{"id":235,"date":"2022-05-09T15:53:20","date_gmt":"2022-05-09T15:53:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/?p=235"},"modified":"2024-10-11T10:26:27","modified_gmt":"2024-10-11T10:26:27","slug":"unity-day-18th-march-2022","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/?p=235","title":{"rendered":"Jim&#8217;s Blog"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: 14pt;\">9th September 2024 &#8211; Bridge House, Maidstone.<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"wp-image-324 alignleft\" src=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jimbridgehouse-174x240.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"354\" height=\"489\" srcset=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jimbridgehouse-174x240.jpg 174w, https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jimbridgehouse-565x780.jpg 565w, https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jimbridgehouse-300x414.jpg 300w, https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/jimbridgehouse.jpg 575w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 354px) 100vw, 354px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt;\"><strong><span style=\"font-family: verdana, geneva, sans-serif;\">Bridge House is a wonderful de-tox, near Maidstone. After 2 week&#8217;s, residents either go on to rehab or return home. Whatever the decision, lives are changed. See the full lovely <a href=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/10\/JimatPOTW.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">write-up I had from the Bridge House<\/a>.<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: 14pt;\">December 2023 &#8211; SIAS Clinic, Birmingham<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I went up to SIAS today, just outside Birmingham.I played to two groups. Its always good to see people starting out on their recovery, especially at this time of the year.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: 14pt;\">Kevin &amp; Jim&#8217;s Recovery<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n<p>I had opportunity to record this in early December at Oxleas NHS. Kevin McInerney interviews me and shares some stories and anecdotes about recovery and support services.\u00a0 Find at <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/772532674\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">https:\/\/vimeo.com\/772532674<\/a><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" src=\"https:\/\/player.vimeo.com\/video\/772532674?h=b865d27a84&amp;color=ffcc00&amp;byline=0&amp;portrait=0\" width=\"640\" height=\"360\" frameborder=\"0\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/772532674\">Kevin and Jim&#8217;s recovery journeys<\/a> from <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\/oxleasnhs\">Oxleas NHS<\/a> on <a href=\"https:\/\/vimeo.com\">Vimeo<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"color: #800080; font-size: 14pt; margin-bottom: 0;\"><strong>HMP Send-December 21st<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p3\">HMP Send is a category C training prison for 282 adult females. It has the only therapeutic community in women&#8217;s prisons in the UK. Send is located near Guilford. I presented my music\/story session to several members of the drug and alcohol programme.It was well received, and there was some powerful sharing. I was pleased to be asked to return next<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>year.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #800080; margin-bottom: 0;\"><strong>HMP Brixton &#8211; December 20th.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">This was a return visit to HMP Brixton.The session was special, as three members of the group were<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> g<\/span>raduating from the therapeutic programme. They were also leaving prison in the next month. It was a privilege to be there.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #800080; margin-bottom: 0;\"><strong>Turning Point in South West London &#8211; December 15th.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I visited Turning Point in South West London, this is a<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>Service for the families and friends of the person who<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>has a drug\/alcohol problem. It was interesting to hear<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\"> t<\/span>heir perspective on recovery and how their lives had<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 c<\/span>hanged.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #800080; margin-bottom: 0;\"><strong>Turning Points Christmas Party &#8211; December 9th.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I was invited to play at Turning Points Christmas Party<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>in West London. Apart from being an enjoyable event, I made various contacts with staff members in different projects in London. Turning Point is the largest and oldest alcohol\/drug service in the UK.