Zoe’s Recovery Story
It was after a few years of using other substances that things started to get problematic. My spending started to get out of control and I was selling my possessions to buy drugs…
Recognise, Value, Change – Embed
In partnership with Active Calderdale
Why does the basement project value physical activity?
When you’ve been in addiction for 15,20 or 30 years you don’t even know who you are or what you like or what you don’t like. So what we do is give people the space and the opportunity to discover what they like and what they don’t like or who they are and who they’re not and sport and activity is used as a tool to do that, discovering who you are.
Recovery for me is very much a model of kinship, common purpose between people and sport and exercise is a perfect place for that kinship to take place.
Before we got involved with Active Calderdale we knew that physical activity was especially relevant in somebody’s wellbeing – getting well from addictions. Our structured programme focuses on the four elements of spiritual, physical, emotional and mental and whilst we can directly address the physical through sport or being active, what it also does is touch on the spiritual, the mental and the emotional as well.
We also invite people in from the outside from the community and that in itself shows those guys out there that recovery is here, that people do get well and give back to that community, and what’s been great about the initiative with the council is that, I think around 25 to 30 per cent of the people involved in it are coming from outside our recovery community to get involved. That’s really important because without that we don’t break stigma…
Alex’s Recovery Story
Thank you to Alex for writing and sharing his recovery story with us. He’s shown us that recovery is possible no matter the obstacles – not even a worldwide pandemic. We hope you find his story inspiring and it gives you the confidence to get in touch with us to see how we may be able to help you. When the pain of using becomes greater than the pain of not using, it’s time to get help. We can’t make that call for you, but we can help you every step of the way after that.
“If I hadn’t got that identification and connection with people who understood addiction from the start of my engagement with The Basement, I’d be alone, isolated and at risk. If I was on my own in my recovery, I wouldn’t have been able to start to repair relationships with the people I care so much about. Being around other recovering addicts is teaching me honesty and humility that I wouldn’t have had without a network of peers around me.” …
Kate’s Story
We are grateful to Kate (name changed) for writing and sharing her story about her relationship with alcohol and the journey into recovery. We hope you find her story inspiring and it gives you the confidence to get in touch with us to see how we may be able to help you. As we always say, we can’t make that call for you, but we can help you every step of the way after that. If Kate can do this, so too can you!
“I’d been drinking in the afternoon at work and shortly after I arrived home from picking my son up from school, the police came to my house. I was breathalysed, significantly over the limit and they arrested me. Spending a night in a police cell was something I never thought I’d experience.” …
Two new helplines to launch supporting people affected by drug or alcohol use
The amazing volunteers at The Basement Recovery Project and Calderdale in Recovery are offering their help, experience and hope to others.
Navigating your way from active addiction and into recovery can be overwhelming, whether you are the person using or a friend or relative trying to help.
From Monday 24th August, we will have two dedicated support lines to help. Becky’s line will be available for people who need that bit of extra support out of office hours (5pm – 10pm), or who may find themselves in crisis. If you are struggling, don’t hesitate to call the line.
The carers line is for anyone affected by someone’s drinking or drug use (or both). If you are needing help or advice, don’t know what to do or where to turn, you can call the Carers Support line.
Both lines are manned by people in recovery from drug/alcohol addiction or who have been affected by someone else’s. They have possibly been where you are now.
You can download PDF versions for printing on the Downloads Page of our website.
What you need to know about Cuckooing
What is Cuckooing?
Cuckooing is when a drug dealer or a gang takes over a vulnerable adult’s address for criminal purposes, usually as a site to supply, store or produce drugs from. Gangs will exploit an individual’s vulnerabilities in order to make a profit and avoid police detection.
Cuckooing is often seen as a part of County Lines criminality which involves drug gangs exploiting children and vulnerable adults.
Who is targeted?
The following individuals are sometimes targeted for cuckooing:
• Those who suffer from drug and/or alcohol addiction
• Those who are struggling financially
• The elderly
• People with mental health issues
• Individuals with learning disabilities
How does it start?
A gang member may begin by befriending the vulnerable adult – gangs will select members who are charming and manipulative in order for them to quickly build a rapport.
They will then offer the vulnerable adult something of interest to them, this could be a relationship, friendship, drugs and/or alcohol, money or clothing.
In exchange they may ask to ‘borrow’ a room, to store something or meet other ‘friends’ at the property. In some cases, the gang may make it clear that this is for criminal purposes, i.e. drug supply, or they may use an excuse as to why they want to use the property.
Gradually the ‘benefits’ will reduce and may eventually come to an end, and more and more people will come and go from the address.
The gang members may threaten the vulnerable adult verbally or physically if they try to put a stop to their criminal activity. They will also discourage family/friends and support workers from visiting the vulnerable adult’s address.
What are the risks of Cuckooing?
If drugs are found at the property it is likely the vulnerable adult, being a resident at the address, will be interviewed and/or arrested by the Police.
