Collectivism #14 Recovery Month 2021

COLLECTIViSM #14, September 2021

RECOVERY MONTH EDITION

CONTENTS #14, September 2021

5 # 6 # 8 # 10 # 11 # 12 # 14 # 16 # 18 # 20 #

Kate Penman

Editorial Sunny Dhadley

Recovery is for Everyone Chris Cole

Challenge Accepted!

Helen Kilgallon

Recovery Near You Sarah Patel

Out of Darkness…

Paul Burns

Recovery Changes Lives Charlotte Webb

Recovery is the Best Medicine Mitch Fisher

Crossroads Good Shepherd Podcast Transcription

Having Somebody Care About You Tom Hayden

Recovery is Possible

24 # 25 # 26 # 28 # 30 # 32 # 35 # 36 # 38 # 40 #

Brendan O

Buddhism and the 12 Steps Anon

12 Steps and God as I know Him Leanne Hayes

The Power of Purpose Bradd

Housing First Paul Berry

Head 4 Health and New Start Charlotte Dunn and Awal Ahmed

Reference Points Otis Carey

Everything is Possible for one who Believes Karl Phillips

Wolverhampton 360 - an Introduction Film Transcript

Recovery Through Art Chris Manley

Discarded

Image (Opposite Page): still from 'Discarded' by Michael Riveiro Cover Image: still from 'Discarded' by Leanne Hayes

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Image: ‘The Good Shepherd’

by Vaidas Medelis

#Editorial

Kate Penman

EDITORiAL COLLECTIViSM cont.. Edition 14

Welcome to edition 14 of COLLECTIViSM dedicated to Recovery Month, celebrating the achievements of those in recovery from substance misuse and addiction. Recovery Month raises awareness of addiction issues and the agencies working with people affected by addiction. Its aim is to help people find recovery by spreading the message that treatment is effective, and recovery can be a reality for everyone.

The 2021 National Recovery Month theme, “Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community,” reminds people in recovery and those who support them that no one is alone in the journey through recovery. Everyone's journey is different, but we are all in this together.

With the impact of Covid, agencies and frontline workers have had to review and adapt all services. The government initiative of ‘Everyone In’ (the hotel and emergency accommodation operation for rough sleepers) has transformed lives and seen people who were entrenched in rough sleeping and drug addiction engage successfully with agencies, finding long term supported housing solutions

COLLECTIViSM

EMAIL: contact@collectivism.org.uk EDITORS: KATE PENMAN, ANNA SMITH

through improved multi-agency work. As lives have been transformed, so too have their families’ lives and communities.

Many in Recovery are now volunteering and engaging with other recovery groups facilitated by SUIT and The Good Shepherd.

This edition features articles written by those who are either in recovery themselves or working alongside people in recovery. We are grateful to all those who have shared their testimonies and artwork with us.

The Good Shepherd is showcasing the stories and artwork of people in recovery at the Light House throughout September.

It is a chance for people to celebrate others’ journeys in recovery and gives a platform to those in recovery to share their experiences and inspire others. It has been a privilege to work on this edition and see first-hand how lives can change when people are given the right opportunities and support. As we shine a light on the importance of investing in people and not giving up, we hope you are inspired to support our local charities at the heart of recovery.

DESIGN: JULIAN GWINNETT PHOTOGRAPHY: MICHAEL RIVEIRO

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#Recovery is for Everyone Sunny Dhadley

RECOVERY FOR E VERY Sunny Dhadley: FRSA

“

This edition of Collectivism explores some of the fantastic work and initiatives that have been delivered in the City by committed individuals and empowering organisations.

”

Sunny Dhadley FRSA is a Wolverhampton based Consultant, Speaker & Senior National Strategic Advisor to NHS England/Improvement Health and Justice Directorate

Recovery month is here once again. It is a chance to celebrate the achievements made by those who have begun or maintained their recovery in challenging times. Let us also remember the loved ones who form part of an individual’s recovery journey – recovery really is for everyone. Let’s take a minute to celebrate the front-facing staff in addiction and homeless services that have worked tirelessly over the last eighteen months.

This edition of Collectivism explores some of the fantastic work and initiatives that have been delivered in the City by committed individuals and empowering organisations. My personal journey has seen me championing the voice of lived experience at a national level, taking my personal experiences of addiction, the experiences of people locally and calling for system change and improved responses to addiction – which are built upon compassionate, person-centred, and holistic support.

This year, the Dame Carol Review of Drugs (Part 2) shone a light on the impact of dis-investment in treatment services, the exploitation of those with lived experience and how fragmented services really

IS ONE are – an issue that must be addressed if we are serious about more people finding and sustaining a life away from problematic substance use. More recently, Her Majesty’s Inspectorate of Probation (HMIP) have been working on their thematic inspection of community-based drug treatment and recovery work with people on probation. The ‘Inclusive Workforce Programme’ by NHSE/I’s Health and Justice directorate addresses the barriers that those with experience of the criminal justice system (often side-by-side with addiction) face with regards to working for the NHS. Gaining employment though is only one indicator of how well someone’s recovery journey is progressing. It is important to mark all achievements, big or small, with the same kind of appreciation. And let’s not forget those who are still battling to overcome their individual fight with addiction. Remember that just one kind word or gesture can redefine a person’s life!

Recovery Month 2021 will see meetings, events, and celebrations across the UK. In Wolverhampton, Thursday 16th September 2021 will be the launch

event for the exhibition, ‘Recovery is For Everyone’ at Light House, Wolverhampton.

This event will bring together individuals from a range of organisations, as well as people with lived experience of addiction to commemorate the dedication and hard work that has taken place. The Good Shepherd ambassadors will be in attendance to show their support, with Natalie Graham opening the event.

As a city, we should be proud that there is so much local support, in terms of new and necessary initiatives. Housing First*, The ‘New Start’ Program at The Good Shepherd, S.U.I.T’s critical delivery of Online Support, R.N.Y/S.U.I.T/Good Shepherd/360’s various support groups for those in recovery are life changing.

Through all this support, the core message remains the same “We believe in you and will do anything in our power to help you to achieve your individual goals and aspirations”.

‘Housing First’ is a recovery-oriented approach to ending homelessness, quickly moving people experiencing homelessness into independent and permanent housing and then providing additional supports and services as needed.

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#Recovery is Possible Tom Hayden

RECOVERY IS POS SIBLE Tom Hayden: Good Shepherd As we begin to see some light at the end of the tunnel, restrictions lift, and we start to reopen as a country, recovery seems like it’s never been more important. The forced isolation and disconnection the lockdowns have caused are in direct opposition to the principles of connection and community that are so important to achieving and sustaining recovery.

