk and joined in everything. She ended the day buzzing with a sense of hope and some new connections Halton did a great job at hosting the walk. Thousands of people raving to renowned DJs, stone cold sober in the middle of the day in a Widnes Rugby stadium was something else. The rhythm on the walk was everywhere, from different bands. Looping around Halton’s beautiful park and waving to babies and toddlers in their parent’s arms, as nearly 7000 of us filled residential streets, did more to break down stigma than any printed word or TV programme could ever do. Thank you FAVOR UK. Thank you Halton for a walk to remember. Thanks to everybody proud to call themselves on a recovery journey, recovered, in recovery or a recoverist who took part. See you all next year in Blackpool!
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In East Lancashire Emerging Futures work alongside Work Company, SHE Project and Red Rose Recovery as part of the Inspire Integrated Substance Misuse Service lead by CGL. A new contract since April 2016 and one that has moved into a community based model, delivering many innovative interventions within the 5 boroughs East Lancashire covers geographically. Emerging Futures will be delivering on some incredibly exciting and innovative parts of the Inspire contract including the Live & Thrive community abstinence based rehabilitation group work program, Family Coaching and Foundations of Families community group work program for families and significant others as we recognise the importance of supporting families and significant others who have a loved one in active addiction and also supporting and involving them through the treatment and recovery process. We will also be rolling out our recovery housing offer of which our first property – a female specific recovery house in central Burnley will be opening in October. Another element we are working on is looking at identifying solutions to working in a motivational way with those who have been in treatment for 6yrs or more. Sean Coady one of Emerging Futures’ Lead Network Coaches is currently working alongside Peter Sheath (Emerging Horizons Consultant) writes the following: What is it like to feel stuck? Most of us have experienced a time in our lives where we have felt stuck. When we feel stuck it can be difficult to imagine our lives improving. 16
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We may feel powerless to change our situation. It may be that we do not realise that we are stuck. It can be very difficult to make changes in our lives without some help. If you have ever felt stuck how did you make changes, what worked for you? This question is our starting point, over the coming weeks the Inspire Team we will be starting a piece of work aimed at those clients who have been in service for six years and more. To begin with we will work with the Inspire staff team to look at what being stuck means for them. We believe that recognising our own “stuckness” will allow us to work more effectively with those people who may have become stuck in services. Our aim will be to look at what we can do to move these individuals forward by improving their opportunities for recovery. This is not just about abstinence. While this may be the goal for many people others may wish to first improve their quality of life, not just for them but for their families as well. We will work alongside individuals who want to explore the idea of recovery. Recovery will be defined by the individual. There are many paths to recovery. This is the discussion we want to have with individuals. What does recovery mean for them? Watch this space for more information about how we can bring about change. If you would like to have more information on the Stuckness agenda follow the link below. http://www.emerginghorizons.org⁄2014/02/on-treating-stuckness/
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People can change. Rely on yourself to make that Inside us all is the desire to
Needs are often
Only you can change your life. Never knowing which path to take. Just follow the way the Understand though, you can river flows. ask for help. See beyond yourself. Try to Do you have what it takes to look further, even if it means
their own way, so don’t be afraid to let people know when you’re in need.
change.
keep on going.
be proud?
that one step more.
People will inspire you along R
ound the world, people vary for many reasons, so just show respect!
Even if you are different,
don’t be something you’re not. Everyone should stand up tall.
Some people will knock you
down, but with help, we can all stand back tall again.
People make mistakes every
the way, but you make final decisions every day.
I
look at the opportunities around and take them by both hands.
R
emember, you are never far away from your dreams if you think positively.
Every day think about those
around you. Show respect and you’ll be my new best friend.
life, so do it and see if you can inspire others.
Care for each other every day. Always try to help people
Can’t say people will always
when you can, even if it means going out of your way.
Too much goes on in life
each out to those in need of a little extra care, because one day, you’ll need care too.
respect you, but close the door to them and open new doors.
to not show respect, so understand we are all unique. Just take respect and give it back. Autumn 2016 |
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overlooked by us all.
Everyone has needs in Everyone is afraid to
need, but today I want to say no! I’m not afraid and neither should you be.
D
on’t let people knock you back, but sometimes it’s those that knock us down, that need the most.
So be open with people and today could be the day someone gives you help with whatever you need.