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #800080; margin-bottom: 0;\"><strong>\u2018Harbour\u2019 in Brixton December Ist<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I visited the \u2018Harbour\u2019 in Brixton again. This is a comprehensive day service, for people who<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0<\/span>need support in their ongoing recovery. The \u2018Harbour\u2019 is part of the Lambeth drug and alcohol Consortium.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\"><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #800080; margin-bottom: 0;\"><strong>Highdown Prison 31st October<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">When I visit <strong><em>Highdown Prison<\/em><\/strong>, which is located three miles from<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0 <\/span>Banstead, in Surrey, memories\u00a0 are triggered.Early in my recovery, I<span class=\"Apple-converted-space\">\u00a0\u00a0<\/span>attended an AA meeting, in Banstead Psychiatric Hospital. In 1992 the prison opened, it\u2019s a Category C mens training\/resettlement prison.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">I went to Highdown earlier this year. On entering the security process, the officers always ask me to play a few chords, it\u2019s a good beginning.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">The Forward Trust(formally Rapt)have developed a strong culture of recovery amongst the inmates. My session went well and I was impressed with the level of sharing within the group.<\/p>\n<p class=\"p1\">It\u2019s always inspiring engaging with people in prisons left with a deep sense of gratitude.<\/p>\n<h3><\/h3>\n<h3><strong>Dear Albert, 28th September 2022<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/DearAlbertRecovery?__cft__%5B0%5D=AZWrUqJziQdx0Kcau5Bh3kL7S9RQ-6mHnKsjderBV2xNRuZp2OGtjmiqx_mZSZN9-ls5jCV2ZOzkQt2UN1PPcSqGByFFxNwumnmibZW_PIits0Uyfwt3n8S_PKO3JX9G9iQ&amp;__tn__=-UC%5D-R\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-289\" src=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Dear-Albert-176x240.png\" alt=\"image link to Dear Albert project facebook page\" width=\"290\" height=\"396\" srcset=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Dear-Albert-176x240.png 176w, https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Dear-Albert.png 557w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 290px) 100vw, 290px\" \/><\/a><\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong>The Harbour, Brixton, 22<sup>nd<\/sup> September 2022<\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p>Fifteen minutes from Brixton overground station along Coldharbour Lane lies the \u2018Harbour\u2019, part of the Lambeth Drug and Alcohol Consortium.<\/p>\n<p>It offers support for people in ongoing recovery from addiction. It\u2019s a wonderful, welcoming environment. It was a bonus for me that the member of staff who<\/p>\n<p>opened the door, hadn\u2019t seen me for 17 years. Experiences like this make everything worthwhile. The \u2018Harbour\u2019offers advice and information on substance misuse including:<\/p>\n<p>Key work sessions and one to one support.<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Benefit advice<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Recovery groups<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Relapse prevention support<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Shower and laundry facilities<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Thursday afternoon drop in<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Computer access and WiFi<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Women\u2019s group<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Yoga and mindfulness<\/p>\n<p style=\"padding-left: 80px;\">Support for family and friends of substance users.<\/p>\n<p>My music\/stories were well received, and I was kindly asked\u00a0to return soon..<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h3><span style=\"color: #993366;\"><strong><a style=\"color: #993366;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/search\/top\/?q=Penhryn%20house\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Penrhyn House, Bangor &#8211;\u00a0 August 23rd<\/a><\/strong><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-medium wp-image-293\" src=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/nwrclogo-300x159.png\" alt=\"image link to North Wales Recovery Communities\" width=\"300\" height=\"159\" srcset=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/nwrclogo-300x159.png 300w, https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/nwrclogo-1024x541.png 1024w, https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/nwrclogo-768x406.png 768w, https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/nwrclogo-850x449.png 850w, https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/nwrclogo.png 1092w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 300px) 100vw, 300px\" \/><\/p>\n<p>NWRC was founded in 2014 by James Deakin, who was at the time working in criminal justice services and becoming increasingly frustrated with the lack of effective provision available for people with drug and alcohol addictions.