In February 2020 we officially launched our new centre on Waterloo Road opposite the Molineux. The ambition was to bring services together and create a shared space where people were able to access the support they needed. When the first lockdown came, we had to close our dining service and the multi-agency space but we stayed open throughout the whole of the pandemic providing food and support for people in the city.

Almost immediately we were contacted by our volunteers, supporters, local mutual aid groups, businesses, and our partners to see if they could support us. Between April and May 2020 alone we had 194 new people register with us to access food and support, a 34% increase compared to the year before. In the 2020/21 financial year, 1089 individuals accessed the Good Shepherd for food, advice, guidance, or

support. We registered 483 new people to access the service, including 81 families.

In January this year Wolves announced their “Feed Our Pack” initiative supported by the premier league and a generous donation from Nuno. This will see extra support for food banks and services across the city as well as school meals for vulnerable young people.

Our team worked closely with people experiencing homelessness, the local authority, and our partners across the city to support people into a local hotel under the 'Everyone In' initiative. Some of the people involved in this work share their stories in this magazine and it is truly inspirational to see the changes people have made because of this initiative.

Change and recovery is only possible if we believe it’s possible. Sometimes we need other people to believe in us before we can believe in ourselves. Our focus for Recovery Month is to give people the opportunities to showcase their strengths and share their stories of overcoming their obstacles and achieving their goals. Our

exhibition at the Light House has been a real community effort.

Our new podcast series features stories of recovery showing that not only is recovery possible, but it can also open doors to a life beyond our wildest dreams. Our art group has just produced a photography book and virtual exhibition and next year will be exhibiting as part of the British Art Show. Part of the exhibition includes converting the former Church Shelter at Waterloo Road into an exhibition space.

The Good Shepherd will continue to expand the services we offer to support recovery including a new project working with people who have experienced homelessness and been involved with the criminal justice service, developing our art and creative programmes, offering opportunities for people to give back to their community and get involved in delivering and developing services. Most importantly we will continue to show that recovery is possible and be here to believe in people until they are ready to believe in themselves.

Image: still from 'Discarded'

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#Challenge Accepted!

Chris Cole

CHALLENGE ACCEPTED! Chris Cole: SUIT Project Coordinator

The year 2020 was a very challenging one for us all and one that we will always remember as the year the pandemic took control of our lives. In March 2020 SUIT had to adjust quickly and change the service to ensure that our service users were still being supported. COVID-19 was a difficult and scary experience for all, and people in recovery needed our support more than ever. We had to act quickly to implement a new way of working.

around attending groups. SUIT continues to provide sessions online, but we have also brought back face to face group work sessions five days a week.

During the first lockdown we were unable to offer face-to-face appointments, so we adapted to providing support via phone and online platforms. Well-being checks with our service users and volunteers were completed via phone. Support was offered but we found that the majority of service users and volunteers just wanted to have a chat rather than face isolation by themselves.

At the end of the first lockdown SUIT had to adapt to support service users face-to-face whilst following government guidance. It was clear that service users were missing the face-to-face interventions and some support needs couldn’t be met over the phone or online. This was a challenge! We had identified the support needs of our service users but how could we meet this need and keep everyone safe? Following risk assessments and some DIY work in the office we could provide face-toface sessions with all the relevant safety precautions in place. The drop-in had to be cancelled but we were able to offer five appointments a day. Feedback from service users is that they are happy to be back!

SUIT supported service users all the way through the pandemic by providing phone interventions and online group work sessions five days a week. There were a number of positive changes that came from 2020, particularly the online group sessions. Previously SUIT facilitated face-to-face peer support SMART recovery sessions with good levels of attendance and participation. When SUIT changed to online sessions, we really didn’t know what would happen. Amazingly we found that service users enjoyed online group sessions. It enabled service users to engage with groups that they previously shied away from due to anxiety issues

To put the new changes into context, during 2019 (pre-pandemic) SUIT supported 218 service users which consisted of 1,264 separate interventions. During the pandemic in 2020 SUIT supported 356 service users which consisted of 1,584 interventions. It is easy to look at negative aspects of the pandemic but if you look hard enough you may find some positives!

SUIT are now helping more service users then we were previously and 2021 is no different. SUIT may have been forced to change its approach to manage a pandemic but in hindsight it was a good step forward for the service as we are now supporting more people.

If you or someone you know is struggling with drug/alcohol addiction or in recovery and would like extra support, please feel free to contact the SUIT office on 01902 328 983.

We may not be out of the woods yet with the pandemic but we can all get through this together!

Stay safe everyone.

SUIT

16 Temple Street WV2 4AN 01902 328983 www.facebook.com/ SUITWolves

The Service User Involvement Team (SUIT) is a project that sits within Wolverhampton Voluntary Sector Council (WVSC). All of the paid staff and volunteers who work at SUIT have personal and first-hand lived experience of drug and/or alcohol abuse. SUIT supports Recovery Near You in the delivery of group recovery sessions and training sessions. It assists service users with benefits, advocacy, form filling, IT support, telephone support, 3rd party referrals, debt advice, job

searches, education and training. Its aim is to relieve pressure from service users enabling them to focus on achieving/maintaining their recovery.

Image: 'Online Support Group' by Charlotte Webb

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#Recovery Near You Helen Kilgallon

RECOVERY NEAR YOU

Helen Kilgallon: Operations Manager Recovery Near You has met many of the challenges of the last eighteen months with tenacity, team effort and a focus on service user needs. We have embedded S.U.I.T and the recovery model into all aspects of Recovery Near You demonstrating that recovery begins from the first contact with the service. Virtual SMART* and support groups were very successful this past year and for the last few months we have returned to face-to-face contacts for groups and the majority of our service users. We are committed to delivering small scale events in the coming months celebrating recovery with a family day and a gardening event to thank our wonderful volunteers.

Recovery Near You continues to deliver successful outcomes for our service users, families, children, and young people. A multi-disciplinary approach is key to our success as we work closely with our colleagues in hospital, shared care, social care, mental health services, criminal justice, domestic abuse, homeless and accommodation support.

The recent integration of several new posts with a criminal justice element will complement the work within Recovery Near You including, additional posts for support in maternity, prison in-reach, health and

wellbeing, participation for young people and support for those at risk of exploitation.

We are excited to see the expansion of Recovery Near You to increase the delivery of services in community settings.

If you are a resident of Wolverhampton and are experiencing issues relating to alcohol and or substances please get in touch with us at RNY on 0300 200 2400 or visit our website recoverynearyou.org. uk where we can offer you support and advice. Recovery Near You has access to a range of options such as brief advice, assessment, community and inpatient detox, opiate substitute prescribing, group work and activities.

