SPRING EDITION 2016 | Issue 015 | www.affinitymagazine.org.uk
Magazine AFFINITY Inspire, belong, support, achieve...
CONNECTING RECOVERY ACROSS LANCASHIRE
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W E L C O M E! As we bounce into the warmer season... we hope to inspire you with updates and stories from your local and surrounding recovery communities. There have been some fantastic events kicking off 2016, including Red Rose Recovery’s Volunteer Thanksgiving Night, HMP Kirkham’s Embrace Recovery Event and The Wells Open Day. Plenty of exciting and engaging initiatives bring is up to speed with their news, including Lancashire Challenge Through Sport Initiative, The Pavilion (a new project starting in Fleetwood), Juice, Liberty Woman’s Group, The Exchange, Incredible Edible, Family Forum, Metamorphosis and Kerry Stewart - East BRiC worker.
We also have a new recipe cooked up by You Can Flourish - introducing a yummy and healthier version of potato cakes we’ve never seen before! Well worth a try. So let’s get cracking and turn the page to see what’s been happening in your local area!
Front cover and intro page image credited and designed by freepik.com Want to send a story into our next edition or know of any great events coming up? Send them in to: affinitymagazine@yahoo.co.uk by May 15th 2016 Like what you’ve read? Give us a like on 2
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TANHOUSE HUB SKEM Tanhouse Community Centre, Ennerdale, Skelmersdale, WN8 6AN Every Thursday 9:30-3:30pm We have been running for 2 years and have helped lots of people in recovery from drugs and alcohol. A great place to meet new people and relax in a safe environment. Breakfast, Tea, Coffee, Soft Drinks & Lunch for a small donation Call in to connect and meet new friends - All Welcome More info: Lynne 07715 631752 Lynne@redroserecovery.org.uk
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Come and unwind!
Saturdays 6pm—8pm FREE! A safe place for Adults and Families to come together and spend time in a safe environment. Games, Food, Teas & Coffee, Chat and much more
Together adults can
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Family forum bringing families together Addiction creates havoc in the lives of the addict and those closest to them, though family members may believe their loved one is the only one who needs help rebuilding their life, the truth is that they too have been severely affected by the disease of addiction. Families need to recover in the same way that the addict does. They need to confront the self-defeating coping mechanisms they have adopted during the years and examine their ways of thinking and behaviour. This is not an easy task, but it is possible with the help of others. Let’s support families to rebuild relationships and have a better understand of each other’s journeys. The Family Forum has created a safe space for any family members to come together and feel comfortable around like minded people. It gives family members the opportunity to identify what a family needs, the issues families face and what support is needed for the family unit. Family members no longer need to be the forgotten victims of addiction and can have a voice on what matters to them and what information and services would be of help to themselves and others in their situation. It is a safe space where family members can come together to freely express themselves around there journey, concerns or issues and support each other open and honestly without being judged. We work in partnership with other organisations and community groups who are able to support family members, give resources and information of any opportunities for volunteering or training courses, which can lead into future employment. The family forum wants to create a community that is inclusive of all family members and helps empower and inspire families to move forward, enabling them to be who they are, coaching, supporting and guiding them into opportunities such as training courses, volunteering and jobs. The family forum meets on a regular basis and to found out where and when the next one is held, contact Maggie on 07857417440. So if you are a family member and feel you could do with some support, want to do something different or make a change them please come along and get involved. AFFINITY Maga zine
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www.opencinemalancashire.btck.co.uk
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01524 555900
Connecting the Community through Cinema Metamorphosis’s flagship project, Open Cinema started in January 2015, Metamorphosis was set to provide access to this most democratic and international of art forms, and popular cultural pursuit of our times, for people who craved cinema but felt excluded due to social and economic challenges. A voluntary, non-profit making charity, based in Lancaster, Lancashire, they have grown from an idea to become a welcome alternative to the multiplex way of enjoying films, bringing great movies to previously excluded and underserved communities.