Everyone can do things in
day, it’s how we learn from them that make us who we are.
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GIVE
R
Each day you care for
someone is a day full of happiness for those you cared for.
T
rust is a precious thing and is earned.
R
espect everyone in their own life and you can earn somebody’s trust.
Under no circumstances should you mess with someone’s trust.
So show people they
can trust you, and maybe they will trust you.
T
rust is delicate, remember that.
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Encourage yourself to try new doing everything, but will have a go.
Courage is an honour and
standing tall with courage inside is a great achievement.
Only sometimes we need
encouragement ourselves.
Understand that things take time.
Rarely do we get courage to
stand above and reach high, so take risks.
Speak openly with how you need to.
People will listen to you if given time and effort.
Everyone should have
freedom of speech in life.
A
lways get your point across for people to understand you.
so people can understand you and they can speak back to you.
best.
but nobody can challenge courage.
in yourself.
T
rust that you can do things if you put your mind to it.
A
nd make your name one that will be remembered for life.
R
eally give everything a go at least once.
Stars can be made out of all of us!
Keep your voice heard
Anybody can be courageous. Go on and take a challenge of Unique people are the life experiences. Everyone can challenge life,
GIVE
So look at yourself, and believe
things.
Not everyone is capable of
KEEP LEARNING
Never been someone
T
o believe in yourself, be around people who believe in you too.
A
ll of you are amazing in your own way.
L
Rely on those around you, it
believe people should be who they want to be.
I
ook at yourself in a mirror and smile, because it only takes one smile to make your day, even your own.
Q
Even when life gets you down,
Every time you rely on
uestions may arise on who you are, so show the world.
someone is a chance to learn. Don’t take advantage though, never pressure too much.
Understand that we are
Now that is said, remember
L
Each person in life has
isn’t wrong to lean on people for support.
earning is an everyday thing, nobody is perfect, but don’t let others rely on you, so they can learn too.
You’re not alone!
you aren’t.
all different.
their own personality. We are all unique!
remember that we can all be given a push.
that we can all give in life, not just take.
T
alent can be wasted unless you use it wisely. by Ste Watwood AFFINITY Maga zine
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Halloween season fast approached and particularly so for Inspire Substance Misuse service who produced a Halloween Show in the end of October in Burnley. It delivered a fun packed, entertaining show... with all your favourite Halloween songs including: Monster Mash, Ghost Busters, Thriller, Monster and the Time Warp. Both the Inspire bands played and an outside dance group performed as well. All the childen were encouraged to wear fancy dress and half an hour before the show there were Zombie makeovers and Halloween games for the children. The show took place at the Vanguard Centre in Burnley and its aim was two-fold: firstly to promote how individuals in recovery can move forward in their lives in a positive direction, and secondly to challenge stigma. People with a history of substance misuse, can be heavily stigmatised, sometimes subject to ridicule and often avoided. As a result they are subject to exclusion and discrimination in many areas. We hope therefore that the performance of the Halloween Show broke down some of these barriers and myths by participants celebrating their talent in a public arena. Craig who played the lead role in the show lives with his partner Jason who is also in the show. They are both in recovery with Inspire and after many years of combined addiction they made a conscious decision to turn their lives around. Craig states that ‘’Although at times this has been very difficult, on the whole it has been one of the best decisions I have made in my life! I have always had a keen interest in the Arts, more specifically singing, although I have previously been involved in amateur productions. When the opportunity came about to be involved in the Halloween I jumped at the opportunity. The main reason being was that I found that in the more difficult and traumatic parts of my existence, the only emotional outlet I had was my music so for a long time it was my coping mechanism.’’ Inspire Integrated Substance Misuse Service offer a wide range of support for anyone worried about their own or somebody else’s substance/alcohol use. If you think you might need support please ring 01254 495382 to make an appointment or go to our website at: inspirelancs.org.uk
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CSI has recently joined up with Healthier Fleetwood to help improve the lives of those living in Fleetwood through a year long project led by GP Mark Spencer. In April this year the Healthier Fleetwood group was set up following the successful March conference on Community Health Creation. Since then the local group of residents and service providers have not only attracted considerable funding to move forward, but also the attention of the BBC, who are keen to capture Fleetwood’s journey towards creating better community health & wellbeing for all.