*SMART (Self Management and Recovery Training) is a programme that provides training and tools for people who want to change their problematic behaviour, including addiction to drugs, alcohol, cigarettes, gambling, pornography, food, shopping and internet.

Guided by trained facilitators, participants come to help themselves and help each other using a variety of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) and motivational tools and techniques.

#Out of Darkness…

Sarah Patel

OUT OF DARKNESS…

Sarah Patel: Senior Volunteer, SUIT

Growing up it was the norm to see my mom with a drink. She was rarely drunk, just sad. She was an amazing mom, who had serious issues with alcohol and subsequently died from liver failure.

Possibly if I was aware of the effects of addiction, I could have done more, and my life would not have taken such a dark turn.

I was isolated having fallen out with friends and family and I was in an abusive relationship. My daughter was born with a heart condition, I spent most of my time at hospital and looking after my two boys.

After losing my mom, I found comfort with a friend called wine. It was normal for me to have a bottle each evening, but one bottle did not last so I would buy another and finish them both. I was getting more depressed, but l had a friend in wine. I was drinking three bottles a day. I got into debt and lost my family home. I was scared, my life was disappearing, and I had no control.

Social services ordered for the kids to stay with their dad. I had nothing, there was no point in me anymore. I curled up with wine and drank until I fell asleep. I did not know where or who to turn to.

I had been referred for treatment before but never followed it through. I wanted to keep drinking to stop feeling the pain. One day my legs were like jelly, I had a seizure.

I knew then enough was enough. I needed to stop and only I could do this. My hands were shaking so much it was hard to call the ambulance that took me straight to hospital with severe alcohol withdrawal

symptoms. I completed my detox in hospital. My support worker was amazing.

I knew she cared about me, something I had not felt for a long time. The detox was a success but without the level of support I was given from Recovery Near You and SUIT, I could not have done it. They never gave up on me, they believed in me and cared when no-one else did.

Post alcohol, I became a regular at the SUIT office where I felt supported, and they helped me sort my life out. It was not smooth, there were still bumps but I was offered a volunteer role. It felt great. I learnt so much and started to regain some of my confidence. I loved helping others, I could relate to them. I knew what it was like to feel as though you are on your own.

When lockdown came, it was a challenge, but everyone pulled together to support those who needed it the most. I was asked if I wanted to become a senior volunteer. I felt happy and proud. I never thought six years ago I would be accepting this role and responsibility. I couldn’t believe this could happen to someone like me.

I am studying my level 3 health and social care diploma. I’ve been offered a job as a support worker. I’ve still got a way to go and a couple more challenges to face but I am strong enough to deal with it. My journey has not been easy but with the correct support, friendship and people not giving up on me I have done it.

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#Recovery Changes Lives Paul Burns

RECOVERY

CHANGES LIVES Paul Burns: Housing First / Good Shepherd

I can’t emphasise enough the impact that Housing First has had on those in recovery who have a history of non-engagement and entrenched rough sleeping due to substance issues. The ‘Everyone In’ initiative was spectacular because it didn’t just bring all the organisations together but also all the clients. We were able to get people on script* a lot faster and people couldn’t go out shoplifting or begging to fund their habit, so they had to engage.

I think for our HF clients it has been life changing without a shadow of a doubt. A lot of people initially went into the flats with no goals or purpose but as time went on, they turned their flats into homes with furnishings, a telly and pictures. They started to fit back into the community, engaging with drug and alcohol services, being accountable and responsible for their bills. Their families and children seeing these changes started coming back into their lives as this wasn’t like before with false promises of change.

Clients are now back in their families’ lives.

We have had that many parents phoning us to thank us, their children are coming back from beyond. It makes me feel that my job is worthwhile. A lot of people were lost and through HF holding their hand they have been brought back to a much better place where they can believe that they Image: 'King Pip' by Darren Parkes and Robin Firth

can change and be part of the community.

From being lost souls in a doorway to being able to start education and training, volunteer and give back to the community, something they thought they’d never achieve, it’s just massive.

I also run a weekly men’s group with former rough sleepers. The group is about honesty and accountability. The men lead the group and chat about anything they want to. We’ve been talking a lot about addiction and the guilt when their money has gone the day after payday. We focus on being accountable and the need to change more than just their substance issues. I’m proud that nearly all of the group are now keeping their appointments with our counsellor. I used to have to frogmarch clients to these appointments and now they are seeing the value of counselling themselves.

Every Wednesday we order pizza, eat together and talk, it’s as simple as that and it’s my favourite day of the week. I think the Good Shepherd and the groups have become like a second family. When I leave here after having seen six people glowing it makes me glow. I can see real happiness in them and that’s great.

*prescription for a heroin substitute

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#Recovery is the Best Medicine Charlotte Webb

RECOVERY IS

THE BEST MEDICINE

Charlotte Webb: BA (Hons) Illustration Student, University of Wolverhampton In 2017, my life was no longer my own - it belonged to alcohol. Getting rid of the daily anxiety, the spinning top inside my head, and the very noticeable tremors, were all I could focus on; the only way to quiet the noise was to get a bottle of wine into my system, as quickly as possible.

Nobody on the outside could possibly know what was going on, but those closest to me now saw me as a helpless shell of the former rock they used to depend on.

Strangers in the street would never see me at my calmest (usually after a minimum of two bottles of high-strength wine); they would only ever see a clearly unhinged woman. I knew I couldn't live like this any longer. The heart-breaking reality was that the career I had spent years working so hard on, had cost me my mental and physical health.

In October 2017, I finally got the help I so desperately needed. The Recovery Near You team provided me with a support worker and the tools and mindset that were absolutely fundamental to me eventually quitting alcohol.

On 20th March 2018, I walked into Recovery Near You and said the most life changing words I have ever spoken - 'I'm ready'. I started my detox programme the following day. Very early on in my recovery I started to make a number of positive changes in my life. Firstly, I decided I would never work in a toxic environment ever again. I turned my recovery into a life-sized project, with goals to achieve and only doing things to make me feel proud and happy.

I focused on healthy eating, educating myself on balanced nutrition; I joined a gym and I researched how to improve my sleep; I created a more ambient environment in my bedroom, drank herbal teas, and used apps to listen to soothing sounds.

During this time I had absolutely no desire to drink again but I did have a desire to understand the cause and effect of alcohol.

I listened to an audiobook called 'Alcohol Lied to Me' written (and narrated) by Craig Beck. This was an incredibly powerful observation of what we, society, believe alcohol to be, and what it actually is.