Affinity spoke to Award recipient David Mcloughlin, an ex-peer of Littledale Hall, about how a project that was set up as a simple film night has become a major contributor to a wide variety of local community projects, events and organisations and be named this year’s ‘Most Innovative Recovery Project in Lancashire’. It’s amazing to be the winner of the recovery accolade and be recognised at this year’s Awards Celebration at Preston North End on 10th February, 2o16. To be the recipient of an award that recognises a project that has worked tirelessly to bring something new to the recovery communities in Lancashire. It’s been a busy time and we’ve got some pretty amazing events in the pipeline, but here’s just a fraction of what they’ve been up to recently… We have established ourselves as a brand new organisation, successfully screened 21 films to an audience of 355 people and quickly got to grips with our role, building and developing good working relationships with many alcohol and drug service providers. Since our opening season ‘Bounce Back’ we have endeavoured to provide a wide range of films on a weekly basis, catering for all tastes, and with a venue that can hold up to 50 people and an average audience of 16 we have blown the industry average occupancy ratio of 15-20% out of the water! Ever mindful of the fact that we are not a film club, but very definitely a community cinema, we have attempted 6
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to build relationships within the community and have successfully screened a number of films in association with a number of other voluntary and non-profit organisations. One of our first ‘in association with’ events we were eager to proceed with was local charity ‘LGBT Out in the Bay’. Having decided to link the film with World Aids Day, we worked closely with Robert Mee and his team to put on a really unforgettable night with a special screening of Philadelphia. With only 2 empty seats we all stepped back in time to 1993 and watched in silence a film that changed the conversation about HIV and Aids. 48 people joined us for a post film candle lit vigil to unite in the fight against the effects of HIV and show our support for people living with it and to commemorate those who have died. On the 19th December we galloped to Lancaster Boys and Girls Club to host a one off screening of the cartoon The Big Knights featuring the voice of Brian Blessed. We invited our audience to join us in the far off land of Borovia, where dragons are fierce, witches are wicked, scientists are insane, the economy is bad and television is in black & white. And with several of our members known to Littledale Hall, it was a no brainer for us to team up with their Aftercare Service and put on an end of season party. It was a pleasure to work with them on an event that created a new lasting memory for what was for some of us our first Christmas in post treatment recovery. Alongside the screening of Scrooge: A Christmas Carol we had music and food to celebrate the success of Metamorphosis Open Cinema. We continue to consult the local community on a regular basis so we provide a rich and diverse program but would like to take this opportunity to again ask you all, to please get in touch with us and let us know what movies you would like us to bring back to the big screen. That is why we called ourselves a community cinema, members of a community who want to do something for the community. We are Metamorphosis and Metamorphosis is yours so please take the wheel and drive your community cinema forward! Running a community project can sometimes be laborious and time consuming, but the rewards are second to none, and can only enhance our reputation as a legitimate, necessary community resource, who will always be in demand. That security is something we had only hoped to achieve, but is now a reality we are very proud of. -----> See you on the front row folks! AFFINITY Maga zine
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THE WELL
The Well Open Day – January 28th
What a fantastic day! Nearly 100 people came together for the grand opening of The Morecambe Well at More Music. We were blessed to have our Board Chair, Chaplain and MBE awarded Carolyn Woodcock who set off the event by recounting the success story of how The Well humbly began in November 2012 at Lancaster Boys and Girls’ club. Carolyn told the audience how she first met Dave Higham in HMP Lancaster Castle where she was the Chaplain. The High Sherriff of Lancashire, Amanda Parker, gave an account of her previous visit to The Well and how moved she was to attend the Women’s group and hear stories and struggles of addiction and recovery. She finished her speech with a witty meme of “Be like Dave’. Next up, we had CEO Dave Higham giving a heartfelt rendition of his own journey and how his dream of visible recovery has been fulfilled by The Well. Stuart Honor tall in stature and powerful in presentation provided a rounded picture of addiction, ending with a short video clip about social contagion of recovery. Public Health Commissioner from Lancashire County Council, Chris Lee contributed by describing the commissioning landscape and importance of recovery communities like The Well. Kerrie Hudson, Manager of the Morecambe Well, outlined her own challenges in addiction and her devoted commitment to the ethos of The Well , specifically emphasising the importance of women supporting other women in recovery. 8