If an occupier allows gang members to use their property for drug supply, they may face a prison sentence and/or a fine.
However, if there is evidence to suggest that the adult is vulnerable and has been exploited by the gang, this will be considered when making charging decisions and safeguarding measures will be put in place.
Benefits could be lost and the housing provider may choose to evict the resident. Often, housing providers will begin by issuing a Closure Order on the address which can involve restricted access to others for up to six months. Usually, an agreement of who can attend the address will be put in place between the housing provider and the resident. These are a positive measure and can be used to help the resident gain control over their home again.
What to do if you know of someone that is being cuckooed?
We would like to support anyone that is a victim of cuckooing by working with partners to safeguard victims and identify the criminals.
It is extremely important that you keep us informed of any exploitation or criminality so that we can begin a multi-agency approach in tackling the issue.
If you know of someone who is a victim, there are a variety of ways you can get in contact with us:
• Inform a local Police Officer
• Attend your nearest Police Station
• Report online via the ‘report it’ page on the West Yorkshire Police website or speak to one of our colleagues via the online chat
• If you are a partner, through the Partnership Intelligence Portal
• Call 101
• Or, if you would like to remain anonymous please call:
Further support
The first step for those who are a victim of cuckooing is to talk to someone, this could be you, a family/friend or a support worker. There are also other services that can offer support for cuckooing and other issues:
For practical advice and support:
Citizen’s Advice Bureau – 03444 111 444
To talk through any issues or concerns:
Samaritans – 116 123 (free, 24/7) or email: jo@samaritans.org
Got a problem with drugs?
Contact us, The Basement Recovery Project and/or:
Narcotics Anonymous (NA) –https://ukna.org/
for more information and location of meetings or call their helpline (10am – midnight) 0300 999 1212
PARTNERSHIP INTELLIGENCE PORTAL
Are you an organisation/business that could help us understand the threat of serious and organised crime within our community?
Report information direct to the heart of West Yorkshire Police’s Intelligence function.
https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/partnership-intelligence-portal
This information is reproduced from the Leaflet “What is Cuckooing? Are you or someone you know at risk” from West Yorkshire Police and is supported by the Office of the Police & Crime Commissioner, West Yorkshire.
Download a copy here -> CUCKOOING Trifold Leaflet
Danny’s Story
We are grateful to Danny for writing and sharing his addiction recovery story with us. We hope you find his story inspiring and it gives you the confidence to get in touch with us to see how we may be able to help you. As we always say, we can’t make that call for you, but we can help you every step of the way after that. If Danny can do it, you can do it!
“I’d lost all control over any substances that came my way. I’d take anything and everything. I lived in chaos wherever I went and all aspects of my life were impacted by my using and drinking. Ketamine was a big issue too and very quickly affected my physical health in addition to my already deteriorating mental wellbeing.” …
Health and Wellbeing Resources for Families – Covid-19
We know this is a worrying time for everyone.
Helping children and young people cope with the information and changes related to the Coronavirus can be a huge challenge. From school closures and social distancing to increased awareness of infection and hygiene, there is a lot for children and families to process.
This guide brings together trustworthy information and resources to support you and your family during these difficult times. This information was provided by Healthy Futures Calderdale.
A PDF version can be downloaded here – COVID-19 HEALTH AND WELLBEING RESOURCES FOR FAMILIES PDF
Local health and wellbeing support
| Calderdale Community Midwifery | Support from the Calderdale community midwifery team | For non-urgent queries: 01422 261364 https://www.cht.nhs.uk/services/ |
| Calderdale Public Health Early Years’ Service (PHEYS) | Support from the Health Visiting Team, breastfeeding support, maternal mental health, and support in pregnancy and for children from birth to 5 years. | To speak to a health visitor: 030 0304 5076 “Calderdale Health Visiting” on Facebook |
| Healthy Early Years Calderdale | An online health and wellbeing guide for parents of children aged birth to five years | http://www.healthyearlyyears.co.uk/ |
| Healthy Futures Calderdale | Health and wellbeing advice, support, signposting and referral service from public health nurses for school-aged children and their families. NEW Chat Health confidential secure text messaging service, launches 27th April 2020 | To speak to a nurse: 030 3330 9974 “Healthy Futures Calderdale” on social media Young people’s service: text 07480 635297 Parents and carers service: text 07507 332157 |
| Safeguarding Calderdale | Advice and support if you are worried about any adult or child. | Multi-Agency Screening Team: 01422 393336 Out of hours Emergency Duty Team: 01422 288000. |
| Open Minds Partnership (the new name for Calderdale CAMHS – Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) | If parent/carers, young people or professionals have concerns about the emotional health of a young person, please contact the First Point of Contact | 01422 300 001 |
