Festive campaign launched to support people recovering from addiction
A Shropshire community company has launched a festive campaign to help those recovering from addiction stay healthy during the party season.
Telford-based A Better Tomorrow has developed a special resource pack providing practical help and advice for those in recovery and the people and community groups which support them.
The pack includes:
- Checklists with advice to follow throughout the festive season
- Resource cards detailing helplines and support
- Posters for community spaces and organisations
Social media posts will support the campaign, and articles featuring expert advice will also be posted on the community interest company’s social media feeds.
Chief executive Scott Morgan said the festive season could be a particularly challenging time for anybody recovering from an addiction.
“There is no doubt that the party season brings all sorts of added pressures which can place an extra strain on people who are in recovery.
“Parties almost inevitably feature alcohol and other drugs, there is a real danger of isolation and loneliness for people who can feel left out, and changes in routine and family dynamics can bring further dangers.
“Our resource pack features practical advice for before, during and after the festive season for those in recovery and the people who support them, as well as a series of checklists for things they can do to stay healthy.
“We hope it will help everybody to have a wonderful festive break whatever their circumstances.”
The A Better Tomorrow festive campaign comes as the Princess of Wales urged the public to change its attitude to those in recovery.
In a written message to mark the recent Addiction Awareness Week she said addiction was not a choice.
“Everyone suffering from addiction is another human being with a story of their own which many of us don’t understand or see. It is not our place to judge or criticise,” she said.
A Better Tomorrow was set up in 2014 to give support to people with addiction and substance misuse. It now provides accommodation and services to support over 700 clients and works closely with Telford & Wrekin Council.
It expanded in 2017 to support people with mental health needs through its Wellbeing Houses. In 2021 A Better Tomorrow set up an early intervention project to help people who had become homeless. Most recently it has set up a refuge for survivors of domestic abuse.
The CIC now has places for more than100 clients within its abstinence, wellbeing and early intervention programmes. It also provides outreach support working in partnership to run a ‘calm café’, detox service and wraparound care.
Pic: Chief executive Scott Morgan