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Jack Parker, a stalwart volunteer of The Lancaster Well kitchen crew, gave a humorous account of being a family member within The Well. Kerrie spoke of all the activities taking place at The Well, including The College ( accreditation centre), women’s groups, music, sewing and arts groups. It was through Kerrie’s partnership working that enabled our move to More Music. The Founder and the manager from More Music then spoke briefly about the importance of community and involving people as much as possible. We heard all about our Barrow success where Carl Molyneux is Manager. He detailed the residential programmes’ three stages and the day services taking place in Barrow. Michael Greenfield gave a outstanding moving account of his own journey through addiction to recovery and his joy at his recent appointment as senior recovery worker. Tam Paton spoke about how being involved with The Well proved a life changing experience for him. Tam is a volunteer across all three sites, quite an achievement for someone who had not worked before. Jane Wilkes, volunteer at Barrow spoke from the heart outlining how The Well has benefitted her whole family. Her personal roots are in Barrow and she testified to the impact of The Well not only her own family but also on the whole of the Barrow community. The lads from the recovery houses were then presented certificates of achievement by High Sheriff of Cumbria for completing work on their recovery. The short break in the middle allowed time for networking and to be followed by a musical participative interlude completed with the percussion of Stand by me. Our own musicians from Barrow were led by Frenchy and the wonderful inspiring Sam Middleton. Clive Grunshaw the PCC of Lancashire outlined the importance of organisations like The Well in reducing offending and substance misuse. He said although today was his first visit to The Well, it would not be his last! Geri Byrne-Thompson spoke about sponsorship opportunities, partnerships and future business. Last and by no means least was criminologist Mark Gilman who as always delivered a dynamic input culminating in him saying that Well was unparalleled in what it was achieving in the field of peer led recovery. Everyone then tucked in to tasty refreshments by The Well Fed, which is our first social enterprise led by the accomplished Jenny Ireland.
www.thewellcommunities.co.uk AFFINITY Maga zine
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N O I L L I V A P E TH FLEETWOOD
The Fleetwood Recovery Workshop has moved from CRI Inspire Fleetwood to its new home at the Fleetwood Memorial Park Pavilion. The Recovery Workshop is a space where anyone in or seeking recovery can get involved in meaningful activities that promote connectedness and community support. The group consists of members of the Fleetwood recovery community. Activities such as Horticulture in the onsite poly tunnel where pot plants and herbs are grown that are used in the innovative Yardens situated at the back of the Pavilion. A Yarden is a mock space that is the same size as the back yards of the residential houses situated around Park. The Yardens aim to show how a bleak yard can be transformed into something beautiful using plants from the poly tunnel and sessions on how to grow veg are on offer showing residents how to be sustainable. The Recovery Workshop is currently offering support to the Rangers to build a Yarden with a Pizza Oven. They hope to host Social Events which will showcase the recovery activities on offer such as Incredible Edibles, Love My Beach, CSI Sports, Red Rose Recovery and the Fleetwood Family Recovery group to show the community that “Recovery in Fleetwood is a reality�. 10
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Memorial Park is a Grade II listed park situated in the middle of Fleetwood. Designed and built in 1925 by renowned town planner Sir Patrick Abercrombie, it is unique in that the entire grounds were created in commemoration of the First World War, unlike most conventional architectural memorials, and it is one of only four listed war memorial parks and gardens in the country. The park has recently received a comprehensive restoration thanks to £2.4m funding from the Heritage and Big Lottery Funds. Essential conservation work has been carried out including restoration of the war memorial, entrances, pond, pathways and pavilion; we’ve created a greater range of sports and play facilities including a multi-use games area and Parkour equipment in addition to the traditional bowling greens and tennis courts; and there’s a programme of events and activities running alongside.
If you would like to become involved then come and join us every Friday 1- 4pm at the Pavilion. Teas & Coffee’s provided. AFFINITY Maga zine
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LATKES Latkes are potato pancakes...
...and are delicious, easy, very cheap and much, much healthier than they taste. Although they are made of potato they are lower in carbohydrates and higher in fibre than other spuddy dishes because most the of the starch washes away down the drain.