| Calderdale Council coronavirus advice and updates | Provides links to information including financial support, food banks, mental health, domestic abuse and support for migrants | https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/ coronavirus/advice-and-updates |
| C & K Careers | Careers advice and guidance for Calderdale and Kirklees residents aged 13+ | https://ckcareersonline.org.uk/ 01484 213856 chat@ckcareers.org.uk |
Staying well at home and what to do if your child is unwell
| NHS 111 online | Online COVID-19 symptom checker | https://111.nhs.uk/covid-19/ |
| NHS and Government advice | NHS coronavirus advice Coronavirus (COVID-19): what you need to do | https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ coronavirus-covid-19 |
| Lullaby Trust | Provides safe sleep advice and advice on coronavirus for if you are pregnant or have a young child | https://www.lullabytrust.org.uk/safer-sleep- advice/coronavirus-and-caring-for-your- baby/ |
| RCOG | Coronavirus infection and pregnancy information for pregnant women and their families | https://www.rcog.org.uk/en/guidelines- research-services/guidelines/coronavirus- pregnancy/covid-19-virus-infection-and- pregnancy/ |
| Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) and Healthier Together | Advice for parents during coronavirus on how to manage common childhood illnesses and when/where to seek medical advice | Download PDF |
| Unicef | Advice on infant feeding and breastfeeding during the coronavirus outbreak | Website Link |
| Institute for Health Visiting | Top Tips for Parents: advice on looking after your new baby from when they are born to when they go to school | https://ihv.org.uk/families/top-tips/ |
| Child Accident Prevention Trust (CAPT) | Preventing accidents in the home | https://www.capt.org.uk/News/preventing- accidents-in-the-home |
Helping children and young people to understand COVID 19
| The Children’s Commissioner | Children’s guide to coronavirus: aims to answer children’s questions, tell them how to stay safe and protect other people, and how to make the best of their time at home | https://www.childrenscommissioner.gov.uk /wp-content/uploads/2020/03/cco-childrens -guide-to-coronavirus.pdf – PDF Download |
| Alder Hey Children’s NHS Foundation Trust | Coronavirus fact sheet for children | https://campaignresources.phe.gov.uk/resou rces/campaigns/101/resources/5093 |
| BBC News | Coronavirus: Keep it simple, stick to facts – how parents should tell kids | https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-51734855 |
| BBC Newsround | Coronavirus: What is being done to tackle the virus? | https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround |
| Coronavirus: a book for children | Free digital book to help primary-aged children to understand coronavirus, illustrated by Axel Scheffler, the Illustrator of The Gruffalo | https://nosycrow.com/wp- content/uploads/ 2020/04/Coronavirus-A- Book-for-Children.pdf – PDF Download |
| My Hero is You: how kids can fight COVID-19 | Free digital book to help primary-aged children to understand coronavirus | https://www.unhcr.org/news/press/2020/4/ 5e8ecdba4/childrens-storybook-released- help -children-young-people-cope-covid- 19.html |
Responding to children and young people’s anxiety about COVID 19
| Childline | Telephone and online support for children and young people | https://www.childline.org.uk/ 0800 11 11 |
| Open Minds Calderdale | Emotional health and wellbeing information, support, advice and signposting for children, young people and families in Calderdale, including support around coronavirus. | http://www.openmindscalderdale.org.uk/ |
| Public Health England | Government guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ covid-19-guidance-on-supporting-children- and-young-peoples-mental-health-and- wellbeing /guidance-for-parents-and-carers- on-supporting -children-and-young-peoples- mental-health-and -wellbeing-during-the- coronavirus-covid-19-outbreak |
| World Health Organisation (WHO) | Helping Children Cope with Stress during the COVID 19 outbreak | https://www.who.int/docs/default- source/coronaviruse /helping-children-cope- with-stress-print.pdf – PDF Download |
Bereavement support for children and young people during COVID 19
| Child Bereavement UK | Supports children facing bereavement | https://www.childbereavementuk.org/ 0800 028 8840 |
| Grief Encounter | Information and advice on supporting bereaved children, young people and families during the Coronavirus pandemic | https://www.griefencounter.org.uk/ young-people/ 0808 802 0111 |
| Winston’s Wish | Support for children and their families after the death of a parent or sibling | http://www.winstonswish.org/ 0808 802 0021 |
| Open Minds Calderdale | Open Minds Calderdale Bereavement support | http://www.openmindscalderdale.org.uk/ bereavement-support |
Looking after parent and carer wellbeing during COVID 19
| NHS Every Mind Matters | Tips and advice to support your mental wellbeing while staying at home | https://www.nhs.uk/oneyou/every-mind-matters/ coronavirus-covid-19-staying-at-home-tips |
| Citizens advice | Coronavirus: what it means for you, including information on what to do if you are worried about having less money because of coronavirus | https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/health/ coronavirus-what-it-means-for-you |
| Relate | Advice and tips for helping your relationships stay healthy during COVID-19 | https://www.relate.org.uk/relationship-help/ covid-19-advice-and-information |