The project has already been shown on the BBC on all the major national news bulletins for 24 hours and they are keen to follow the project in the long term, with regular features and updates. They will follow families and individuals facing different problems for example obesity; COPD; Dealing with dementia – minding the older generation as well as their kids; struggling with drug and alcohol addiction; mental health. Filming with start at the beginning of their engagement with the programme and follow up with them every few months at different occasions to see how they are getting on. CSI is supporting the project through providing activities to the recovery community and their friends and family. Sessions on offer include yoga, swimming, box fit and football. To get involved with CSI contact the Project Coordinator Jane Moodie on 07960 340142 or email jmoodie@lancashiresport.org.uk. AFFINITY Maga zine
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Since April 29th this year FRW has developed from a small group of dedicated individuals to a group that's grown tremendously in such a short space of time. There's a real buzz and ambition to put Fleetwood on the map and keep establishing visible recovery in the community.
In recent months we have enjoyed Lufstock together, our own camping trips, the recovery walk at Halton amongst many other fantastic events in and around Lancashire. The groups and activities we now have up and running are growing at a rapid pace. We have our own recovery cafe, an allotment project, a workshop where we have an art class on at the minute run by Christian Fenn who I'm sure your all familiar with. Also a woodwork project, a creative writing group and a music group starting in the near future. In addition to all of this... we also have a family group on a Saturday which is run by our Vice Chair Barbara and have recently set up a football team called Fleetwood Recovery F.C. Above all we have created some amazing connections and relationships with different organisations such as Regenda (the local housing association), Westview Community Centre, Fleetwood Town Football Club, the police, CSI (challenge through sport initiative), RRR, CGL and Inspire and also The Well to name just a few.
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On a personal level we would like to say a big thankyou to Gary Byrne for all the guidance and support, also Peter Yarwood and Max Broadbent for taking time out of there own busy schedules to come to Fleetwood for the upcoming speaker bootcamp and coaching these are things that are only going to help make us better equipped and stronger going forward.
We believe 2017 is going to be an amazing and successful year for us and hope it will be for you too. FORWARD TOGETHER, STRONGER TOGETHER If you would like any more information regarding what we do and how the Fleetwood Recovery Workshop is going to progress in the future with different groups and activities that we have planned, please do hesitate to contact Colin Wilson on - 07949531960 or colinwilson24@icloud.com You can also find our group facebook page - Fleetwood Recovery Workshop - which is updated regularly on different times and activities we have in place.
Chairman - Colin Wilson
Vice Chair - Barbara Oakley
Secretary - Lesley Shone
Treasurers - David Colby /
Neil Hennessey
Shaz Hargreaves
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The winner was last year's second place competitor Declan Lamb who smashed it with a rapid time of 18.01 Fastest Woman Hannah Metcalfe of BayFit who put in an impressive 22.22 The best fancy dress went to Greg Keating AKA The Flash But the real winner was recovery and the stigma that we smashed together today. The run was delivered from a multi-agency point of view using the experiences and resources of the local community such as Inspire, Red Rose Recovery and The Well and the expertise of St John's Ambulance, Lancashire Sport Initiative CSI to ensure that the run was safe and fun. Also a huge thanks for the fantastic support offered by our amazing Race Marshall's who made the run the fun event it was by cheering on the runners at each kilometre ensuring there were lots of smiles every step of the way.
