Carly shares a gentle reminder that recovery often grows in the quiet moments. Small steps, reaching out, and choosing to stay another day all matter. Even when you cannot see it yet, brighter things are already on their way.
Instead of writing a Christmas list, Lisa created a gratitude list. She reflects on sobriety, acceptance, honest conversations, her family, and the services that supported her. Her message is a reminder of how much recovery can give back.
Laura wishes everyone a happy new year and reminds anyone in recovery or struggling that they are not alone. Real change comes from small, consistent steps. One different action, however simple, can start movement toward something better. A setback is not the end. Today can still be a fresh start.
Steph is one year and one month clean and a grateful volunteer with Essex Recovery Foundation. After hitting rock bottom, she took it one day at a time and found recovery, the best thing she has ever done. She reminds us that services like Open Road, Phoenix Futures, Forward Trust and ERF can help, and that when you become willing to change, things get easier. You are worth it.
Sarah, our Radical Change Lead, shares a message of love and hope. She reminds us that Christmas can be beautiful and challenging, and treats it like any other day by keeping her routines, checking in with herself and getting into nature. When she struggles, she reaches out or finds small moments of connection.
On Boxing Day, Phil reflects on how Christmas once filled him with dread during active addiction. Since finding recovery in November 2024 and reaching one year sober, he has rebuilt what he lost. His message to anyone struggling is simple: get through today and trust that recovery can bring real gratitude and time with the people you love.
Vanessa reads My Sweet, Crushed Angel by Hafiz, a poem that reminds us that even when life feels heavy or the music fades, we have not failed. It is a soft message about compassion, patience and trusting that the heart can find its way back to hope. On Christmas Day, this quiet moment offers gentle reassurance for anyone who needs it.
Justin shares gentle ideas for getting through the festive period, from volunteering or attending church to simple moments like baking a cake or calling a friend. He reminds anyone feeling low that services like Samaritans are there to listen, and that no one is alone at Christmas. Everyone at Essex Recovery Foundation is thinking of you and sending love.
Mike shares a simple reminder from his cosy festive corner: if the season starts to feel overwhelming, reach out to someone before you reach for something. Support is always closer than you think.
Ko opens our 12 Days of Hope with a message of gratitude for her sobriety. She reflects on how far she’s come, and the joy and hope she now gets to live with each day. If you’re struggling, she reminds us, all you have to do is get through today.