| The Lucy Faithfull Foundation | Confidential helpline for anyone concerned about their or someone else’s behaviour | 0808 1000 900 |
| Active Calderdale | Includes ideas and resources to help you keep active during coronavirus | https://active.calderdale.gov.uk/ |
Staying safe online during COVID 19
| Thinkuknow | Advice for children from age 4 upwards, and parents/carers about how to stay safe online | https://www.thinkuknow.co.uk |
| Net Aware | A guide to keeping children safe on social networks, apps and games | https://www.net-aware.org.uk/ |
| Internet matters | Practical tips to help children benefit from the internet safely and smartly | https://www.internetmatters.org |
| Parent info | Support for parents and carers to keep their children safe online | https://parentinfo.org/ |
| NSPCC | Online safety advice for parents | https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety |
Support for children and young people with additional needs
| Calderdale Local Offer for children with special needs or disabilities | Information on services and support in Calderdale for children and young people aged 0 – 25, with special educational needs and disabilities | https://www.calderdale.gov.uk/v2/residents |
| Contact | Coronavirus information for parents of disabled children | https://www.contact.org.uk/advice-and-support/coronavirus- information-for-families-with-disabled-children/ |
| The Association for Child and Adolescent Mental Health | Coronavirus, and helping children with autism | https://www.acamh.org/ |
| National Autistic Society | Coronavirus resources for autistic people and families | https://www.autism.org.uk/services /helplines/coronavirus/resources |
| National Children’s Bureau | Open letter from the Children’s Minister to children with SEND and their families | NCB Open Letter Link Here |
| National Deaf Children’s Society | COVID-19 (coronavirus): support for deaf children | https://www.ndcs.org.uk/covid-19- |
Things to do while staying at home during COVID 19
| Government Department for Education | Details of online education resources for home education | https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/ coronavirus-covid-19-online-education-resource |
| BBC Bitesize | Government recommended daily lessons and resources for primary, secondary and post 16 pupils, including celebrity sessions! | https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize |
| Oak National Academy | Government recommended video lessons, across a broad range of subjects for every year group in primary and secondary school | https://www.thenational.academy/ |
| Calderdale Council | 50 things to do in Calderdale before you’re 5! A Free app with low cost and no cost activities for children from birth – 5 years old | https://calderdale.50thingstodo.org/app/os |
| Public Health England | Active Imaginations – ideas for exercise in the home for children aged 2 – 4 years | https://www.activeimaginations.co.uk/ |
| Joe Wicks, The Body Coach | Daily PE lessons for all ages 9.00-9.30am | https://www.youtube.com/thebodycoachtv |
| Book Trust – Getting children reading | Free online books and videos, games, win prizes, quizzes, and learn how to draw favourite characters | https://www.booktrust.org.uk/books-and-reading /have-some-fun |
| World Book Day | Stay at home ideas including audio books and craft ideas | https://www.worldbookday.com/ |
| David Walliams – author | David Walliams reads a free story every day | https://www.worldofdavidwalliams.com |
| British Red Cross | Power of kindness calendar: how children and young people can practise kindness every day during the coronavirus emergency | https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-involved/ teaching-resources/kindness-calendar |
| BBC Cbeebies | Things to do indoors with your children | https://www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies/grownups/ things-to-do-indoors-with-your-children ?collection=have-fun-at-home |
| Hungry Little Minds | Simple fun activities for 0-5 year olds | https://hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk/ |
| BBC Tiny Happy People | Activities and advice to help develop your child’s communication and language skills | https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people |
| British Cycling: Ready Set Ride | Helping children to learn to ride a bike, including activity calendar and online videos | https://www.britishcycling.org.uk/getinvolved /article/20200325-getinvolved-Getting-the-most -out-of-HSBC-UK-Ready-Set-Rid-0 |
| Calderdale Library Service | Books are available for FREE by joining Calderdale library service. You can open an account for your child as soon as they are born, giving access to 3,000 eAudiobooks, 4,500 eBooks, and over 1,500 eComics | You can join the library at https://www.calderdale.gov.uk /v2/residents/leisure-and-culture/libraries/join-library. |
| BMW Education | Safe on the Streets animated road safety education for 7-11 year olds | https://bmweducation.co.uk/safe-on-the- streets/ |
| Google Arts and Culture | Take virtual tours and discover new places across the world from your home | https://artsandculture.google.com/ |
Getting Started with Zoom at TBRP
As you will have heard, we are hosting numerous Zoom online meetings, not only for Social activities but Here & Now, SMART Recovery and even our Freedom Recovery Programme.
To find the timetable, please refer to our earlier post. You MUST contact CHART Kirklees or Calderdale Recovery Steps and be registered with either service to obtain the Zoom ID’s and Passwords. Note: The Tuesday and Thursday Open meetings are for everyone and you can get details of these from CHART, CRS or by phoning TBRP.