What do I do? 1. Grate the potatoes and the onion separately. This recipe is vegetarian but only if none of your fingers end up in the latkes. Most latkes are not vegetarian. 2. Put the onions on one side for later and ‘wash’ the starch away from the potatoes by rinsing in several changes of water. Use a sieve if you have one. When the water is clear, squeeze the potato dry then place in your tea towel and squeeze again. Get as much water out as you can. Some people do this by whizzing the tea towel through the air but then some people have to get grated potato off their kitchen ceiling so I leave that decision up to you. 3. When the grated potato is dry put it in a bowl with the onion and rest of the ingredients and give it a good stir. 4. Heat oil in a frying pan and put spoonful of the mixture in to fry. Flattery the dollops of mixture into little round pancakes and fry over a medium heat for 3mins or until golden. Turn them over and fry the other side, you can do a few at a time. They are great for breakfast or a late night snack. 5. Serve with ketchup, chilli sauce, cheese or whatever you like. Enjoy!
What will I need? • A grater, a tea towel and a bowl • 900g potatoes • 1 x big onion • 150g flour • 4 eggs • Mixed herbs • 1/2 teaspoon of salt • Pepper • Oil for frying
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0% PROOF
Hey there!
My name’s Mark and I’m the drummer for the new band in recovery 0% Proof. We are a newly formed group trying to get folks into our ethic of music to aid recovery. We love to see new members and encourage them to join us and form bands or groups of their own. Much of the problem I experienced was what to do with free time when I gave up my addictions. Music has always been in my life but it’s importance greatly increased, as I found time on my hands otherwise engaged in alcohol and substance abuse. You could say that Music is my higher power and kept me going when times got rough and tough. Now with our group we can share and enjoy playing music for ourselves and others and encourage more to get involved.
©2009-2016 idlemickey
If your readers are interested they can come and check us out at : http://www.facebook.com/groups/juice.burnley If you don’t have a Juice group near you, why not follow our lead and form your own? Thanks and Blessed Be
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Date 5th March
Event / Activity The Well - Stepping Up
Info Music event
5th March
Families Together
Family group
6th March
Motivate Yourself through Walking CSI: Golf and Foot Golf Taster Day CSI: Golf and Foot Golf Taster Day Launch of 1st UKRF Recoverist Cafe
Weekly walking group
22nd March
Metamorphosis - FILM
Open Dialogue Event
24th March
Sprit of the Drums
Music event
26th March
Easter Party
12th March 12th March 16th March
GIVE
Come along and have some fun in this great fun sport !! Come along and have some fun in this great fun sport !! Recoverist cafe
5th April
Easter family fun with Blackpool Families in Recovery Motivate Yourself through Weekly walking group Walking Metamorphosis - FILM Shakespear Lives in Lancaster
9th April
Families Together
Family Group
12th April
County Lancashire User Forum Motivate Yourself through Walking Families Together
Come along and get involved in your local recovery community! Weekly walking group
East Lancashire User Forum
Come along and get involved in your local recovery community!
3rd April
1st May 14th May 17th May
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Location Lancaster Boys and Girls Club, Dallas Road, Lancaster St Stephens Church, Bird St, Preston PR1 8DY Meeting at The Pavilion Café, Avenham Park, Tee Time Golf Centre, Fleetwood Road, FY5 1RN Euxton golf club euxton lane, chorley Manchester Metropolitan University Business school, M15 6BH. BS5.02. Lancaster Library
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Time 2pm
Contact Sam Middleton: 07583234254
12-4pm
katrina@redroserecovery.org.uk
Setting off 1pm 10:30am
Peter Cook 07753 223528 peterc@ redroserecovery.org.uk 07944 795268
10am
07474615073
1.30pm5.00pm--
alistair@ukrf.org.uk
GIVE
3:45-6:30pm ccramhp@gmail.com
Tanhouse community Centre, 1pm Skelmersdale, WN8 6AN St Marks Church, Layton 1-4pm
Lynne Shutter - 07715631752
Meeting at The Pavilion Café, Avenham Park, Lancaster Library
Setting off 1pm 1:30pm
Peter Cook 07753 223528 peterc@ redroserecovery.org.uk David - 01524 555900
St Stephens Church, Bird St, Preston PR1 8DY The Platform, Morecambe
12-4pm
katrina@redroserecovery.org.uk
10.30-3pm
admin@redroserecovery.org.uk
Meeting at The Pavilion Café, Avenham Park, St Stephens Church, Bird St, Preston PR1 8DY tbc
Setting off 1pm 12-4pm
Peter Cook 07753 223528 peterc@ redroserecovery.org.uk katrina@redroserecovery.org.uk
tbc
admin@redroserecovery.org.uk
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Kerry Stewart
East BRiC