I was at the finish line and I got to speak to people who were taking part. Whilst doing this I saw one person repeatedly saying with a beaming smile “this is beautiful” That person was CGL Inspire Morecambe staff member Anna Maxwell took part on the day. I ask Anna for a few words and she had this to say about the event and her experiences: “What I like about the day is that it doesn’t matter if you walk, run fast or slow it just feels so hopeful and is all about the taking part – mirroring what recovery is all about for me. I feel what people need is kindness and encouragement on their journey of recovery” “It’s such a beautiful day for so many reasons – were lucky to live and work by the sea. It’s made me feel better connected with people, my community and something bigger – as a recovery worker it is just the tonic I needed to lift my spirit as my job can be incredibly demanding due to the sadness, loss and regret – this run symbolises the hope and fun that is recovery ” It was also amazing to see the prison based recovery community of HMP Kirkham out in force to represent and race on the day. The following comments were given by members of the HMP Kirkham recovery community who ran on the day: 24
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“I would like to thank everybody who made the day happen. I felt a massive sense of recognition in being chosen to attend. The event for me was a really nice day to connect with the recovery community that I will be released into. It is massively important that while recovery starts in HMP Kirkham, for any continued recovery which is vital in living at peace, substance and crime free, we know where to go on release and sample what unity, recovery a service is all about. The event was about integration and fun, I have started many things and finished very few. Although I did not break any records with my time I learned that in recovery ‘slow and steady’ wins the race! I look forward to meeting up at the run next year and being part of something special.” - John “The bay 5K run was a brilliant day, all the people who took part did exceptionally well. It was a very good turnout for the occasion, services were brilliant with plenty of water and also snacks for energy. I am very grateful for the chance to have taken part in the event and I hope I get the chance to work again with people in recovery. Doing all this work with KRV (Kirkham Recovery Voice) and Inspire has opened my eyes to different things in life such as to not put myself first and thinking about what other people are thinking and going through in their lives. I would like to say once again thanks to the staff of Inspire for letting me take part in another event working with people in recovery and also thanks to Amanda and Iris for taking us”. - Andrew
For us as the race organisers it’s the above comments that were so happy to hear and really grateful to receive as this is exactly the kind of experience that we hoped people would have on the day and is the kind of feedback that will help to encourage others to attend next years and support our aims to improve and develop the run and the experience for those taking part.
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The merchandise that Eric Morecambe is sporting in the photograph was created in collaboration with the Lancaster based Social enterprise Outrageous Ambition. Outrageous were given the brief to design our logo with a recovery ethos. They felt that recovery was about stories and felt that the logo also needed to tell its story that chimed with the recovery agenda. The below logo was created by the community as a whole with the ethos that everyone has a skill and value to bring. With this in mind the broad brush strokes in the image back ground were created by someone with cerebral palsy, the stencil of the runners was designed and adapted by someone with autism and the actual t-shirts were screen printed by someone in recovery from alcohol addiction and the t-shirts ordered were packed by someone with learning difficulties. This whole process of everyone has a skills and value is the same vision and value base that the run has for people in or seeking recovery. Ultimately the run is looking to develop to become an independent annual event with a long term view of CGL Inspire handing the future development and growth of the run over to the well-established recovery communities of Lancashire such as Red Rose Recovery and The Well. I want to thanks the following people for their time effort and energy: All of the Marshall's and Race officials who helped to cloth, feed, water and inspire the competitors, Juice Samba Band for the amazing beats and vibe, DMC Media for the quality filming, Affinity Magazine for photography, BayFit Gym in Morecambe for the pre-race warm up, Lancashire Sport Challenge through Sport Initiative (CSI) for the medals and Highland Spring for the bottled water they kindly donated, The Mayor of Lancaster Councillor Robert Redfern for starting the race, Outrageous Ambition for all the hard work with setting up our website and the quality artwork on the t-shirt design and the interactive screen printing workshops, the Local Authority for allowing us to host the event and the BRiC Fund and CGL Inspire for helping us to finance the . Finally the recovery communities of Lancashire such as Red Rose Recovery and The Well who put on the tasty healthy food to fuel the runners and who also ensured the PA system was a booming to give every competitor a hero's welcome to the tune of Chariots of Fire. 26
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If you would like to purchase any of the merchandise look out for the Outrageous Ambition E-shop which will be going live in early October or alternatively contact Gary Byrne BRiC coordinator on 07899873327. All profits raised will go into financing future runs. All our best wishes The Bay 5K Recovery Run Crew www.bay5krecoveryrun.org.uk/
Tom Fitzsimons Being asked to run 5km is not something I usually get excited about. Having established myself as an ultra-runner the distance of 5k usually falls off my radar. The Bay 5k recovery run however definitely sits top of the list for my years races. I am nine years sober and find a great sense of unity when I run this race, I say race, it’s not a race, it’s a symbol of strength and unity.