All of these changes were incredible for my mental health and quality of life, but the big change came when I picked up a pencil; it was the start of a new chapter. After finding myself doodling and sketching, I decided to watch some video tutorials, and learned how to paint with acrylic on canvas boards. I felt myself getting hungrier for more, I enrolled on a foundation course in Art & Design, and after a year of studying I passed with a fantastic grade. I am now in the second year of my degree in Illustration and have achieved so much. I am course rep for my fellow students, president of the Student Union Art & Design Society, I have my own business with support from the SPEED project through the university and I am loving life. I have new friends who love doing what I do; we travel, have coffee dates and try lots of new fun things. I'm also learning to drive and getting closer to passing my test.

Four years into my recovery and my life is the best it has ever been. I have a handful

of close friends and family, and I put them and myself first.

For me, recovery meant changing lots of things in my life. I found lots of good things that make me so fulfilled I don't ever feel the need to find a crutch again.

I want to use my artwork and my story to help inspire others to make that change, everyone deserves to be happy, including our loved ones affected by our actions. I stand by my belief that recovery, really is the best medicine.

Image: ‘Wine Oh Wine’ by Charlotte Webb

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#Wolverhampton 360 - an Introduction Karl Phillips

WOLVERHAMPTON 360 AN INTRODUCTION

Karl Phillips: Senior Practitioner, Wolverhampton 360 We are Wolverhampton 360. We are the drug and alcohol support team for children, young people, and their families in the city.

We are a part of Recovery Near You, the adult substance use service for the city. I’d like to take this opportunity to let you know about the work that we do across the city.

I always describe our service as having two arms. The first arm is called treatment.

This team works with young people directly using substances. In most instances our caseloads are made up of young people trying and experimenting with substances, rather than the entrenched dependent use that we see in adult service users.

In this instance we can deliver brief interventions, advice and guidance and harm reduction work. This is often enough for young people to make more informed and positive choices around substance use. There are other young people who can become entrenched in their substance use, and this requires a longer term, more structured approach. We are well known to partner agencies in the community, and we frequently work with schools and alternative education providers, as well as social care and mental health services.

The second arm is our Family team. This team works with children and young people affected or impacted by an adult’s substance use. This is often parents or carers but could also include siblings or extended family members. Many of the

referrals for this team come from social care, and deal with neglect in all its forms.

We frequently form part of a core group of professionals who work closely together to meet the needs of the children and families being impacted. This is a bespoke service, and the team members have a variety of skills including counselling-based interventions, play therapy and family work training.

We are passionate, committed, and work in a holistic, inclusive, and collaborative way with our young people and families.

We focus on hearing the child or young person’s voice, and in building a raft of measures, often bringing in services from across the city to meet our children and young people’s needs.

We are proud of the excellent reputation that we have built, and of the support and guidance that we have offered to children, young people and their families impacted by substance use in the city.

If you need support, or just some more information then please call us on 0300 123 3360, or check out our website at: w360.org.uk

Image: 'Flowers in Pot' by Amelia

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#Having Somebody Care About You Good Shepherd Podcast Transcription

HAVING SOMEBODY

CARE ABOUT YOU

Paul Berry: Fundraising and Comms, Good Shepherd | Ram Dhir: Housing First support worker, Good Shepherd | Matt, Housing First Client

Matt: I was a long-term heroin and crack cocaine user for over 20 years and on the streets for long periods of time. Covid came and I was on the streets begging for money. I was in a bad place with my mental health, using all kinds of stuff. Someone told me there were people helping the homeless at the Redwings Hotel. I went down there, staff told me “we can help you, we can put you into a place, help you with all your support needs.” When you are a drug addict you wake up everyday and the only thing on your mind is drugs so to have somebody who cares about you who can say “we are here to help support you, it is up to you if you want the support” is amazing.

Matt: It was having somebody care about you. When you’re a drug addict you feel lost and lonely, apart from people, you lose a lot of the people who care about you through drugs. The support workers give you their all and there’s no strings.

They can get you in to see Recovery Near You to get you on a script. I found it hard to ask for help, a lot of people do but these guys make it easy. This kind of support is instrumental to recovery.

I started working with Ram. I was going through tough times; I’d not long come out of prison. I got pneumonia. I nearly died then it was like I had been touched by God if I am honest. I went to my brother’s from hospital in January and the Housing First team continued to support me. I’ve not touched drugs since. I’ve got a lovely flat and life is good. My family come and see me, connections have come back − things I’ve lost over the years which I thought I’d never get back, I speak to my kids again.

I’m looking to volunteer with Jason at SUIT. I’ve just signed up for a computer course.

Paul: Ram, how would you describe Matt’s transformation?

Paul: What do you think was the catalyst for change when you were staying at Redwings?

Ram: The transformation has been marvellous. At Redwings some days I was scared to knock his door, thinking I was going to find him dead. Now I can knock his door and he runs down to open it, shouting my name.

Matt: He used to find me in the hotel rooms nearly overdosing. We laugh about it now, but it was serious. I would be collapsing and he was just like ‘we need to get you some help mate’, there was never any judgement, he was just trying to help.

Paul: When your family see you now in your own property thanks in part to HF and GSM, how proud are they of you?

Matt: They’re speechless. My dad comes to visit. He has Parkinson’s and I couldn’t have turned my life around any better. My nieces and nephews were used to me being round for a bit but then I would be in prison, now I can be there with a birthday card. I think they’re lost for words to be honest.

Edited transcript from GSM podcast for Recovery Month 2021 Podcast available at: gsmwolverhampton.org. uk/news. Thanks to a grant from the Heart of England Community Foundation’s ‘Doing Things Differently’ fund, the Good Shepherd has launched a new podcast.

Image: ‘Touched by God' by Charlotte Webb Image (following page): ‘Reggae Night at the Crypt'

by Matt Lloyd #

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#Buddhism and the 12 Steps Brendan O

BUDDHI S M A ND

THE 12 STEP S

Brendan O

Two years ago, at the age of 49, I never dreamt I would be in a 12 step program or trying to practice Buddhism yet here I am doing both and loving it. Narcotics Anonymous promises that an addict – any addict – can find a new way to live.

Buddhism teaches us that life inevitably includes suffering, there is a cause of the suffering, there is a way out of suffering, and that way is the path, the dharma.

in Buddhism. The first step helped me identify patterns that showed me one thing very clearly: I didn’t like myself very much.

Luckily, I had also learnt about Loving Kindness meditation (or metta bhavana), which helped me to cultivate compassion for myself, and for others. It is no surprise that, because I didn’t like myself, I didn’t like you either.

