More than 80 people joined us in Rayleigh on Tuesday 21 October to share what recovery means to them. Here’s how the day went.
On Tuesday 21 October, more than 80 members of our recovery community came together in Rayleigh for the latest Community Voice. People travelled from all over Essex, some from as far as Clacton and Harlow. We were really pleased to meet so many new faces and to welcome back old friends.
Community Voice puts lived experience at the centre of how recovery support works in Essex. It’s a space to connect, learn about what’s on offer and tell us what’s working, what isn’t and what needs to change.
Your voice, shaping what comes next
Throughout the day, we asked everyone four questions:
What does a fulfilling recovery look like to you?
What do you need in order to get there?
What do you wish your friends, family, professionals and the public knew about addiction and recovery?
What feedback would you like to share with ERF?
The post-it notes filled up as the day went on. Then Sarah and Beth read the answers aloud and invited more thoughts from the room. It became one of the most powerful parts of the day, with people talking openly about what recovery means to them and what they wish others understood.
None of this stays on a flip chart. We’ll use everything people shared to strengthen what we offer and shape how we work.
Recovery is creative
Sally gave the room a challenge. Everyone wrote down something they could see, something they could hear, a happy memory, an emotion and a hope for the future, then turned it all into a poem. People who had never written a poem before stood up and read theirs aloud.
Here’s one shared on the day:
Essex Recovery gave me a voice.
Essex Recovery gave me a choice.
Essex Recovery, I owe my life.
Essex Recovery kept me from strife.
If you write, paint, draw or create, we’d love to see your work in our next Art & Poetry Showcase.
Finding your confidence
Some of the most moving moments came from community members who have taken our Building Confidence course or the Voices of Recovery speaker workshop. They shared, in their own words, what those courses had given them.
Jo and Laura, who also ran an empowerment workshop that morning, thanked the volunteers who help make days like this happen. They also talked about how others can get involved.
Built by the community, for the community
Our CEO Laurence spoke about who we are and how people grow through our community, from first contact to finding their voice and giving back.
He also shared an invitation. If you have an idea for an activity you’d like to run for the community but need support to get it off the ground, we want to hear from you.
Sally and Michelle talked about the Recovery Spaces and walk and talks happening across Essex, and how to get involved.
Together, rain or shine
Community Voice was also simply a good day together. There was Pilates with Vanessa, a generous lunch and time out for anyone who needed it. The walk and talk group climbed Rayleigh Mount, got caught in a spectacular downpour and came back soaked and still smiling.
Cocaine Anonymous and Alzheimer’s Society Essex joined us throughout the day, sharing information and answering questions. That included the links between excessive alcohol use, Alzheimer’s and Korsakoff syndrome.
Thank you
To everyone who came, wrote, spoke, listened or added a post-it: thank you. You are the reason Community Voice exists.
Want to be part of what’s next? Find an event near you.