<\/p>\n<p>NWRC began delivering a programme of meetings and recovery activity from Penrhyn House, which at the time was a hostel for ex-offenders. After negotiations with the landlord, James and the team took over the running of Penrhyn House and have since been running a rehabilitation programme for people with addictions to drugs and alcohol, they also provide a range of abstinent accommodation from both Penrhyn House and dispersed across Bangor.<\/p>\n<p>NWRC now has a team of six staff; all staff are in recovery themselves, and two have used NWRC services previously to support them on their recovery journey. Working and recruiting in this way has contributed to an democratic ethos amongst staff and clients, enabling them to work honestly and openly together, creating an environment in which people can overcome their addictions and rebuild their lives.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #800080;\"><strong>SIAS 13th July 2022<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/?page_id=281\">&#8220;it reminded him of the best meetings he attended and you had inspired him to want to share back&#8230;.&#8221; (read more)<\/a><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p>SIAS (Solihull Integrated Addiction Services) is a partnership of organisations, commissioned by Solihull Council, which work closely together to ensure that individuals in Solihull who are struggling with alcohol, drug or gambling addiction get the support they need.<\/p>\n<p>I received a great welcome from clients and service workers at SIAS. I did 2 presentations \/ performances back to back. A lovely day up to Marston Green.<br \/>\n<iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSIAS.Solihull%2Fposts%2Fpfbid0t13ZsoZbV7VWcAU3fkvZGDgZpYy2aqg4nYnVrKhttLzPnSrd8kpjav3CQ2UksFzdl&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"0\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSIAS.Solihull%2Fvideos%2F1227459071345403%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=269&amp;t=0\" width=\"269\" height=\"476\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/video.php?height=476&amp;href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSIAS.Solihull%2Fvideos%2F465920885356057%2F&amp;show_text=false&amp;width=269&amp;t=0\" width=\"269\" height=\"476\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><iframe loading=\"lazy\" style=\"border: none; overflow: hidden;\" src=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/plugins\/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fphoto.php%3Ffbid%3D581687966804939%26set%3Da.529695278670875%26type%3D3&amp;show_text=true&amp;width=500\" width=\"500\" height=\"497\" frameborder=\"0\" scrolling=\"no\" allowfullscreen=\"allowfullscreen\"><\/iframe><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #800080;\"><strong>North West Recovery Communities in Glasgow. 13th &#8211; 15th June 2022<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>I received a lovely warm welcome in Glasgow NWRC.<\/p>\n<p><em><strong>North West Recovery Communities<\/strong><\/em> is a community led partnership of people and services who are passionate about promoting recovery from Alcohol and Drugs. The partnership promotes that \u2018Recovery is possible\u2019 through a range of activities, There is a wonderful network of \u2018Recovery Caf\u00e9s\u2019 across Glasgow. I visited five of them in three days!<\/p>\n<p>These are cafes where people can get together, have a coffee and a meal. However, they offer much more than that.<\/p>\n<p>There are various groups, both therapeutic and practical: Mindfulness, yoga and creative topics are also covered.<\/p>\n<p>I\u2019d like to thank Brian, Tam and Martin for transporting me to the various projects and giving me such a great overall experience. I hope to return later in the year.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #800080;\"><strong><u>Glasgow Itinerary Week Beginning Monday 13<sup>th<\/sup> June 2022<\/u><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Monday 13<sup>th<\/sup> June 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\"><strong>Time<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"206\"><strong>Venue<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"156\"><strong>Host<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\">11:00-14:00<\/td>\n<td width=\"206\">Drumchapel Drop in Caf\u00e9<\/p>\n<p>St Marks Church,<\/p>\n<p>281 Kinfauns Drive,<\/p>\n<p>Glasgow<\/p>\n<p>G15 7BD<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">T Chawner \u2013 liaise with steering group regards time.<\/p>\n<p>Tam to liaise with Jim regards pick up time.