September was ‘Recovery Month’ – an opportunity to celebrate recovery. There is often a stigma attached to people who experience problems with alcohol or drugs. Recovery Month was an opportunity to confront that stigma by celebrating people who are in recovery.

Our Alcohol Services held several events to mark Recovery Month, this is a great update from the service:

“On 15 September, we celebrated 4 people completing their residential rehab programmes. Family and friends were able to join them in reflecting on how far they had come, as well as all they have to look forward to. Congratulations to Kelly, Jackie, Shannon and Teresa.

“One way to inspire hope in people who are in treatment us is to help them engage with people who have been through similar journeys. We like to call this ‘Mix & Mingle’ – our current clients meeting with some of our ex-clients. It was great that 19 of our ex-clients came to share their stories of recovery with our current clients, some of whom were just on day one of their rehab programmes. Everyone came away with an enormous sense of pride at what those who shared their stories have achieved. Thank you to all who came and shared their stories. Thank you to Stuart, one of our current clients, who cooked a fantastic curry for everyone afterwards.

“Each year, a national walk takes place to celebrate Recovery. This year, it was Hull’s turn to host the event. We had organised a coach to take current and ex-clients to participate in the event. Unfortunately, circumstances beyond our control prevented the service from participating. However, thanks to some ‘nothing will deter me’ attitude, one of our staff, Tony Sunderland, together with an ex-member of staff and an ex-client, did travel to Hull and take part. They had a great time, representing St Anne’s and mixing with hundreds of other people from across the country celebrating Recovery.

“Our last event of the month was celebrating Recovery at Woodhouse Moor Parkrun in Leeds. Alcohol Services has a long association with Woodhouse Moor Parkrun. Being next door, clients have long been encouraged to use Parkrun as a form of exercise and a form of community engagement. On 30^th September, with Forward Leeds and Recovery Runners, we showed the positive side of recovery through participating in the event – running and walking – and publicising the good work of the services.

     Scott, Kathy, Kelly, Ben & Donna completed Parkrun!                 Telling Parkrunners about what we do

“Throughout Recovery month, we have been encouraging our clients to think about positive messages that they want to share with other people. This has resulted in several pieces of artwork appearing on the walls of the service, brightening the place up and allowing future clients and visitors of the service to be inspired by those who have gone before them”.

The Alcohol Service Team