It feels such a short time ago I last wrote a write up for Affinity yet so much has happened in that time. The BRiC funding panels have approved six more applications including several new business start-ups such as Paper Crafted Love (handmade cards), Creative Handyman Services, J&S Gates and Phoenix Property Services. Also receiveing funding were Inspire Music Academy to further develop the bands and music academy as well as YNOT a local young person’s charity who will be utilising Red Rose Recovery volunteers to go into schools and cells engaging with young people at risk of custodial sentences as a hopeful deterrent. The Roses Netball team have had a massively improved Winter season and began in high confidence after winning the 2015 Sports Team of the Year award. This award is given within the league for receiving the highest number of sports points.. in simple terms it means all the other teams think we are the nicest bunch of ladies! The team have also received further funding to train 2 people as a Level 2 Coach and Umpire. The Roses are also now affiliated as an official club with England Netball and putting together another team in order to enter a second local league. We still have our very own Back 2 Netball sessions delivered through Lancashire Sports CSI project, while numbers still remain low for these sessions those who attend really enjoy them. They are free and we meet weekly on a Wednesday 5-6pm at Hyndburn Leisure Centre, Accrington. Red Rose Recovery Choir had a break over Xmas due to other commitments several members had. We now have a new location at 9 Warner St, Accrington (also the home of Clean & Green Recovery). We meet Thursdays 5-7pm and welcome anyone at all whether you feel you can sing or not. RRR Choir are all about having a go, building confidence and having a good giggle in the midst of a good ole sing song. We still have Ella our incredibly talented singer and choir leader. iTog Photography group has also had a recent break but the trips will restart on the last Friday of each month from this month. Weekly sessions building on the skills and knowledge of photography and image editing will also be held each week. 16
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The latest edition of the Little Purple Book has been printed so look out for your copy of this valuable resource. It is a wellbeing activities resource for East Lancashire and features valuable groups and activities based on 5 Ways to Wellbeing in East Lancashire. A quick update from Andy who is Inspire’s Academy Coordinator: Inspire Band In December 2015 the Inspire Academy band played at the CRI Staff Conference at Old Trafford Football Club. The band consists of service users, peer mentors and volunteers from Inspire East Lancs. The band meets every week and rehearses at Woodnook Community Centre in Accrington. We welcome new musicians especially beginners. We are also in the planning stages of setting up new bands in Rossendale and Burnley. If you want to get involved please contact Andy Toynton on 01706 253670 or 07917556946
The Inspire ‘ Spirit of Christmas’ Show In December 2015 the Recovery Academy from inspire produced the ‘Inspire Spirit of Christmas Show’. We achieved three two hour shows performed to the community in Burnley and Rawtenstall. 40 service users, staff, peer mentors and volunteers were involved in the actual show. This two hour show was produced in 12 weeks from start to finish with individuals with no previous experience in this area and a massive 50+ rehearsal sessions were undertaken. 300 people watched the show, which included live music, comedy sketches and innovative production of Scrooge delivered. This had a massive impact on many service user’s recovery, as well as developing close links with local community groups. We are now planning a Pantomime show in October. If you want to get involved in any aspect of the production please contact Andy Toynton on 01706 253670 or 07917556946.
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HMP KIRKHAM WOW!!....what can I say! HMP Kirkham Embrace Recovery event rocked the County! Held on the 10th Feb 2016 Hi, my name is Lisa Ozenbrook and I am the Inspire Peer mentor Lead for Hmp Kirkham. I have worked in the establishment for just over 3 years working with people who have suffered with substance misuse problems, which has sadly resulted in many turning to a life of crime and ending up with a prison sentence. However, I am a great believer that we can all turn a negative into a positive, and this is one of the statements I use when I am supporting our Guys! “We can’t change the past, but we can make a better future.”
We are getting more and more success stories here at Kirkham, and I truly believe that having the recovery events, really excels visible recovery and carries the message further afield. The event was a fun filled inspiring, emotional day. We had our recovery community here at Kirkham sharing their stories alongside people from the outside recovery community, also sharing their stories and inspiring others. This included ex-offenders who had lived a life enthralled in deep addiction for many years, who came back to share with us just how they have turned their lives around, all because they have connected with services in the community and allowed themselves to be supported… 18
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EMBRACE RECOVERY EVENT There were many different multi agencies from all over the North West, who joined us in sharing their experiences and making our community here at Kirkham aware of what is on offer on the other side of the prison gate.