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\">18:30-21:00<\/td>\n<td width=\"206\">Paradise Caf\u00e9 Drop In,<\/p>\n<p>Celtic Park<\/p>\n<p>Glasgow<\/p>\n<p>G40 3RE<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">T Chawner \u2013 jim group be on after recovery share \u2013 <a href=\"mailto:Gemma@sisco.org\">Gemma@sisco.org<\/a> the contact <a href=\"mailto:coyney.sisco@outlook.com\">coyney.sisco@outlook.com<\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Tuesday 14th June 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\"><strong>Time<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"206\"><strong>Venue<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"156\"><strong>Host<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\">10:30-14:00<\/td>\n<td width=\"206\">WeAreWithYou, NW Hub<\/p>\n<p>Unit 2, The Quadrangle,<\/p>\n<p>59 Ruchill Street,<\/p>\n<p>Glasgow,<\/p>\n<p>G20 9PX<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">Shaun Kenny, WAWY recovery worker, to pick up and drop off at NWRC Office.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\">15:30-17:00<\/td>\n<td width=\"206\">North- West Recovery Communities,<\/p>\n<p>80 St Vincent Terrace,<\/p>\n<p>Glasgow,<\/p>\n<p>G3 8DX<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">T Chawner \u2013 with our volunteers \u2013 invited Hope connections folk to office, Kevin Walton to see if he can bring some of them along.<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\">18:00-19:00<\/td>\n<td width=\"206\">AA Recovery Meeting,<\/p>\n<p>St Peters Church,<\/p>\n<p>46 Hyndland Street,<\/p>\n<p>Partick,<\/p>\n<p>Glasgow<\/p>\n<p>G11 5PS<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">M Birch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><strong>Wednesday 15th June 2022<\/strong><\/p>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\"><strong>Time<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"206\"><strong>Venue<\/strong><\/td>\n<td width=\"156\"><strong>Host<\/strong><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\">11:00-12:30<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p>1.30pm \u2013 2.45pm<\/td>\n<td width=\"206\">WINGS Drop In Caf\u00e9<\/p>\n<p>Possilpark Parish Church<\/p>\n<p>124 Saracen Street,<\/p>\n<p>Glasgow,<\/p>\n<p>G22 5AP<\/p>\n<p>GCA building \u2013 Brian to support<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">B McCarthy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\">17:30<\/td>\n<td width=\"206\">Participate in men sit and share group ran by NWRC<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">B McCarthy<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td width=\"106\">19:00-20:30<\/td>\n<td width=\"206\">AA Recovery Meeting<\/p>\n<p>Heart of Scotstoun Community Centre,<\/p>\n<p>64 Balmoral Street,<\/p>\n<p>Glasgow<\/p>\n<p>G14 5PS<\/td>\n<td width=\"156\">M Birch<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"color: #993366; font-size: 14pt;\"><strong>26<sup>th<\/sup> May Birmingham University<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>I went to the University of Birmingham to meet Luke Trainor, Project Manager of \u2018Better than Well\u2019 Collegiate Recovery. Luke developed the Idea with Dr Ed Day(Psychiatrist), who is currently the governments \u2018Recovery Champion\u2019. This project is the first of its kind in a UK university. The students attend a weekly group in the university, it\u2019s run along the lines of a 12 step and CBT programme.<\/p>\n<p>The members also attend AA(Alcoholic Anonymous), NA(Narcotics Anonymous and CA (Cocaine Anonymous), in the local community.<\/p>\n<p>I performed my session, it was well received.<\/p>\n<p>It was heartening to visit this group, in America, a few years back. Recovery groups and services for students with addiction issues have been a part of college and university culture for many years. Thank you to the students at Birmingham (U.K.) for giving me such a warm welcome.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\"><strong>Visit to ANA &#8211; 2nd May 2022<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>ANA treatment centre is based in Farlington, near Southsea, in Hampshire. I have been going down there for 14 years. When I first went there it was a quasi residential treatment centre, in fact, I was a Care Manager for Wandsworth, and I referred many people to ANA. The residents are referred from local authorities all over the UK.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s always a pleasure to go to ANA, as the culture is positive and real, this is due to the professional staff team, who have been working there for many years.<\/p>\n<p>-Jim<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\"><strong>Visits to the \u2018Forward Trust\u2019 projects in East Kent &#8211;\u00a0 Spring 2022<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>I went to four projects at Dover(6th May), Ashford(13th May), Sittingbourne(20th May) and Margate(30th May).<\/p>\n<p>I must thank Joshua, at \u2018Forward Trust\u2019 for organising the whole project.<\/p>\n<p>He met me from the station, set up the PA system and made sure I had enough coffee and snacks.<\/p>\n<p>These projects serve the East Kent area,<\/p>\n<p>They offer services to people with alcohol and drug problems and their families.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\"><strong>Unity Day &#8211; 18th March 2022<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>I took a train down to Ashford to visit and participate in the Forward Connect East Kent Unity Day. There were about 45 people assembled in the Parish rooms in the old town in Ashford. They had come from Forward Trust projects in different parts of East Kent.