In August, I celebrated being two years The 12 steps came first but I soon realised clean. I attend Sangha (community) Night that there was going to have to be a every week at the Buddhist Centre as well spiritual element in my life if I was going to as a lovely weekly study group where we be able to get the most out of the program. learn and discuss aspects of the dharma After being a devout cynic, and atheist, in relation to our own lives. I attend regular since my late teens, this was going to be NA Meetings and am currently working with no mean feat. I had been practicing my sponsor on Step Four, and I secular meditation using an app am delighted to report that so I decided to enrol on a both NA and Buddhism six-week Introduction to have been true Buddhism and Meditation to their word. at my local Buddhist Centre. At this point I www.ukna.org was about eight weeks Narcotics Anonymous offers addicts clean. I hadn’t started a way to live drug-free. If you are working on the steps not sure you’re an addict, don’t and I didn’t have a worry about it; just keep sponsor, relying on coming to our meetings.

NA Meetings alone to You will have all the time www.gamblersanonymous.org.uk keep me abstinent. you need to make up

NARCOTICS ANONYMOUS

GAMBLERS/ ALCOHOLICS ANONYMOUS

Four months later, I had completed Step One and was starting a second course

your own mind.

www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk

A fellowship of men and women who share their experience, strength, and hope with each other so that they may solve their common problem and help others do the same.

#12 Steps and God as I know Him Anon

12 S T EP S A ND

GOD AS I KNOW HIM Anon

Gambling is a temporary relief and cannot be managed by someone who is a compulsive gambler. I was unable to see past this idea and unwittingly continued to gamble, whilst it ruined my life. The only prayer I knew then was: God can I have more money for another bet? For a while I believed I had high moral standards which would not be broken but then addiction hit. I knew gambling was turning me into a lying, stealing hypocrite, betting his way into a bottomless pit of despair, but I couldn’t stop.

Without Gamblers Anonymous I don’t know where I would be. I know where I was, homeless and desperate and losing my mind. I simply could not control my gambling. Nothing seemed to matter anymore and the life I was living was making me more anxious, but I wasn’t going to pray to God unless it meant God was there to pick up all the pieces. It would not be a prayer to ask for forgiveness or admit my helplessness. Gambling was annihilating every part of my life. I knew that I was a good person, but I was fixated on stealing, lying and gambling my way into a psychiatric ward or prison.

It wasn’t until I walked into my first GA meeting in August 2017 that I realised I was a compulsive gambler. It's been four years and I am still living gamble free. For those struggling with addiction the 12 steps program is there to help everyone. There is a definite comfort in the togetherness and fellowship of GA meetings.

The program works because it is based on a strong premise that we are powerless to our addiction, but we can turn our will and lives over to the care of God as we understand him. Through surrendering to my powerlessness and trusting God, my new life began. A prayer that helps me and guides me through my journey is ‘God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can and the wisdom to know the difference.’

You too could be a part of a group which helps you. All you need is a desire to stop gambling or drinking or whatever it is. Our addictions stop us from becoming the people we were meant to be. For me, the 12 steps and a deepening faith in God has transformed my life. #

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#The Power of Purpose Leanne Hayes

T HE P OW ER OF P URP O SE

Leanne Hayes: BA (Hons) Fine Art Student, University of Wolverhampton At my lowest − homeless, unhappy and self-medicating with drugs − nothing worked, there was no hope for me. Therapy was not working and my temper was out of control. Thoughts of past experiences were taking over. It felt like a black hole was swallowing me up. I did not know how to break through the darkness.

I had completely lost myself when I reached out for help from The Good Shepherd. I was sick of crying every day sometimes for no reason at all. My mood swings were unpredictable, I was fighting a lot and taking out my frustrations on the world.

They were happy but I was not, and it did not feel fair at all. Why could they smile when I could not?

Paul Burns from The Good Shepherd took me boxing, it was an immense help. It was only an hour but after every session the feeling of relief was indescribable. I started volunteering at The Good Shepherd to fill up my time and to give my life some structure. Volunteering gave me the kick up the ass to re-think how I needed to treat and speak to people, as well as teaching me to listen.

I told Paul that I had started drawing again and felt like I was ready to get into education. We took a walk around West Park to chat about my options and weeks later I enrolled at Adult Education in Art and Design. I completed the diploma and I have just passed my first year at the University of Wolverhampton studying Fine Image: 'Roadmap' by Leanne Hayes

Art. I now run a Recovery Art Group for the Good Shepherd with Chris Manley at Newhampton Arts Centre. We are working on an exhibition for Recovery Month at the Light House. We are also in talks with the University about exhibiting as part of the British Art Show 9 in 2022. In recovery, it is important to have things to work towards and look forward to.

To the staff at The Good Shepherd – a big thank you. You are not just an organisation, you have become family always showing me support. You have given me opportunities to be the best me. Also, I would not be where I am today without the help of the staff at Adult Ed and the University. Their support will always mean so much to me.

Everyone needs someone to talk to. I count my lucky stars every day that I have a strong family and friends around me to talk to, who push me to achieve every single goal I have in my reach. I would encourage anyone struggling to find someone they can talk to.

I have a purpose now. I embrace every imperfection. There is nothing scarier than battling your own thoughts every day. Art has helped me fully express my feelings and emotions. It has allowed me to lose myself in my thoughts and imagination and to tell my story through art. Helping others in the Recovery Art Group has helped me too and I cannot wait until we can show our work in September.

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#Housing First Bradd

HOUSING FIRST Bradd

I used to sleep near the old market in an empty building. It was dusty and full of rubbish. I was there for three months then I pitched a tent near a church. Back then I was on mamba and didn’t care where I slept. It’s an evil drug. I used heroin and crack cocaine on the streets and when Covid came all rough sleepers were moved into the Redwings Hotel. I didn’t want to stay there. I wanted to be on the streets but the staff persuaded me to stay and got me on a script for methadone within a week. That helped a lot. Before that, it could take a few months to get on script.

Within a few months of being at the hotel, Housing First found me a flat and my support worker, Dawn helped me with that.

It’s furnished and carpeted. It was a quick process and I’m happy. It did take a while before it felt like a home as I was too used to living on the streets and getting money for my habit. I wouldn’t have got my flat if it hadn’t been for Covid and being on a script.

I have been clean from crack cocaine for a month now, and clean from heroin for a year and four months since being on script.

Heroin doesn’t bother me anymore, but I have had to stay away from people that are a bad influence even if I love them.

My housing first workers have really helped me. Paul has been there since day one and I see him and Dawn as friends, they’re like family. I’ve been through so much and they’ve always been there for me. At first I wasn’t honest with Paul, he always pulled me up on it. I go to a men’s group at The

Good Shepherd that Paul runs. We order pizza and eat together and talk about our week. We talk about our drug use and look at the importance of being honest and accountable. It’s mad that I get a real buzz out of it because it makes me feel better. You always feel much better after the group.