The Hmp Kirkham Inspire team would like to thank everyone who attended and for making it a fantastic day. The feedback we have received has been exceptional, and day has given the guys the hope and encouragement that they needed. We will be holding another Recovery event later in the year, so if you are interested in coming along and taking part with promoting visible recovery and showing our guys how you have built your recovery capital, contact me at: lisa.ozenbrook@hmps.gsi.gov.uk
REMEMBER…. PEOPLE CAN CHANGE….. RECOVERY IS CONTAGIOUS!!
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EVEREST BASE CAMP We were delighted to be able to continue to develop our Community Based Health and Well Being Horticulture project further in 2016, with the support of Red Rose Recovery, and the BRiC fund.
Over the years we have helped people from many walks of life regain their focus and selfconfidence, such that they have been able to pursue their goals further, and for example, this year already, three of our members have begun to work with LCC Employment Services, towards new opportunities, having been unable to work for some time.
We have a number of growing locations across the Fylde and Wyre, so we believe we offer the most accessible horticultural project in the area, and being part of us is free. We also look to work with other groups and programmes, such as the ‘In Bloom’ Groups, and the environmental projects such as Wyre Estuary Park, and Lytham Hall Woodlands Management. This means that anyone who begins to find a real interest in Horticulture, with support, can build their skills in other aspects of the ‘Green Industry’, and benefit from the formal volunteering available from the projects.
Supported by Wyre Borough Council’s ‘Shaping Your Neighbourhood’, as well, we are excited to be involved in supporting the development of two other projects. One, the ‘Ribble Valley Grower’s’ is looking at using market gardening skills as a core, to involve younger people in the development of a mutually supportive community of interest. Support for this project is also now coming from the NHS Re-Start Team, as well as the enthusiasm of those who have heard of the plans. 20
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The second project for this year has begun, and it aims to offer the community a service for people who find it difficult to maintain their own domestic gardens, and are unable to find the fees charged by the Garden Maintenance Services locally. Using a mixture of voluntary and payed time, we are looking to enable the garden owner to reduce the worry they have, and the stress associated with looking out onto unkempt plots. We will also be improving the overall look of any neighbourhood, and providing the project members with a mixture of on the job skills development, permitted work opportunities, and the therapeutic benefit of helping people in need. As with all such projects, no-one will be getting rich, but by providing such a service, we believe we can genuinely help the recovery community work towards the future with improved employment chances, and the ongoing relationship with partners of ours who support people back into work. Teaming up with the Memorial Park Community Garden, who provide fabulous facilities, ourselves, the West View Team from RRR and Inspire and the local community have an opportunity to establish a ‘Yarden’ in the park, which we will do with good upcycling, and planting specifically for the attraction of wildlife, and during the 2016 season, the Fleetwood Public will be invited to look round the ‘Yarden’s’ and see how any ideas might inspire them to use their own spaces more successfully. Again, developing the basic therapeutic benefits of open spaces and gardens within the community. The many people who are part of our project find it rewarding, good fun, good for themselves; their health, their focus, their confidence, and of course, good for the wider community. Getting involved with Incredible Edible Fylde and Wyre is easy…’If you eat, you are in’. Various people and places have our details: The West View Community Centre, Inspire, RRR, Local Mental Health Teams (Mountcroft & Woodlands), YMCA, North West Health and Well-Being Service (NCompass), Regenda, WBC. Because we have such a range of places we work on, and often are in the community on specific projects on an ad-hoc basis, it is worth calling first to discuss what sort of involvement you are considering. There is a time-tabled structure as well, so hopefully, whatever your recovery goals, we will be able to help you reach them. AFFINITY Maga zine