Here are general instructions for downloading Zoom to your phone:
- Go to the Play Store (Android) or App Store (iPhones/iPads) and search ‘Zoom.’
- Click on ‘Zoom Cloud Meetings’ – download and install – skip any payments.
- Open the Zoom application and click on ‘Sign Up.’
- Add D.O.B., email address, first and last name and agree to the ‘terms of service.’
- Click ‘Next’.
- An email will be sent to the email account you used above, so you can activate the account. Check both your ‘Inbox’ and ‘Spam’ mailbox.
- Once you have received the email, click on the ‘Activate Account’ button.
- It will then take you to the internet and will ask if you are signed up to a school- click ‘No.’
- Add in all your details i.e. First and Last name and make a Password and press ‘Continue.’
- You do not have to ‘invite colleagues’ or ‘attend a meeting.’ Once you have made up a password, return back to the app you downloaded and click you have ‘Verified the email’/ ‘Sign In.’
- Enter your Email and Password and ‘Sign In’.
- It may ask you for a fingerprint ID if your phone allows it, click cancel or OK.
- Along the top of the Zoom App, there should be different tabs i.e. ‘New Meeting, Join, Schedule, Share Screen.’
- Click ‘Join’- and enter ‘ID’ of the group you wish to join on the Recovery Timetable.
- Once you have added the ID, click ‘Join’. It will then ask you for a meeting password. Again password comes under ‘PW’ of the group you wish to join.
- You should then be signed in to the meeting.
- You can leave at any point by clicking the ‘Leave Meeting’ button. You can ‘Mute’ and ‘Unmute’ yourself if you wish for people to hear you and can also ‘Start Video’ if you wish for people to see you.
If you have any questions or require further information, please call the office and we will try our best to help out.
Zoom is a great App and can be used to set up your own meetings with friends and family. The free version has limits: time (40 mins), number of attendees (100), though 1-1 meetings have no time limit.
The following links are helpful if you wish to host your own meetings:
PC, Desktop, Laptop: – Zoom Sign Up link
Getting Started with: – Android
Getting Started with: – IOS
Did you lockdown your drug use?
Can you help with a survey about drug use?
We would like to find out a little bit about how coronavirus (COVID-19) is affecting drug use.
The link below is to a short, anonymous survey with mostly tick box questions which will take about 10 minutes to complete.
Many thanks for your help.
TBRP Covid-19 – UPDATE
Updated: 5th January 2021
We know COVID-19 has affected our recovery communities in a big way. Keeping you and the rest of the community safe has been and continues to be, our priority. All our hubs meet the COVID-19 secure guidance and we are providing limited face to face group meetings. These are restricted and are only available through your keyworker at Recovery Steps (Calderdale) or CHART (Kirklees) Mutual Aid groups will also continue with limited numbers and social distancing guidelines in place.
Please do not turn up to a recovery hub without a prior appointment. We will most likely have to turn you away if you do.
If you are unsure about any group attendance please call TBRP prior to leaving your home.
You MUST wear a mask to enter a recovery hub where enhanced COVID-19 screening, sanitising and temperature checks remain in place.
Please also NOTE that we will be ventilating our hubs further, leaving windows and doors open where it is safe to do so. As a result, the temperature inside the hubs will be much lower than usual so come prepared.
The latest timetables can be found HERE but they are subject to change (and at short notice) so please check with the office or our Facebook Groups to ensure you have the most up to date information.
You can keep up to date with the latest news, support services, online meetings etc. and offer and receive support by joining our community recovery support Facebook Groups, CalderdaleinRecovery and KirkleesinRecovery.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us or our partners at Calderdale Recovery Steps or CHART.
In our efforts to host face to face groups and manage our hubs, we have limited capacity to run Zoom meetings. These will be phased out for our main group work but will continue for social connection. If you need help installing Zoom, here is a useful article: Getting Started with Zoom at TBRP.
We thank you in advance for your continued support and cooperation.
In addition to joining the community groups, don’t forget to LIKE the FB pages too:
The Basement Recovery Project Facebook page.
Calderdale in Recovery Facebook page.
Kirklees in Recovery Facebook page.
Marie’s Story
We are grateful to Marie for writing and sharing her addiction recovery story with us. We hope you find her story inspiring and it gives you the confidence to get in touch with us to see how we may be able to help you. As we always say, we can’t make that call for you, but we can help you every step of the way after that.
“I first got drunk when I was about 13. A friend had got hold of a couple of litres of vodka and we were at another friend’s house sharing it around. I hated the taste but I loved the feeling it gave me. I drank enough to make me really poorly but it didn’t put me off. These one-off binges would happen every so often through my teenage years but it was when I started university in 2008 that my drinking really took off.” …
Welcome to The Kindness Hub – Todmorden
The Basement Recovery Project is pleased to announce the opening of our new hub in Todmorden – The Kindness Hub
The hub will officially open its doors for public viewing on March 6th 2020 between 1pm and 3pm. You are welcome to come along.