I see the counsellor every two weeks at The Good Shepherd. I can tell him what is on my mind and he helps me see my options. It does really help to talk to him. I feel less stressed after I’ve seen him and feel better about myself.

I’ve started volunteering as well at The Good Shepherd two days a week. I help with all the work and food distribution. I love volunteering. The other volunteers have been great. Paul always encourages me and lets me know about what other people are saying about me and that’s really nice. I’ve just got another volunteering role at a bike shed. I love bikes and messing about with them, and that should be two days a month volunteering there.

When I was on the streets and in the tent it was a vicious circle, going to my begging spot, get a tenner, score, and then get off my face and then the circle would start again. I couldn’t have ever volunteered or attended counselling or groups. I could never have imagined coming so far with me on script in my own flat and being happy.

Image: Bradd by Michael Riveiro #

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#Reference Points

Charlotte Dunn and Awal Ahmed

REFERENCE POINTS Charlotte Dunn: Artist / Marketing Officer Faculty of Arts, Business and Social Sciences I’ve been a sufferer of three invisible illnesses that have affected my life over the past few years. I have seen how art and imagery can help people speak about an invisible condition. In my artwork I look at how having a picture of your symptoms, i.e., a scan, could help an individual in speaking about what is going on and how they feel when they can’t explain it to others.

I produced an artwork based on the condition of PTSD for the ‘Now We’re Talking’ art trail in Worcester. I have suffered from PTSD as a result of my epilepsy. I produced large scale prints of my drawings of PET brain scans of both sufferers and non-sufferers of PTSD. This allowed viewers to see the difference in the patterns of the brain and a visualisation

of the changes in our brains when triggers happen.

When The Good Shepherd asked if they could use my art as a reference point in their recovery art group I was delighted.

I feel creativity can help anyone in expressing how they feel and drive them forward to feel like they have achieved something, even if some days inside you feel as if you can’t.

Creativity has always been a big drive for me and working with others to share creative ideas and achieve something together means everything. If you can look at something and say, ‘we did that’, it’s the best feeling in the world!

Awal Ahmed: Good Shepherd Volunteer and service user I go to the art group at The Good Shepherd.

The Good Shepherd are like my second family. When I was on the streets, they helped me a lot. I help them too. I want to give back.

The art group is good because it helps me to relax, and I like painting. Katie showed me some paintings of brain scans. We talked about them in the group. I have PTSD because of what I saw and went

through in my own country. My father was killed, and I was sent to prison twice because I am Oromo (persecuted ethnic group in Ethiopia). I showed Chris pictures of my country’s flag and he made a new picture with the scan and flag together. I liked this idea very much.

I helped paint the gallery at the Light House for the exhibition. I am happy my painting will be there with everyone’s.

Image: 'Be the Best Version of You' by Charlotte Dunn

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#Everything is Possible for one who Believes Otis Carey

EVERYTHING IS POSSIBLE

FOR ONE WHO BELIEVES

Otis Carey: Counsellor Wolverhampton Counselling Services I’m sure that everybody reading this is familiar with the expression ‘you are what you eat’. Well, I would like to propose a new cliché, ready? Here goes, ‘you are what you think!’ I know, it hasn’t quite got the same ring to it but, hear me out. You may or may not be aware of it, but up there in your head, right in between your ears, you are carrying one of the most powerful, sophisticated, and complex pieces of technology known to mankind.

This awesome powerhouse of a machine is called, ‘your brain’.

There’s a lot of talk these days about ‘thinking positively’. Sadly, when you hear that expression it’s quite likely that the first thing you think about is the kind of cheesy quote you so often see in memes on social media. As a counsellor I find myself constantly encouraging my clients to think positively. For me, when I’m trying to get my client to think more positively, what I’m really trying to get them to do is to think effectively. One of my mantras for life is ‘the way you think should work for you, not against you’, and I wish I could share with you all the times when this approach to my life has helped me achieve positive outcomes, often in extremely challenging situations.

But you don’t have to just take my word for it. Research has shown time and time again the powerful impact of believing in yourself. Christians call it faith, scientists call it the placebo effect, you may know it

Image: 'Oromo Trauma' by Awal Ahmed

as just plain old ‘belief’. Whatever you call it, it has been proven repeatedly and in so many different ways to have a significant positive effect on your results in life.

Believing that you can, really does help you to achieve those important changes in your life. Whether you’re trying to give up drugs or alcohol once and for all, improve your emotional well-being, or trying to start eating healthily. If you’re attempting to complete that course of education you’ve always wanted or preparing for that big job interview, whatever it may be, it is so important that you believe in yourself! Back yourself to succeed, encourage yourself to keep going, and be kind and forgiving to yourself whenever you come up short.

I don’t know where you are on your recovery journey, I don’t know how many times you have already tried to make a positive change in your life. Regardless of any of that, I just want to encourage you to believe in yourself, back yourself, you can do it!

At The Good Shepherd, I have the privilege of helping people recover, and I get to see firsthand, almost every day, proof that it is doable! Recovery is doable! Yes, even you!

There are more than enough people to discourage you, to point to your faults and to put you down. Please, never ever, allow your own voice to become one of your doubters!

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#Recovery Through Art Film Transcript

RECOVERY THROUGH ART Steve Hughes: Good Shepherd Support Worker | Vaidas Medelis: Good Shepherd Service User | Darren Parkes: Good Shepherd Service User | Leanne Hayes: Good Shepherd Volunteer Art Tutor Transcript of Recovery Month Film showing at the Recovery Exhibition, Light House.

Steve: Recovery Month gives everyone the opportunity to come together and share their own experiences of exactly what they’ve achieved and what they’ve experienced themselves and what they’ve gained and that’s what makes it all so special and so important.

Vaidas: Alcohol doesn’t help... it doesn’t work... it’s not good for me… moderation... just simply I need to stop… some people can do moderation but not me… when I start drinking, I drink on and on and on... more and more... it’s madness...

Steve: I’m getting to know myself, putting the drugs down and having a relationship with myself is a massive thing for me cos I didn’t know who the hell I was. I’d suppressed a lot of stuff for years with drugs, with any drug. I’d put anything into my body just to escape how I felt.

