Unity group is set up to help addicts

Unity group is set up to help addicts

24 August 2016

A NEW support group for women in recovery from addiction has been set up in Downpatrick.

The aim is to offer a place of guidance, friendship and support.

From September 5, the ‘Unity in Recovery’ group will meet on Monday evenings at 7pm at The Hub in The Grove Shopping Centre, Downpatrick. 

The group is being set up with the help of Manus Teague of Community Interest Company, Life Change Changes Lives (LCCL), which runs at The Hub.

LCCL runs various programmes including the successful Pop Up Art project. Pop Up Art members restore an old piece of furniture that was destined for landfill and the aim is that in the process they restore and help themselves.  

The services provided to members include counselling, mentoring, psycho-education, transferable work skills, personal skills such as self-discipline and developing confidence and self-belief.

Niamh Deegan, who is a volunteer therapeutic counsellor with Pop Up Art, explained more about the new service.

“Unity in Recovery is a new support group for women in recovery from all addictions,” she said, “Our aim is to provide support, guidance, education, enjoyment and friendship for women in recovery.  There is no membership requirement or fees charged.  Just come along on Monday evenings and join in.   

“Our weekly structure will include group discussions, guest speakers and social events. Our first guest speaker will be Liz Elliott from The Health and Wellbeing Company, on a date to be confirmed. Social events will include theatre excursions, day trips to Belfast and additional events.”

“We work towards helping others to help themselves in the long term.”

Niamh added: “Currently LCCL receive no government funding.  We are presently covering our expenses through fundraising, public donations and selling our art pieces and furniture in our Pop Up Art Centre in The Hub.  

“All of our staff are volunteers but we need funding to pay for professional services and expenses such as art materials, insurance, member lunches and outings. If you can help us please visit our fundraising page: https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/lccl.”

For more information on Unity in Recovery contact 07731 582332.