<\/p>\n<p>It was inspirational hearing people sharing their story of change and recovery. I sang a few songs and told some stories. There was a cake baking competition. I was one of the judges; a first for me and a lot of fun.<\/p>\n<p>As a large part of recovery is about connection with others, this event was a pleasure to attend.<\/p>\n<p>In May I will be visiting the individual projects In East Kent.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\"><strong>Brixton Prison &#8211; 28<sup>th<\/sup> March 2022.<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>I made my way to the prison, walking up Brixton Hill. It\u2019s been some time since I\u2019ve been to the prison, one noticeable thing was the new buildings. I have history with HMP Brixton, in 1965 I served a 6 week sentence there for contempt of court. Since being sober, I have visited Brixton many times as an AA member and as a Social Worker.<\/p>\n<p>The Forward Trust is a charity that helps people break the cycles of addiction and offending(formerly RAPT). They have drug\/alcohol teams in prisons in the UK. I was welcomed by one of the team, and we walked through the prison, to the group room. The men are assessed for the group programme, They spend six months working through the 12 steps, with one to one sessions with their individual counsellors.<\/p>\n<p>My session went well, the group were extremely motivated and enthusiastic about their recovery.<\/p>\n<p>They asked if I would return, I will be going back in six months.<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\"><strong>The Dover Project &#8211; Friday 6<sup>th<\/sup> May 2022<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>I caught a train from Bromley South to Dover Priory. Like many people I\u2019ve driven to Dover to catch the ferry many time over the years, however the train journey was a first for me, stations on the route such as Shepherdswell and Adisham were new to me.<\/p>\n<div style=\"width: 640px;\" class=\"wp-video\"><video class=\"wp-video-shortcode\" id=\"video-235-1\" width=\"640\" height=\"304\" preload=\"metadata\" controls=\"controls\"><source type=\"video\/mp4\" src=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Dover-2022-05-06-17-09-28.mp4?_=1\" \/><a href=\"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Dover-2022-05-06-17-09-28.mp4\">https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/05\/Dover-2022-05-06-17-09-28.mp4<\/a><\/video><\/div>\n<p>Joshua from the Forward trust was at Dover station to take me to the project.<\/p>\n<p>The Dover and Folkestone Hub is for people with drug and\/or alcohol problems who want to make a positive change. The project also supports the family and friends of people who are worried about their loved ones substance use.<\/p>\n<p>On arriving I met the staff, then prepared for my sing and share. During the session, the songs triggered difficult emotions for two of the clients, they spoke about it in the group after,<\/p>\n<p>It was a positive experience.<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-size: 14pt; color: #993366;\"><strong>Visit to LEAP in Edinburgh &#8211; 4<sup>th<\/sup> April 2022<\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n<p>The Lothians and Edinburgh Abstinence Programme (LEAP)is a quasi-residential integrated treatment programme for patients in the Lothian area who are striving for abstinent recovery.<\/p>\n<p>It was started 14 years ago. The clinical Lead is Dr David McCartney whose lived experience was a catalyst in founding this wonderful project.<\/p>\n<p>LEAP is run on the lines of a Therapeutic Community, peer supporters are a large part of this.<\/p>\n<p>I was made very welcome, and I presented my session in the lecture theatre for the patients and the staff. I received a warm reception and was asked if I would return later in the year.<\/p>\n<p>I felt nostalgic, as the treatment centre I went to was the original model for this type of treatment (Bio-psychosocial combined with AA meetings).<\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>9th September 2024 &#8211; Bridge House, Maidstone. Bridge House is a wonderful de-tox, near Maidstone. After 2 week&#8217;s, residents either go on to rehab or return home. Whatever the decision, lives are changed. See the full lovely write-up I had from the Bridge House. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; December 2023&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-235","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=235"}],"version-history":[{"count":43,"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":237,"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/235\/revisions\/237"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=235"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=235"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/recoverytoday.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=235"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}