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Local recovery group Juice has become a fixture on the local recovery scene and the group’s relaxed, social and supportive approach already appeals to many people. Adrian and Steve told Academy News a bit about Juice and what’s coming up in 2016. “You’re always guaranteed a warm welcome at Juice. We’re here to help people just coming out of treatment, who are ready to take those first steps towards getting their lives back on track in whatever direction they choose to take. We believe sustainable recovery is an ongoing process and aim to provide the necessary support and friendship through our activities. We share our experiences in social settings and take a look at the lighter side of life. Recovery needn’t always be a serious business – we need to learn to laugh and love again too.” It’s an exciting time as Juice has lots of activities on offer now and in the near future, from Tai Chi to samba drumming and samba dancing. There is also a Valentines Ball coming up on Friday the 19th February at the Vanguard Centre in Burnley, which will be a joint venture of Juice and the Inspire Academy. The event is open to everyone, those in recovery and friends of recovery too. Tickets are on sale from Juice or Inspire sites, £2 each for adults and kids are free. There will be food included and live music. Juice aims to help every member live a full and active life and fulfil their true potential. “Together we really can make a difference.” Juice meets up three evenings each week: Thursdays and Saturdays at the Citadel Colne, Market place, Colne, BB8 0HY, from 18:30 and Fridays at the Vanguard Centre, Bevington close, Burnley BB11 4SD, also from 18:30. To get involved or find out more ring Steve on 07549 625852 or email:juicelife@mail.com. “It would be fantastic to see you.” AFFINITY Maga zine
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Recovery Volunteer Awards On the 10th of February Affinity Magazine had the pleasure of attending the recovery awards organised by Red Rose Recovery at Preston north end Football Club, and what a fantastic night it was to celebrate with the hundreds of volunteers from across Lancashire. The event was organises to celebrate and acknowledge all the hard work the volunteers across Lancashire do and the Affinity Team recognise how important volunteering is and how much by helping others, we help ourselves, and the benefits we bring to our communities. The night was kicked off by Red Rose Recovery’s CEO Pete Yarwood, who welcomed everyone to the event and acknowledged how much he appreciated all the volunteers and all the hard work they do. Sakthi Karunanithi from Public Health presented the night and the awards, and a beautiful meal was served. Chris Lee commissioner from LCC attended
and it was great to see everyone connecting and enjoying the celebrations. Steven Duncan gave us a performance of his rapping and poetry and what a great performance it was, you could have heard a pin drop in the audience.
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The following awards were presented: • Volunteer of the year - Jane Wilkes from The Well in Barrow for her work with women • Personal Development award - Callum Ashton • Volunteer locality award - Freddie Mansfield • Biggest achievement award - Eddie Mc Vey for his tireless volunteering at The Well in Lancaster. • Inspirational Volunteer Award - William Robinson known to most as Fleetwood Billy for his great work with RRR and LUF • Above and Beyond Award - Dorie Wallwork for all she does for everyone else. • Unsung Hero Award - Alan Fish • The BRiC Innovation Award - David Mc Loughlin for his work with Metamorphosis open cinema. The winners received prize such as TV, IPads and laptops all sponsored by different organisations from around Lancashire. Affinity enjoyed being part of the evening and celebrating with others the great work we all do in Lancashire.
So we at the Affinity team salute you Lancashire!
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Who are we? Melody and Jo, we are the founding Directors of the Exchange Creative Community. Jo has a back ground in Community work and Melody has been a Social Worker for 20 years, working mainly with young drug users.
What is the Exchange? The Exchange is an arts for health project, we promote local artists and provide free creative workshops for the community. When artists sell their work with us, they can chose whether to give us a commission or whether to bank time with us, when they bank time with us they then facilitate the workshops. This is exciting because it means that the community get workshops by professional artists. Everything we do at the Exchange is based around the 5 ways to wellbeing and we promote the concept that it is the process of being creative that is good for our health and wellbeing more than the outcome.
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What are some of the workshops that we have run? We have run workshops in batik techniques, upcycling clothes, big knitting, silk painting, zen doodling, creating mandalas as well as weaving, printing and zen doodling.
What do you enjoy most @ the Exchange? Without a shadow of a doubt the very best aspect of the Exchange has been the connecting with other people, we have observed people connecting in many ways, they connect with their creative side, with their inner child, with each other and with their community.