Todmorden Kindness Hub
Kindness: Believe there is good in the world
In the wet hills of Yorkshire, the community of Todmorden is at the forefront of a movement that is picking up momentum across a UK disillusioned with corporate business, government and cuts. It is neither hippy nor New Age but is made up of ordinary people, old and young, from both affluent homes and social housing. Call it a sharing revolution. Talk about community empowerment, social enterprise, co-operatives (it has various titles) but this asset-based approach leads to local members taking over the infrastructure of their community.
Having supported the development of the recovery community in Todmorden over the last few years we believe the next strategic step is to sustain a ‘grassroots’ hub offering vital and meaningful services anchored in the heart of the community. Our Kindness hub is a revolutionary venue that’s so much more than your usual community space. We hope to provide a truly welcoming, creative and intelligent space where people from all backgrounds and walks of life can potentially dine, hang out, socialise and relax.
Primarily we have a venue for our community cafe right in the heart of the Town centre that allows local people who are energetic, driven, optimistic, and aspirationally based to have a focal point for their activities. Our aim is to make a contribution to the local community based on the principles of caring and communitarianism. We will encourage participation in community life and ‘giving something back’ by making a commitment to community involvement and engagement.
Our space will be a welcoming, creative hub where people from all backgrounds and walks of life can meet, socialise and relax. The hub has a wider potential to offer a range of opportunities for people to support each other and develop, personally and socially. As well as hosting our therapeutic programmes we hope to build on our existing partnerships with local businesses, incredible edible, community arts providers and work closely with local artists, musicians, poets and performers to offer a wide range of entertaining, educational and inspirational social events. There will be an opportunity to develop social enterprise activity, giving people in the locality the opportunity to gain skills and experience, as well as access training and qualifications.
The project will create the opportunity for both the statutory partners and the recovery community to share space and offer a greater level of visibility with more flexible opening hours. Significantly, we will provide more dignity and discretion for those we support, allowing them to reconnect and in doing so hope to provide a sense of ownership in the building for the community we support.
Running for your life – a couch to 5k review
You will have seen The Basement Recovery Project message, “Freedom from Drink, Freedom From Drugs, Freedom from Addiction… Freedom from FEAR” Our whole recovery programme is about this – Freedom. Joshua J Marine said, “Challenges are what makes life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful“. For many, giving up substances is filled with fear, even for those who are not physically, mentally and emotionally addicted, there is often a fear of giving something up. Quitting after many years of substance use is a huge accomplishment, but it’s not the end goal. The end goal is to turn your life around, find purposeful meaning. We offer many routes for people to find purpose again. Bernadette is a great example and we are proud of her achievements. Here are a few words from her about the Couch to 5K programme with Kev.
The first time I went to the track to participate in the 0 to 5k programme I felt apprehensive. I had previously tried several times to complete the programme on the treadmill at the gym. And I had only got to week 3/4 before quitting. The track looked huge and intimidating. I nearly turned back to go home and I questioned my sanity, I wasn’t a runner. Runners don’t look like me, nearly 50 and overweight. But everyone was very welcoming, and I decided to stay.
After the warm-up. Kev and I started to run around the track. I struggled to even do one lap. I couldn’t ever imagine running around it without stopping, and I certainly thought that running around it 12 times to complete 5k was impossible. With encouragement from Kev, after 8 weeks of the programme I eventually completed 12 laps of the track, and it was a fantastic feeling. I later completed a Huddersfield park run and that was a perfect day. I had had my park run barcode for about 4 years but didn’t have the motivation to go. I was so happy to run 5k. I felt like a hero.
Best of all, my daughter said she was proud of me, which felt amazing because she hasn’t ever had an opportunity to feel proud of me before. Running has given me self respect, confidence, well-being and laughter. The highs I get from running beat any received from using a substance.
The friends I’ve made through running are genuine and supportive. My life has changed because of this programme. It has influenced many areas of my life. My nutrition has improved, I now eat more fruit and vegetables and drink more water because I want my body to be well enough to continue running for many years to come.
Kev is an amazing coach. He really looks after us all. His passion for running is infectious and his knowledge of all things running is vast. I couldn’t have achieved any of this without his mentoring.
I am very grateful.
Bernadette
Read more about Kev and the Couch to 5K in his own story: Running for Recovery.
New Suicide Bereavement Service
A new service to support people bereaved or affected by suicide goes live on Monday (2 December) across West Yorkshire and Harrogate. The service is a response to the fact that people bereaved by suicide are more likely to suffer from severe depression or post-traumatic stress disorder, or even adopt suicidal behaviours themselves.
The West Yorkshire and Harrogate Suicide Bereavement Service will provide support through one to one peer support, peer support groups and advocacy.
The new service, an extension of the Leeds Suicide Bereavement Service, is central to West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership’s plan to improve bereavement support, while it works to reduce the numbers of suicides too.
