The Recoverist

How can you go about recovering in an alternative way? Lived Experience discussion with Jayne

Jayne joins Dan in this episode where they explore the alternatives to recovery services. Jayne shares her inspiring story of self-detoxing and finding her recovery in mutual aid. They also discuss wellbeing initiatives such as yoga and mindfulness. Jayne also shared her experiences as a volunteer within the recovery sector and how this has led her to a paid job.
Guests: Jayne – Individual with Lived Experience and AA fellowship userThemes: Lived Experience, Alcohol, AA, 12 Step Programmes, Personal Story, Mindfulness, Yoga, Self-Detox, Relationships, Volunteering
Show notes:More information on AA: https://www.alcoholics-anonymous.org.uk/ More information on Volunteering with Wirral Ways: https://changegrowlive.org/careers-volunteering/volunteering 

How do over-the-counter medications become a problem & how to get help? A Key Worker’s thoughts

Dan is joined by Pete, a Senior Practitioner at Wirral Ways. Pete talks about his own recovery journey and what led him into his current role working with individuals who are misusing Over the Counter Medication and Prescription Medications. Pete talks about the innovative project that he’s leading on as well as language changes they’ve implemented to try and tackle some of the stigma associated with asking for help.
Guests: Pete – Wirral Ways Over The Counter & Prescribed Medications Senior Practitioner and individual with Lived ExperienceThemes: Lived Experience, Benzos, Alcohol, Z-Drugs, OTC Medication, Prescribed Medication, Recovery, Innovative Work, 12 Step Programmes, Recovery Services, Personal Story
Show notes:More information on NA: https://online.ukna.org/ 

What does creativity look like in recovery? From the perspective of an Art Therapist

In this episode of The Recoverist, Dan is joined by Laura, an artist and art therapist. Theyspend time talking about the power of art within recovery as well as self-expression and the partthat plays within wellbeing. Exploring the role of creativity in life and recovery, delving into personal stories and experiences that have been shaped by addiction and how playfulness, art, creation all play a part in healing.
Guests: Laura – Art TherapistThemes: Art Therapy, Recovery, Creativity, Expression, Mental Health
 

What does rehab in the community look like? Hear about The Discovery Academy

In our second pilot episode of The Recoverists, Dan is joined by Damien, Wirral Ways’BRIC (Building Recovery in Communities) Lead. Damien talks about his own struggles and how he found himself working within the Recovery Community. They also talk about the Discovery Academy, a 12 week day rehabilitation programme that Damien created. Our very own host, Dan, has actually completed the programme himself and talks about his experiences of it. They also touch on Nightingales Café, the ‘beating heart of the Recovery Community in Birkenhead’.
Guests: Damien – Wirral Ways BRIC Coordinator and individual with Lived ExperienceThemes: Recovery, Recovery Services, Day Rehab Programmes, Personal Story, Lived Experience, Spirituality, Recovery, Recovery Services, Nightingales Café
Show notes:More information on Nightingales Recovery CIC: https://nightingalesrecovery.org.uk 

James & Sharon: A discussion on two people's experience with addiction & entering into recovery

Join Dan as he chats to James and Sharon in the first ever episode of the Recoverist. James and Sharon are members of the Wirral Lived Experience Network (LEN) and are both in recovery. They talk about their experiences of opening up to family members and their own recovery. They shed light on the powerful work of the Spider Project, an abstinence based creative therapies service based in Birkenhead. They share their personal stories of recovery in this pilot episode and how they overcome their addictions, becoming the people they are today. They also talk about stigma and the impact that this can have on people accessing services.
 
Guests: James & Sharon – LEN Members and individuals with Lived Experience
 
Themes: Personal Story, Lived Experience, Creative Outlets, Recovery, Spider Project, Recovery Services, Family, Relationships
 
Show notes:More information on the Wirral Lived Experience Network: https://wirralmind.org.uk/services/lived-experience-network/wirral-lived-experience-network-for-drug-and-alcohol-misuse/
More information on the Spider Project: https://www.spiderproject.org.uk/