Where is the Exchange? The Exchange is @ No 7 West street Morecambe LA3 1RB Web Site: www.theexchangecic.co.uk Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/ exchangecic Come down, have a chat, be creative or just look at art and have a brew. AFFINITY Maga zine
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Challenge through Sport Initiative (CSI) is an ambitious innovative partnership project to encourage more active and healthier lifestyles for adults in drug and alcohol recovery by getting involved in regular sport and physical activity. The scheme is running in various parts of Lancashire with groups doing a wide range of activities including boxing, netball, football, circuit training, Zumba and family activities.
Getting people involved as participants or helping run activities on a voluntary basis is a key part of the programme as well as providing access to a range of training courses. CSI provides all the support, training and guidance, offering people in recovery from addiction opportunities, recognised qualifications and career prospects.
Paul Reilly, CSI Support Worker in the South Ribble area said: “Five years ago there would be no way I could do anything like this. An opportunity came up where I could come and be a support worker, setting up sports for people in recovery. For me that was a big step in my life.
“When people have been for a few weeks, you see them come out of themselves and you see their self-confidence grow. We play in the football recovery league and there are 200 people at that. I look around and can’t believe I’m actually doing this because at one point I was sat in my room isolated.
“I’d like to see the project grow and grow. Hopefully in a few years it will be all over the country.”
In addition to Paul gaining the role of Support Worker through the programme, others involved in the project have gone onto full and part time work, ranging from cleaning and personal training and delivering training courses to team leaders in other organisations.
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If you are interested in volunteering in for CSI in your community or finding out what activities are on get in touch with your local CSI Support Worker.
• Leyland and Preston – Paul Reilly, 07474 615073, preilly@lancashiresport.org.uk • Hyndburn – Zak Halstead, 07724 644600, zhalstead@lancashiresport.org.uk • Lancaster and Morecambe – Scott Buchanan, 07724 656681, sbuchanan@lancashiresport.org.uk • Blackpool - Dean Wilson, 07944 795268, dwilson@lancashiresport.org.uk Get involved online and like CSI on Facebook www.facebook.com/LancashireCSI to see all the great activities taking place.
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FUN PAGE Can you spot all 10 differences in this photograph of the Recovery Coaches?
Sudoku Puzzle Fill in the grid with numbers so that every row, column every 3x3 box has the digits 1-9, without repeating any
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Can you find all the Easter words?
BONNET
EASTER
HIDDEN
KIDS
TREASURE
BUNNY
EGG
HOLIDAY
RISEN
CHICKS
FAMILY
HUNT
SUNDAY
CHOCOLATE
FUN
JESUS
SWEETS
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LIBERTY WOMEN’S COMMUNITY GROUP
VENUE: Royds Street Accrington, LAN, UK BB52JH Liberty is a community group for woman, to have a safe space to share their recovery and to be able to speak openly about issues and concerns to other woman. We cover topics such as, menstrual, menopause, post-natal depression, relaxation, health and well-being. Liberty gives woman the opportunity to identify the issues and concerns woman face in recovery and daily living and to have a voice, be themselves, try new things, work towards new goals and be able to recognize their own skills, qualities and values A place to meet new people and make new friends, Join in activities such as cooking on a budget, yoga and confidence building. Giving you the opportunity to build a support network in the community and to integrate as part of the local community and wider community. We work alongside other organisations such as Inspire, Red Rose Recovery, Lancashire Challenge Through Sports and the woman’s centre organisations/agencies/community groups come in and talk about topics chosen by the woman. Jane Moodie from Lancashire Challenge Through Sports is facilitating a yoga activity once a fortnight, as we want to include physical and mental health wellbeing as part of our sessions. We also have three ladies who will be facilitating the group who are all trained in recovery coaching, all DBS checked and have also done the safeguarding and confidentiality training Kevin the red rose recovery locality worker is supporting us; we are having regular update meetings to go through action plans. We have also discussed our pathway to safeguarding if any issues or concerns are raised, Kevin is happy to be our point of contact to deal with safeguarding. We are also grateful to Andy from the inspire academy who has sat in on our meetings and supported us. Andy has offered to do the confidence building as he has already been doing this with groups at inspire, we are leaving the decision to the group to weather they are comfortable with Andy facilitating this Our first session is going to include an ice breaker and the growth tree which will involve the ladies writing on post it stickers to tell us what it is they would like to do in the group. So if you’re a woman in recovery looking to make new connections and get support, then why not come along and be part of Liberty x
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