A big part of what we are all about, is the desire to support families as a whole; be able to signpost to organisations that can aid financial, mental health, physical health and to also support educational and social opportunities that would otherwise be restricted by various constraints.
Addiction has played a big part of my journey, supporting my partner John and our family through his alcohol recovery. He is now 4 years plus sober, which we are all extremely proud of; but to say that the process hasn’t had an impact on our relationship, our family and friends would be a lie.
Two of our Trustees have also been affected by addiction; Rodger being almost 10 years sober and Carol having; like me, supported a partner through alcoholism.
The subject of addiction, recovery and the stigma surrounding it, is something that we all feel very passionate about. We want to not only educate the wider community, to have a better understanding of the issue but to support the ENTIRE family of those affected by addiction and the recovery process.
We currently have funding from the wonderful Action Together Oldham One Oldham Fund; so that we can facilitate a support hub for families. Meeting for a brew and a chat, allowing the children to play games, being around like-minded individuals who understand the struggle on those difficult days, wanting to be ‘normal’ within the wider community whilst fighting that daily demon.
From these sessions, it is the hope that we can make new friends, truly listen to people and gauge what it is that they truly need to fill potential gaps. What do they want to achieve? Are there financial restraints? Are they passionate about something and need help to do that? Again, not only can we signpost to additional support, but by listening to these people we can look at supporting children to do hobbies that they love, arrange walk and talks, achieve a wider support network of people who understand and eventually educate others that people facing recovery or addiction and their families just need support and understanding.