A Celebration of Recovery returns to Winchester Cathedral’s Outer Close on Saturday 25th August 2018
A Celebration of Recovery returns to Winchester Cathedral’s Outer Close on Saturday 25th August, with an exciting line up of events and activities for visitors of all ages to enjoy.
Organised by Inclusion Recovery Hampshire who provide drug and alcohol treatment and support across the county, A Celebration of Recovery celebrates the positive impact that recovery has on the lives of those who have experienced mental health, abuse, homelessness, or addiction.
There will be three different areas for visitors to explore on the day:
- the Main Area, where visitors can enjoy music, poetry and testimonials throughout the day
- the Spiritual Area, with yoga, mindfulness and music therapy
- the Children’s Area, with a magician, face painting and a Bouncy Cathedral
Speaking of the event, Simon Davis, Recovery Worker from Inclusion said: ‘We are delighted to be returning once again to the grounds of Winchester Cathedral. With almost 30 support organisations taking part this year, and music, poetry and powerful testimonials from a wide range of individuals who have made the recovery journey, the event promises to be a fantastic opportunity to celebrate what can be achieved and inspire those who want to take their first step.
“Recovering from addiction or mental illness is not easy. This event not only celebrates what’s possible with the right help, but will provide those seeking support, and their family and friends, with a wide range of options for information, advice and guidance.
As a family event, it also reflects the vital support network provided by families in the recovery process. Everyone is welcome.”
Organisations taking part this year, include:
- The Allotment Group (Winchester and Andover)
- Women of Inclusion (a special group formed of women that use Inclusion Recovery Hampshire)
- Peer-to-Peer, a ground-breaking project which aims to raise awareness around Hepatitis C as well as effectively engage people in treatment
- Salvation Army
- Solent Mind
- Alcoholics Anonymous are also participating in this year’s celebration. This year marks 100 years since Bill Wilson – the co-founder of AA – visited the grave of Thomas Thetcher in the Cathedral Close in 1918.
Catch 22 – who provide the substance misuse service to young people across Hampshire known as Hampshire 24/7 – will be there along with other young people’s support, whilst families can learn more about verbal and non-verbal interventions. PSL (Parent Support Link) will be there and will be able to show families, partners and friends of those affected by drink or drugs across Hampshire what support is available to them. A Recovery Community Organisation based in Southampton called STAMP will be there to talk about what they do as well as providing mindfulness on the day.
And The Dean of Winchester, the Very Rev’d Catherine Ogle (pictured) is delighted that the Cathedral is involved.
‘The Celebration of Recovery is a joyful testimony to the potential in each one of us, to recover from addiction, disadvantage and misfortune. It’s really heart-warming to see how people have offered one another a helping hand and that this can make all the difference to our lives. It’s a privilege for the cathedral to host this important day offering encouragement, hope and celebration to the whole community.’ she said.
A Celebration of Recovery begins at 10.00am on Saturday 25th August and continues until 4.00pm in the Outer Close of Winchester Cathedral. Refreshments will be available from the Cathedral’s classic vintage van and from the Cathedral Refectory throughout the day.
The event is free to attend and all are welcome. A full timetable of events is available on the Cathedral website: www.winchester-cathedral.org.
