The Phoenix Newsletter
A record breaking 45 people from our Residential and Re-entry Services took part in our annual Hogmanay trip to Lapwing Lodge, an outdoor activity centre near Paisley. Along with staff and volunteers, the group set off on the 30th December for three nights of celebrating, reflecting and planning for the future. For many this was the first Hogmanay spent away from family and friends, as well as being the first without drugs and alcohol, so there was some understandable apprehension beforehand (not to mention a wee bit of anxiety about having no hot water and no where to plug in a phone charger!). As well as just relaxing and enjoying each others company in the amazing surroundings, the staff facilitated a full range of groups for everyone to take part in. New Year is traditionally a time for reflection, and everyone on the trip
The Glasgow Recovery Hub has a new home!
certainly had a lot to look back on over the last year. The photos above show a creative group where everyone was asked to paint their faces - one half represented their old life with other representing where they are now in their new life. Something that seemed so simple turned out to be one of the most powerful and emotional moments of our trip. For the final group of 2013, everyone was asked to write a letter to someone in their life - someone they wanted to explain themselves to, someone who had hurt them, someone who they love - it was the individual’s choice. Then, in the darkness, the group were led down to the campfire by the Grand Wazoo, the Phoenix Hogmanay Mascot, where each person in turn burned their letter. The time spent as a group writing and then burning the letters was emotional, cathartic and really cemented the strong bonds within the therapeutic community.
We are recovery in our communities
We are immensely proud of each and every person and wish them all the happiness in the world for 2014. Here’s what some attendees had to say about their experience: “Lapwing Lodge gave me many priceless memories which I didn’t think was possible being clean. It also helped me resolve my issues in a fun way.” - Richard “I had a fantastic experience I will never forget. The face painting and letter burning was something that I feel has done me the world of good and now I’m looking forward to the new year ahead.” - Dominic “I didn’t know what to expect or if I would enjoy it but I was so impressed with the groups and how powerful they were. I got a lot out of them and I appreciate all the work that the staff put in to make it so good.” - Louise
Recovery Tree Planting Day at The Phoenix Forest in The Borders In partnership with the John Muir Trust, we are holding a Recovery Tree Planting Day on 27th March at the Glenlude Estate, Peebles. The Phoenix Forest is a living, breathing recognition of recovery. Join us to plant a tree to celebrate everyone who has completed a programme of treatment with us.
2014 brings in lots of changes to our Community Service in Glasgow - least of all being our wonderful new premises, just off Maryhill Road. The programme has been completly revitalised for 2014, with new groups running and greater structure added. We made these changes following extensive consultation with our current service users. We are holding an Open Day on the 24th January and everyone is welcome! Call Aileen on 0141 948 0520 for more info.
January 2014 www.phoenix-futures.org.uk
Farewell & Good Luck! Following the transfer of prison drug and alcohol treatment provision to NHS Grampian, we sadly said goodbye to our colleagues at HMP Aberdeen & HMP Peterhead. We would like to take this opportunity to thank our dedicated staff for their commitment and hard work over the years and wish them the very best of luck for their future careers.
To book a place and receive further details please contact Jelena on 0141 222 1772.