Recovery Cymru - a Big Issue Cymru Big List Subscriber

 
Recovery Cymru is a self-help and support community for people recovering from alcohol and drug problems. The organisation has a recovery centre in Cardiff and is developing in the Vale of Glamorgan. One of its aims is to raise awareness of recovery and challenge the stigma and discrimination people so often face. Here, Sarah Vaile, Founder and Chief Exec, describes an upcoming event that aims to do just that.

Q. Can you explain more about what Recovery Cymru does?
We develop groups, activities and social networks that offer people the chance to be a part of a genuine community of support, meaningful activity and new skills. Our activities are designed and run by people with personal experience of recovery and recovery advocates.

We believe in the power of shared experience and support and do not define people by their problems. We believe that recovery is possible for everyone. We believe that our stories have power to inspire, inform and promote recovery.

Recovery is not simply about whether someone is using drugs, drinking or engaging in other harmful behaviours; it’s about health, wellbeing and being ‘the person we’re meant to be’. It’s about feeling connected and contented.

Q. Why are you part of The Big List?
We’re delighted to be a part of the Big List and to support the opportunities The Big Issue gives its vendors. Both Recovery Cymru and the Big Issue believe that every individual has the potential to make positive changes in their lives providing they have the necessary tools. As organisations we both try to help people make those changes and find the key to their own empowerment.

Q. What are Recovery Cymru’s goals and plans?
Our activity and social groups help members develop positive, recovery-focused routines. Our weekly cookery social evening is very popular and we have become increasingly interested in the importance of nutrition, sleep and exercise.

We are grateful to Kimba Cooper and Becca Jevons for approaching us about organising a cycle event to promote recovery and to raise much needed funds for our community charity. Since then, the event has taken on a life of its own which is a classic example of the power of the recovery community!

Our members, volunteers and many other community supporters will be participating in a 24 hour cycle event from 12 midday on Friday 10th August – 12 midday on Saturday 11th August 2012 in PureGym, Cardiff Millennium Plaza. We will have four teams of two people, cycling ‘one hour on, one hour off’ for 24 hours; as well as another team made up of people cycling for ½ or 1 hour slots. This will be followed by a big lunch!

We’re really excited about this event and hope you will find out more by visiting our website www.recoverycymru.org.uk. We have an online ‘BT My Donate’ page and every donation will make a big difference to us especially in developing our volunteer programme.

For more information, contact us:
sarah@recoverycymru.org.uk
02920 227 019
16 Llandaff Road, Canton, Cardiff. CF11 9NJ
www.recoverycymru.org.uk
Facebook: ‘recoverycymru’
Twitter: @recoverycymru

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