Support on offer, which will enhance suicide bereavement support services across the region, will include practical advice and signposting to other much-needed services, for example, counselling or financial advice.
A number of workshops are running throughout December and are open to all, irrespective of a coroner’s conclusion. People will be able to self-refer to the service or be referred by other people such as funeral directors, police, coroners, or NHS staff across West Yorkshire and Harrogate.
Additional support will also be available to staff affected by suicide in the course of their duties; for example health, social care or emergency service staff. Help will also be available to people who have been bereaved historically yet feel they may benefit from peer-led support.
Yorkshire and Humber has one of the highest suicide rates in the country. West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership is driving a collaborative approach to reduce suicide and improve services. It is working towards reducing suicide by 10% across the region and by 75% in targeted areas.
Referrals can be made by visiting www.wyhsbs.org.uk or by calling 0113 305 5800. Practitioners will be based in Bradford, Harrogate, Huddersfield and Leeds but meeting locations will be flexible. Support groups will begin in December at the following locations:
• Kirklees group: Thursday, 5 December, 6pm-7.30pm at Support to Recovery – S2R CREATE SPACE, Brook Street, Huddersfield, HD1 1EB
• Bradford group: Friday, 6 December, 6pm-8pm at Mind in Bradford – KenBurgh House, 28 Manor Row, Bradford BD1 4QU
• Calderdale group: Wednesday, 18 December, 6-8pm at Halifax Fire Station, Skircoat Moor Road, King Cross, Halifax, HX1 3JF
• Craven group: Wednesday, 18 December, 6-8pm at Settle Victoria Hall, Kirkgate, Settle, BD24 9DZ
• Harrogate group: Monday, 9 December, 6pm-8pm at Mind in Harrogate – Acorn Centre, 101A Station Parade, Harrogate HG1 1HB
• Wakefield group: Wednesday, 11 December, 6-8pm at Lightwaves Leisure Centre, Lower York St, Wakefield WF1 3LJ
People bereaved by Suicide in Leeds are able to access the linked Leeds Suicide Bereavement Service, funded by Leeds City Council. Referrals can be made by visiting www.LeedsSBS.org.uk or by calling 0113 305 5803. Leeds drop-in group is first Tuesday of every month, Civic Hall in Leeds City Centre, 6-8pm.
Rob Webster, CEO Lead for West Yorkshire and Harrogate Health and Care Partnership and CEO for South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust said:
‘As someone personally affected by suicide, I understand the impact it can have on individuals, families and other people too. This service will provide essential help to those facing one of the hardest issues to face. This is something that I hope becomes less needed as we reduce suicides through our other work to help more people’.
TBRP partners with The Hirsche Foundation
The Basement Recovery Project is excited to announce a strategic partnership with The Hirsche Foundation.
The Hirsche Foundation is a local charity established to help the homeless in the West Yorkshire region. The definition of ‘homeless’ is not just ‘rough sleeper’ but also includes those in temporary accommodation, hidden homelessness (staying with friends, sofa surfing, etc.), those at risk of violence or abuse in the home, etc.
The Hirsche objective being:
“The relief of poverty of the homeless in West Yorkshire by providing items, services and facilities to homeless people in need and/or charities, or other organisations, working to relieve the poverty of the homeless”.
Though not everyone who has problems with drugs or alcohol will become homeless and not every homeless person has an issue with drug or alcohol abuse, the levels of drug and alcohol abuse are higher amongst the homeless population.
The Basement Recovery Project and The Hirsche Foundation have formed a partnership that will help those struggling with addiction and who find themselves homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Please visit the Hirsche Foundation website and show your support.
Thank you, from all at TBRP.
Recovery Coach x 2
The Basement Recovery Project (TBRP) is looking to recruit two recovery coaches who are keen to develop and coordinate the capacity of substance misusers to contribute to their own welfare and recovery from substance-related harms as part of an expanding programme of self-help activities. Closing date: Noon, 16th August 2019 …
TBRP calls out for votes to bag a share of Tesco’s community fund
The Basement Recovery Project is bidding to bag a massive cash boost from the Tesco Bags for Help initiative.
Tesco teamed up with Groundwork to launch its community funding scheme, which sees grants of £4,000, £2,000 and £1,000 awarded to local community projects.
Three groups in every Tesco region have been shortlisted to receive the cash award and shoppers are being invited to head along to Tesco stores to vote for who they think should take away the top grant.
TBRP is one of the groups on the shortlist.
Fiona Whitehead, who made the nomination for The Basement Recovery Project said:
“I’m are delighted to learn that the nomination to the Tesco Bags of Help Grant Scheme has been successful and TBRP will be put forward to a customer vote in Tesco stores during May and June 2019. The project gives so much to the local community and this is a great way for people to help TBRP do that. Every little helps, as they say.”