Darren: A lot of people on the fringes of society don’t feel that they’re good enough or they’re not deserving, or you know people will be judgemental of them

Leanne: The recovery art group is really important... everyone has their own little process… some people even if they feel like when they come along they can’t do art or they’ve never drawn before... they’ve never put pencil to paper or picked up a paint brush apart from when they were in junior school but to me it’s really important because it’s therapeutic and it relaxes you... and by the time that you’ve finished something… something that someone would never talk about before… they’ve had a full conversation about it and they don’t even know that they’ve done it…

Awal: In the art group I did a painting. My picture is my brain...with the picture of my flag… this is my country... my trauma...

I couldn’t sleep at nights sometimes because I think too much…that’s why I’m painting…

Darren: Personally speaking whether it’s mental issues or drug dependencies, art is important... it’s another avenue for a person to express themselves.

Vaidas: It’s relaxing. I relax. It makes me enjoy the time drawing.

Steve: People can be at all different stages of recovery… whether they’ve put down the drugs and they’re still drinking that’s progress… or they’re on prescription drugs and they’ve come off the hard drugs… that’s progress…that’s recovery…whether they’ve put down the drugs completely… that’s progress... that’s recovery.

I’m just grateful to be clean… grateful to be doing what I’m doing here… and I’m grateful to be part of this Recovery Month and so is every other individual that is taking part in that.

Image: ‘Steve’

by Chris Manley

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#Crossroads Mitch Fisher

CROSSROADS Mitch Fisher

After 18 months of not drinking and attending AA meetings I was at a crossroads in my recovery. People talk about experiencing a new lease of life and freedom in your recovery − as explained in the Step 9 promises − but it was a life that I could not imagine. At the end of every meeting the promise is read. “…We are going to know a new freedom and a new happiness. We will not regret the past nor wish to shut the door on it... No matter how far down the scale we have gone, we will see how our experience can benefit others... We will suddenly realize that God is doing for us what we could not do for ourselves.”

I had thought if I’m not drinking, I’m happy but then you start questioning your purpose in life and I found myself praying a lot. I’d been doing some artwork for friends and my sponsor asked me to paint, ‘The Man on the Bed’. It was a painting that featured in the 1955 edition of Grapevine Magazine, an American recovery magazine.

With much prompting from my sponsor, I finished the painting and gifted it to her at that year’s AA Christmas meal.

My sponsor posted a copy of my painting on an AA FB page. Jerry Swarb, CEO of High Watch Farm in Connecticut contacted her to buy the painting. High Watch Farm is the world’s first 12-Step treatment centre set up in 1939 by Bill W, (co-founder of AA) Sister Francis, and Marti Mann.

Unbelievably, Jerry Swarb asked if I would paint another two paintings and invited

me out to the States to High Watch and to Vermont, Bill W’s home.

A month later my sponsor and I flew out to JFK, New York. We went to High Watch Farm. As we drove up the hill it felt like the Big Book (a treatise on how to recover from alcoholism written by Bill W) was coming to life. AA had not only saved my life but now I felt like I was sharing in their first experience of these beautiful woodlands.

The farm was gifted to them by Sr Francis who previously ran it as a retreat centre.

She believed implicitly in the 12 step program as a way of life for all. The land was 200 acres and the AA ethos was never to own anything so a trust was set up to establish the first 12 step treatment centre.

We spent a day there. We looked round the different meeting and consultation rooms and then there on the left was the room called the chapel where the meetings were held. I remembered Marti’s story of how she felt when she first came to the chapel and I had the same experience. I got goosebumps all up my arms. I saw the poem Desiderata. As I was reading it the tears started to flow down my cheeks. I knew that my prayers had been answered. I hadn’t known before what I was praying for, I was just calling out for guidance and now here I was.

We went to East Dorset to visit Bill W’s home. It was wintertime, snow-capped mountains and beautiful white virgin snow.

Wilson House used to be a hotel owned

by Bill’s paternal grandparents - an irony being that Bill W was born behind a bar. It was mad to be there. I had read all these pivotal stories of his childhood and there I was, looking out of his bedroom window.

A lot of the AA literature was written there, the 12 steps and traditions were written at his shed, ‘Wits End’. There was a map of the USA with all the pins marking the various kinds of meetings across the States and the different networks. Looking at the map you’re just looking at the States but the 12 steps has travelled the whole of the world. It’s changed countless lives and not just the lives of the alcoholic but the

lives of their families who travel the journey alongside them and often suffer more than we do as alcoholics.

That visit opened up so many possibilities and helped me believe in myself. A painting I had done was now hanging in Bill W’s room in America and the AA groups across the Black Country had signed the back of it. When my sponsor suggested that I paint that picture, I could never have imagined the outcome. It’s still unbelievable. It gave me faith to keep going forward. Now I know the worst things that have happened to me have been the greatest blessings. I will be five years sober in February.

Image: ‘Man on the Bed’ by Mitch Fisher

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#Head 4 Health and New Start Paul Berry

HEAD 4 HEALTH AND

NEW START

Paul Berry: Fundraising and Comms, Good Shepherd Every Tuesday evening, there is a very enthusiastic game of football which takes place in Wolves Foundation’s indoor arena at Aldersley. This session is part of the Foundation’s Head 4 Health programme.

The abilities of players is very mixed, their dreams of one day running out for Wolves in the Premier League perhaps extinguished, but the enjoyment is there for all to see and when it comes to this session, that is always the most important thing.

Head 4 Health is an initiative started by the Foundation after a need emerged in the city several years ago to encourage more men to get together to try and improve their mental health and wellbeing. Thanks to the growing partnership between the Good Shepherd and Wolves Foundation, several service users who are part of the ‘New Start’ project at the Good

Shepherd, are now among those enthusiastic football participants who enjoy gracing the excellent playing surface in the Arena.

Neil Booth, who has spent ten years working at St George’s Hub (a community outreach charity helping men who have been marginalised in society) is several months into his new role heading up the ‘New Start’ initiative at the Good Shepherd. He previously volunteered with Wolves Foundation on their health initiatives and has renewed the link-up with the weekly football sessions.

“The guys on the New Start project really enjoy the football,” Neil explains.

“Football is a sport which brings people together, there is a team ethic rather than focussing on the individual and you can’t put a price on being part of a team. People come from the other side of town to make the sessions - even

in the wind and the rain - that is how much it means to them. There are mixed ability levels within the players who turn up, but nobody judges anyone else, it is all about encouragement.”

