Two friends who beat alcohol addiction are helping others on their road to recovery.
John and Lesley met while they were volunteering at an alcohol detoxification clinic in 2013, and when the clinic closed in 2017 set up their own voluntary group - R-Space. Using their own experiences of addiction recovery, the friends help struggling adults, providing them with a safe environment where they can connect with others on a similar journey.
John told the ECHO: "It became clear the R-Space group model could help many other personal issues; anxiety, depression, isolation, and problems that can cover a wide spectrum in all ages, races, creeds, gender, sexuality and social backgrounds. We have three group members who show up each week and help set up meetings.
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"We average 70 people engaging weekly. Some need to come once to help make the change, many come to a few meetings then find other recovery activities which help them and some stay and find weekly contact enough to sustain their sobriety".
During covid R-Space volunteers organised safe walks, and connected with people via WhatsApp, helping people who needed support at a time of isolation.
R-Space runs sessions in two locations, Liverpool 11 and Liverpool 18, and receives no outside funding. Money is raised via regular fundraising via member donations, activities and John’s open water sponsored swimming events.
Last week the voluntary group won £1,878 at Liverpool Soup's fundraiser at the Leaf Cafe in Bold Street on February 9. The Liverpool Soup fundraiser saw four projects pitch their ideas to an audience, R-Space won the pot raised that night. Three runners up received about £100 for their projects too.
John said: "R-Space are over the moon for the recognition we received from the event. Responses from people attending blew us away and of course the prize money, which will be put to good use".
At present the group is running a six session project at Tate Liverpool on the last Sunday of each month, using art as a way for people to express themselves and support their recovery. John said: "We have days out in the summer, Christmas parties, structured supported days out to a variety of places such as Chester Zoo, the Lake District, and York".
Group member Vincent, 61, said: “I had my last drink on 1st April 2017 and my first meeting was 2nd April. Since joining I’ve worked hard and have not fallen off the wagon. I’m a much happier person.
"R-Space isn't therapy but R-Space is therapeutic and it helps me to find a better way in my life. Anybody reading this who feels they have a problem, you will not beat this on your own. You will need help from people who know what it's like”.
John continued: "Our unique selling point is that we don’t have one! We encourage people to find what works for them through engaging in the group and finding out what’s out there in respect of recovery assets.
"We provide a stable supportive platform so people feel supported while contemplating the changes they need to make. Abstinence from mood or mind-altering substances and social behaviours that have become unmanageable or harmful to them and their loved ones".
R-Space is located at The Church of the Good Shepherd, Lower House Lane, Croxteth L11 2SF Monday's 6 - 8pm and Elm Hall Drive Methodist Church L18 1LF Thursday's 7 - 9pm.
For information visit R-Space on Facebook HERE.
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