Voting is open in all Tesco stores below from 1st May 2019 – 30 June 2019 and customers will cast their vote using a token given to them at the check-out in store each time they shop.
HALIFAX AACHEN WAY, HX1 3TU
HALIFAX METRO, HX1 1PG
HIPPERHOLME, HX3 8HQ
GREETLAND STAINLAND ROAD, HX4 8AD
SOWERBY BRIDGE, HX6 1LL
OVENDEN HALIFAX, HX2 8BQ
HALIFAX SCHL LANE, HX3 0AA
Tesco’s Bags of Help project has already provided over £71 million to more than 23,000 projects across Britain. Tesco customers get the chance to vote for three different groups every time they shop. Every other month, when votes are collected, three groups in each of Tesco’s regions will be awarded funding.
Alec Brown, Head of Community at Tesco, said:
“Bags of Help contributes funds to community projects up and down the country and we’ve been overwhelmed by the response from customers voting in their local stores. We’re looking forward to seeing more projects brought to life.”
Groundwork’s National Chief Executive, Graham Duxbury, said:
“Bags of Help continues to enable local communities up and down Britain to improve the local spaces and places that matter to them. The diversity of projects that are being funded shows that local communities have a passion to create something great in their area. We are pleased to be able to be a part of the journey and provide support and encouragement to help local communities thrive.”
Funding is available to community groups and charities looking to fund local projects that bring benefits to communities. Anyone can nominate a project and organisations can apply online. To find out more visit www.tesco.com/bagsofhelp.
Tosh’s Story
This is a brief account of Tosh’s relationship with drugs. It’s frank and told in his own words. Thank you, Tosh, for allowing us to share your story with the wider community and showing that a life without drugs is possible, even for those who never thought it was.
As far back as I can remember, I’ve always been a bad kid. I know there was a time I was happy and normal but that was too long ago. I had an unhappy childhood, I was the second child of five. Dad was a pisshead. I’m really not sure of the why but being unhappy must have played its part…
Recovery Community Giving Back to Life Saving Hospital Ward
TBRP staff, past and present clients, members of our recovery communities and friends and relatives are all getting behind an event to help raise vital funds for Ward 17 at Huddersfield Royal Infirmary. We hope you will too!
Rallying the recovery communities of Calderdale in Recovery and Kirklees in Recovery is Fiona Whitehead who, at one point, was given just hours to live. Fiona considers herself lucky and due to the professionalism and quick thinking of the staff at Ward 17, she is still here and able to say thanks by helping in their campaign. Ward 17 are trying to raise a massive £20,000 for vital life equipment.
See how you can help …
Thank you to our community 2018
Each year, we send a letter to the Halifax Courier asking them to thank our communities for their support throughout the previous year. Here is a copy of the letter for 2018.
Dear Editor
It’s the time of year that many of us reflect on the year passing, and look forward to what’s in store for the new year. It’s also a time that we at The Basement Recovery Project (TBRP) say thank you to all those who have helped us over the last 12 months to support people who are affected by the illness of addiction.
From no hope, isolation and loneliness to The Great North Run!
18 months of training with a group of 10 very motivated and hard working runners. All from disadvantaged backgrounds. One fantastic trainer, ex-professional international rugby player, Damian Gibson (DG Ozfit), who was actually one of this year’s local heroes. As a team, we were privileged enough to represent the “Home Run Project” team in the promotional video which was partly aired on the BBC.
#Alcohol Awareness Week 2018
Every day, 20 people die as a result of their drinking. But alcohol harm is not inevitable. This Alcohol Awareness Week communities across the country call for change. Find us at Halifax market all week and at Todmorden market on Thursday.
CiR – TBRP 3-Peak Challenge
…this was an enduring but enjoyable and memorable experience. And all for a very worthy cause, The Hull and West Yorkshire Interstitial Lung Disease Service where my dad is being treated. It wouldn’t have been possible without the help of CIR and a big thanks to Michelle Hanley for the use of the Basement Project’s van!
Allen’s Story
If you have been watching Grayson Perry’s ‘Rites of Passage’ on Channel 4, you may have seen Allen featured in episode 4 ‘Coming of Age’. The programme didn’t have time to explore why people ended up at The Basement Recovery Project and focused on the celebration of recovery. Allen’s account of his relationship with alcohol is raw, unedited and told in his own words. Thank you, Allen, for allowing us to share your story with the wider community.
Grayson Perry explores coming of age which starts with his visit to the Amazon where he witnesses the Tikuna people celebrate the transition of two girls to adulthood. Thankfully, we don’t do that here and he’s not suggesting we do, but he does think we can take something from it. He’s even more convinced after talking to London teens and people in recovery at The Basement Project (who he describes as “kidults”) – older people who can’t take responsibility for themselves or their lives. He sees both groups as reaching the end of one stage of their life and beginning another and wants to mark that in a celebration, something we don’t do enough of in recovery circles.
