A peer support group aimed at people “on the other side of recovery” is coming to Sheffield.
Addicted to Recovery Hope Circle started in Doncaster last September and after being received so well is expanding on 1 April.
The group partnered with The Jackson Hope Foundation and uses art, truth and lived experience to break stigma and inspire hope.
Dale, CEO and founder of ATR, said: “On the other side of recovery there’s not many options for people that, like myself, don’t fit in boxes so, if one thing’s not for you where do you go?
“Many times people feel like they don’t fit into certain arenas and there is nothing wrong with that.”
Dale created the group after his own recovery journey, where he then became a peer mentor, group facilitator and recovery worker but wanted to make something much more ‘people centred’.
The sessions run for two hours weekly and are focused on creating a positive environment where people can do anything from making friends to playing bingo.
This offers a different approach which everyone is welcome to experience and removes the pressure to tell your story or be labelled.
He said: “I’m not in competition with what I am trying to create, what I want to be is another option.
“Because I believe the more options people have, the more they’re likely to find what works for them.”
In sessions, Addicted To Recovery don’t tell people what to do, instead they offer support and suggestions which gives control to the indvidual.
Sheffield was named the next location after Dale was inspired by the collective approach of people such as Tracey Ford and recovery forums here ‘setting the benchmark’.
ATR also runs weekly walks open to anyone in recovery, their friends and family offering people a peaceful way to reflect and connect.
For people more apprehensive or anxious about attending, on TikTok they run lives with no camera as a gentle way of introducing themselves and having chit chat.
Dale said: “We make it fun and light, most of the time we’re talking about what’s your favourite chocolate bar or cake unless someone needs support and then we will switch it up.”
On other social media, Dale chooses not to show his face and only go by his first name as it is not about him, “it’s about the message on the back of the hoodie” and the people choosing to get up and fight everyday.
He said: “Come along and see what we have to offer, if that’s not for you then that’s okay.”