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.” …
https://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/there_is_hope_there.jpg10801080adminhttps://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/the-basement-recovery-project-logo-340x156.pngadmin2020-09-28 09:19:272020-09-28 09:19:27Kate’s Story
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.
https://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Careres-Support-Line-TBRP-web.jpg20001414adminhttps://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/the-basement-recovery-project-logo-340x156.pngadmin2020-08-21 12:32:192020-08-21 12:52:19Two new helplines to launch supporting people affected by drug or alcohol use
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?
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.
https://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/what-is-cuckooing-feature-image.jpg321845adminhttps://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/the-basement-recovery-project-logo-340x156.pngadmin2020-05-21 11:07:522020-05-21 14:40:12What you need to know about Cuckooing
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.” …
https://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/addiction_recovery_basement_project_danny_story1.jpg7501000adminhttps://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/the-basement-recovery-project-logo-340x156.pngadmin2020-05-15 14:24:572020-05-19 11:12:31Danny’s Story
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.
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
Emotional health and wellbeing information, support, advice and signposting for children, young people and families in Calderdale, including support around coronavirus.
Government guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak
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
https://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/Family-Resources.jpg312820adminhttps://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/the-basement-recovery-project-logo-340x156.pngadmin2020-05-05 17:32:282020-05-05 17:40:19Health and Wellbeing Resources for Families – Covid-19
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:
https://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/basement_project_zoom_meeting_header.jpg6001920adminhttps://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/the-basement-recovery-project-logo-340x156.pngadmin2020-05-01 12:32:252020-07-17 12:25:00Getting Started with Zoom at TBRP
https://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Final-Phone-Lockdown.jpg600600adminhttps://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/the-basement-recovery-project-logo-340x156.pngadmin2020-04-29 11:47:392020-04-29 11:47:39Did you lockdown your drug use?
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 now meet the COVID-19 secure guidance and we are gradually reintroducing face to face and group meetings. These are restricted and are only available through your keyworker at Recovery Steps (Calderdale) or CHART (Kirklees) We hope this is a positive step back to some form of normality and we thank you in advance for your cooperation and patience as we make these adjustments.
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.
Due to the frequent changes in timetables and everyone’s efforts to bring back face to face meetings, the latest timetables will be published in the respective Facebook Groups. Links below.
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 Recovery Steps or CHART.
We are continuing to run Zoom support meetings. If you need help installing Zoom, here is a useful article: Getting Started with Zoom at TBRP.
In addition to joining the community groups, don’t forget to LIKE the FB pages too:
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.” …
https://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/alcohol_recovery_basement_project_marie_story2.jpg7501000adminhttps://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/the-basement-recovery-project-logo-340x156.pngadmin2020-04-16 16:22:432020-04-16 16:22:43Marie’s Story
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.
https://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/basement_project_kindness_hub_todmorden_25.jpg9011902adminhttps://thebasementproject.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/the-basement-recovery-project-logo-340x156.pngadmin2020-02-19 22:35:522020-02-21 16:12:36Welcome to The Kindness Hub – Todmorden
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