‘Health and recovery’ week held
FALCON Support Services in Loughborough hosted a week of activities to help inform the community about “health and recovery” and as a result helped a former addict secure a place in rehab and a bed for a rough sleeper.
Events including a smoothie bike, free haircuts, live music and a visit from local MP Nicky Morgan ran from Monday, August 21, until Friday, August 25.
In connection with Leicestershire Police the housing and homeless shelter in Pinfold Gate ran events to engage the local community where information, support and help could be accessed by anyone interested in learning more about different health and recovery options available.
MP Nicky Morgan attended the event on the first day and two of Falcon Support Services trustees volunteered their time and expertise to those at the centre.
Health checks were carried out by Jane Grey, a community nurse, and a question and answer session on substance misuse and mental health was held by Dr Peter Cannon.
Residents of the centre and members of the public were treat to a free barbecue on two days, with food provided by the Rapid Relief Team, and to lift spirits Adam Norrie played live music every day and Stuart Hardy Taylor shared his recovery poetry.
The Carpenters Arms recovery centre based in Wharncliffe Road provided information about its recovery projects, recovery workers Jerome Carmichael and Stuart Hardy Taylor were available to provide support and information and volunteers Lauren and Jason held special art sessions.
Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous attended where several peo- ple shared their uplifting recovery stories to try and inspire others.
A number of other activities included a smoothie bike courtesy of Charnwood Borough Council, Brahma Kumaris provided relaxation and meditation sessions, Yasmin Buchanan provided free hair cuts, local rapper Lacky C held a workshop and shared his music and PC Gary Bailey held boxing sessions.
Muto, an innovative project for the Falcon Support Services that works with donated clothing and accessories ran creative workshops and Minnie’s Kitchen that was named after the daughter of Carol Phillips who died from alcohol addiction also provided bacon cobs for those at the centre.
Julie Alexander, community inclusion manager at Falcon Support Services said: “It was an uplifting and emotionally charged week, and was a massive success and was well attended.
“So far four people have started attending recovery meetings, one person accessed a detox prescription after Dr Cannon’s talk and then successfully secured a place in rehab, while one rough sleeper who had been homeless for several months worked with staff and now has secured a room at the Falcon Centre.”