The New Start project focuses on working with adult offenders with a history of homelessness and rough sleeping, with the aim of reducing reoffending. Neil is already working with 11 ex-offenders. Three months into the project, all have engaged positively and managed to avoid re-offending and returning to what is largely drug related petty crime resulting in regular short term prison sentences. Within the group are many who have found themselves in the cycle of addiction, which can lead to people losing their homes through debt or repeat offending to fund their drug habit.

everybody is different,” adds Neil. “I offer support with budgeting skills to make money last through the month, support with benefits and maintaining a tenancy. There are a lot of people who have suffered with addiction and mental health. I help make referrals and attend appointments at Recovery Near You with clients and help with mental health appointments and engagement. Our clients need stability and to know that they are not on their own in their journey. They need to keep well and have positive things in their lives. The football sessions are proving invaluable. I can visibly see their self-esteem improve since giving them the opportunity to take part in the football. It helps give a motivation and an outlook to look forward. They don’t want to return to the days of offending which could see them have to return to prison.”

“With New Start we offer person-led support based on the individual as

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#Discarded

Chris Manley

DISCARDED

Chris Manley: Wolverhampton Society of Artists

The Good Shepherd received an invitation to apply for a grant for an art-based project but we had a very short lead time.

My background is photography and so to create a photographic exhibition was an easy fit and urban waste suited the group’s mind-set. I then made the connection between rough sleepers and society’s attitude towards them and our disregard for possessions…’Discarded’ The project involved members of the group going outside with cameras, on their own or with professional volunteers‘ guidance.

Those not interested in photography were encouraged to write or research quotes.

In addition, they were taught editing techniques as part of their studio work to create digital collages as tutorial pieces.

Then Covid struck, creating a physical exhibition became out of the question. At first, we considered an online exhibition but then decided to create a video and a book giving those who were interested the opportunity to gain some experience of online publishing.

The format of video, e-book and printed book seemed to work well and could be a stand-alone or a useful addition to future exhibitions, giving permanence and value to people’s work. This is so important for people who are fragile with low selfesteem, giving them the opportunity to re-visit past achievements - we all need to look back and move forward.

We are very fortunate to be working from a beautiful, light and airy working studio at the Newhampton Arts Centre. The space adds value to the service we offer and raises the personal expectations of the individuals. There is no pressure for achievement, nor are we seeking to create professional artists (having said that there is some considerable potential developing) but to give them dignity and self-worth. Working creatively brings the mind to a place of tranquillity allowing the subconscious to process deep seated issues objectively.

Our next photography project will be ‘Us

By Ourselves - with a little help from some friends’. The group members and any service users of The Good Shepherd, who want to be involved, will take portraits of each other as well as some having their portraits painted by professional artists.

It has been a delight and inspiration to work with this group, as well as a privilege to be allowed an insight into their worlds with such openness and honesty.

Image: Michael Riveiro: still from 'Discarded'

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RECOVERY EXHIBiTION COLLECTIViSM #14 LAUNCH

An evening of music, art and conversation

Thursday 16th September | 6-9pm Light House Media Centre, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT ‘Recovery is for Everyone’ is a multidisciplinary art exhibition and sees the long-awaited re-launch of the Light House gallery after its closure due to Covid-19.

The exhibition challenges addiction related stigma and highlights the stories and experiences of those in recovery from various forms of addiction. In building awareness and raising the profile of recovery through art and testimonies, ‘Recovery is for Everyone’ aims to bring lived experience to a wider audience and demonstrates the power of art and community as a tool for recovery.

Recovery art groups facilitated by The Good Shepherd and Recovery Near You exhibit alongside University of Wolverhampton

current and alumni artists, as well as established Wolverhampton artists. Local artist, Graham Everitt will be projecting the Good Shepherd ‘Discarded’ photographic project throughout the evening.

Exhibition official opening September 16th 6-9 pm with music by Ian − Stay Loose Records.

Natalie Graham will be opening the event in her role as a Good Shepherd ambassador and other Good Shepherd ambassadors will be there to celebrate ‘Recovery is For Everyone.’ The opening night will also feature an opportunity to meet with the artists involved and discover more about recovery opportunities in Wolverhampton.

Recovery is For Everyone: Every Person, Every Family, Every Community.

“

WE AS INDIVIDUALS WHO HAVE RECLAIMED OUR LIVES CAN REALLY PROMOTE AND CELEBRATE THE VIRTUES OF WHAT BEING IN RECOVERY ACTUALLY MEANS. WE DO THIS NOT JUST WITH EACH OTHER, BUT BY OFFERING OURSELVES AS LIVING PROOF OF RECOVERY, OFFERING HOPE TO THOSE THAT STILL SUFFER

”

FAVOR UK, an addiction charity promoting recovery [www.facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk.org] Image: ‘Inner City Blues’ by Edward Kemshell

UPCOMiNG EVENTS UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON MA SHOW Friday 17th September – Sunday 3rd October: Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield St, Wolverhampton WV1 1DU LEADING WITH LIVED EXPERIENCE – MICHAEL KING Wednesday 22nd September 17:00 – 18:00: Online: Join Michael King the Director and Creator of the Communities Project as he shares how the Communities Project saves lives by investing in the community. www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/recovery-coach-academy-31595727665 UNIVERSITY OF WOLVERHAMPTON MA SHOW Friday 1st – Sunday 31st October: The New Art Gallery Walsall, Gallery Sq, Walsall WS2 8LG MASALA CHAI SATURDAY Saturday 2nd October 11:00 – 13.00: Boundary Way Community Garden, Boundary Way, Wolverhampton WV4 4NT A multi-sensory sharing event exploring Masala Chai.

STAR MAN Saturday 2nd October 19:00 – 22:00: Stay Loose Records, 6 Farmers Fold, Wolverhampton WV1 3NU Presentation of Bowie inspired artwork by artist Adrian Clamp.

WOLVERHAMPTON SOCIETY OF ARTISTS OPEN STUDIOS Saturday 9th – Sunday 10 th October: Visit www.wolverhamptonopenstudios.co.uk for a list of venues where WSA artists showcase their studios and artwork across Wolverhampton.

LAWRENCE: AFTER ARABIA – SPECIAL PRE-RELEASE SCREENING AND Q&A WITH WRITER AND DIRECTOR Monday 1st November 5:00pm / 8:00pm: Light House Media Centre, Fryer Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1HT Both screenings feature an introduction and Q+A by Wolverhampton born writer and director Mark J.T Griffin BRITISH ART SHOW 9 Saturday 22nd January – Sunday 10 th April 2022: Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1DU / Wolverhampton School of Art, Molineux Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1DT British Art Show is the largest touring exhibition of contemporary art in the UK, giving people in cities across the country the opportunity to engage with work by the most exciting artists in Britain.

MOLINEUX SLEEPOUT TBC 7:00pm – 7:00am: Molineux Stadium, Waterloo Rd, Wolverhampton WV1 4QR Molineux opens its doors to welcome supporters to sleep pitch side to raise awareness and vital funds for rough sleepers and people who are vulnerably housed.