Strength and Unity is something that the recovery movement gives to people like me. For years I thought I was walking this path alone. For years I thought that no one cared. I felt so much emotion running along Morecambe Bay. I felt like I was part of a community just finding their voice. That voice that for so long was silent is now loud and clear, Recovery from addiction is possible and we can and will achieve greatness. Thanks to Gary and his team and to all my brothers and sisters in recovery….You Rock!!! Keep The Faith AFFINITY Maga zine
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BY LEE JONES
I was introduced to the penal system at an early age. Having spent my formative years (8 – 13) in and out of numerous care homes, I began experimenting with recreational drugs and soon found myself serving my first custodial sentence
aged 15. By the time I had reached the age of 25 I had progressed onto crack cocaine and found myself constantly behind bars. I can freely admit, by this time, I was a prolific offender and in August 2013 I was sentenced to 6 years imprisonment for burglary, committed to fund my spiralling crack addiction. My first steps towards recovery began when I engaged with Discover drug and alcohol services in HMP Preston. I began a methadone reduction program and became instrumental in setting up the first recovery unit in a category B prison. I was eventually moved to the therapeutic community in HMP Wymott and it was here I first linked up with Red Rose Recovery. I successfully completing my recovery coach training and on my release in August 2016, I signed up as a regular volunteer and became the first active coach to have been trained whilst still serving a sentence behind bars. I have recently been elected the chairman of central Lancashire User Forum (LUF) and it is through the support of Red Rose Recovery and partnership working, that today, I find myself living a life that is beyond my wildest dreams. Today I know, by using my skills and assets, I will achieve my long-term goals.
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Elephants and the Silence of Addiction Recovery Month and the Recovery Walk are hugely significant “battles” to win the war against something that holds people back from getting treatment, from even admitting they have addictions. The pockets of silence and lingering stigma. When you reach key milestones in your recovery, not everyone has the support or the confidence to celebrate. So you quietly fight on, and hope one day to disappear in to the crowd feeling “normal” at last. Getting society’s support – and cash – to advance alcohol and drug education, information, support and even intervention is an uphill battle. Everyone talks about the problems of course! Open any newspaper or check news websites on any given day and there will be a story that mentions alcohol or drugs. But the solutions are nothing to do with us…right? So how many people are suffering in silence? How many of them would face their demons if they heard more discussion on the topic and had more opportunities to talk about it? And what magic there is in knowing that you are surrounded by people in recovery. The light at the end of the tunnel should be a cause for celebration and sharing, all year round. This is why I launched Elephant in the Room Workshops & Support. To get people talking…but also as a “call to action”. It is not just about giving our clients awareness of modern alcohol and drugs scene and pathways to treatment. What we do is not just about education, training and information. The Elephant team are also giving people the skills and confidence to discuss addiction in a constructive and meaningful way. Parents, carers, teachers and youth workers leave our workshops and training courses feeling more insightful but also ready to deliver calm harm reduction advice (keeping choice at the mercy of the young). Health, social, community and religious workers and volunteers leave our workshops inspired to each play their part in the war against addiction. They know what to say. They know what to do. Social change doesn’t come from knowing more. It comes from how we use that information. So get on board, and make sure as many people as possible address the Elephant in the Room. What you can do? Please LIKE our Facebook page, FOLLOW us on Twitter and share the information we post to stimulate discussion. And think about people and organisations you know that could play their part in bringing change. Talk to them. Suggest they talk to us. Or even suggest they talk to any training provider in this sector. Thank you! amanda@elephantintheroom.pw Facebook: elephantbigimpact
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Homeless charity leads by example to support others “When I got out of prison, all I had were the clothes I was stood up in…and even those weren’t mine!” Chris came out of prison with nothing; no home, no belongings, no job, no relationship. He had one thing anchoring him though – sobriety, after two decades of drinking heavily: “The day I was arrested was the last day I drank. I just had to stop or the drink was going to stop me.” And he had The Ashley Foundation (TAF) – Blackpool’s biggest homeless accommodation and support provider. The 44-year-old ex-serviceman moved into one of TAF’s hostels in June 2016 and started to rebuild his life: “I was so relieved to have somewhere to go and to not be on the streets. Without it I’d have turned back to drink, I’m sure of it, I’d have lost all hope.” Much more than just putting a roof over his head, TAF gave Chris much needed structure and support, as his dedicated support officer helped him to continue treatment, access support groups, re-establish contact with his family and eventually move into his own flat and live independently. “I bet a lot of people think they just shove homeless people in a hostel and that’s it,” says Belinda, who has recently progressed from living in a TAF hostel to a move-on flat and is looking forward to celebrating one year in recovery. “TAF offers more than a bed – there’s staff that care and so much support.” TAF prides itself on leading by example as it helps people who have become marginalised and disengaged to regain independence, by employing a number of staff who are in recovery and have personal experience of the same issues facing many of the residents. “I’ll take a resident to a [mutual aid] meeting if they need it,” says Dean Kirton, who has been in recovery for 10 years. The TAF hostel manager knows well the barriers faced by someone who is both in early recovery and homeless – he was a TAF resident just a few years ago, after detoxing from two decades of drug abuse. “Structure, social stuff, being fed and watered, help filling out forms – I got all the support when I was a resident. Then when I’d moved out I came back to volunteer and it gave me a chance to prove myself.” In 2010 he was employed as a night supervisor, giving him the financial freedom to be able to go back to college and study a health and social care course. By 2015 he had risen through the 30
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ranks and become a hostel manager: “I’ve seen people overdose and had people trying to fight me but I don’t judge anyone because I can empathise with them. I treat people with dignity.” Dean is one of TAF’s 33 staff, around one-third of whom are also in recovery. Now celebrating its 20th anniversary of working in Blackpool, TAF has helped around 6,500 people over the years. It manages three hostels, with 62 beds, as well as 40 move-on flats, making it Blackpool’s biggest homeless charity. Dean added: “I was desperate when I landed at TAF. The staff believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. The support I had was amazing, and that investment paid off.” TAF FACTS: • Around three-quarters of TAF residents experience mental health problems, one-quarter of whom self-harm, and up to 65% of residents have, or have had, substance misuse problems. • Half of TAF residents have experienced some form of ‘family breakdown’, including the death of a parent during their childhood or having a child taken into care. • TAF pays the Living Wage, of £8.25 per hour, which means staff take home around £50 a week more than the average worker in Blackpool. • TAF spends around £270 a day on food to feed residents fresh meals and all of its kitchens have a 5* health and safety rating.
GET IN TOUCH – Follow TAF on social media: http://www.facebook.com/ AshleyFoundationBlackpool/ https://twitter.com/TAFBlackpool
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Facebook page 'LGB&T Out in The Bay'.
'Out In The Bay' is a local LGBT charity organisation, that is led by trained volunteers and students, who aim to reduce loneliness for people who identify themselves as LGB&T. We are a charity that aims to bring the individual into the community by supporting them with the help of OITB's own social events. We try to promote issues that affect the LGB&T+ community, especially by creating awareness of these issues to other agency providers – so that LGB&T+ people feel more able to approach agencies that they could need help from. “Some of the people who come to our organisation come because they feel overlooked, overwhelmed and/or passed around between services. This is because many of these agencies that LGB&T people seek support from aren't trained to provide them with the proper care, assistance and support. Therefore, here at OITB, we aim to provide a safe space for any person to access, so people can feel safe and comfortable when thinking about their own needs, health and wishes. It is a place where their identity will not be an issue; and where they will be offered a place to feel at ease, empowered and motivated.” We believe that sexual health is of incredible importance, and therefore we provide many services that are based around sexual health – so people are educated on sexual health and have access to seek support for anything that people are worried about. For example, OITB provides a helpful service for people with Hep C. OITB also provide Counselling (groups or 1-2-1 sessions), information, advice and guidance, Hep C support groups, a Trans Men group, Trans Women group, LGB&T youth group, Aftercare for addiction, Helpline, Education workshops and many more. OITB is connected to other charity and organisations, so if OITB can't support an individual with their need, then it has trusted connections at hand. For example, OITB has connections to: CAHMs, Victim's Voice, Acorn, the Prince's Trust, Social Services, the Lancashire Fire and Rescue Service, Probation services, the local Universities, Lancaster LGB&T, the Lancashire Police, and the Community Health Teams. OITB connects with these services so it can combine its efforts with other trusted agencies so it can provide the best service and response for individual needs. We open our doors to anyone, even if they just need to chat or want to interact with others. The organisation's main aim is to give individuals an environment where they feel secure so that they can fulfil their potential, and to make vital contributions to the communities that they live in. OITB's mission is to improve and enhance the well-being for all who choose to access the service, because OITB is committed to the promotion of Equal Opportunities for all! 32
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