After a week and a half visiting family (and new family members), I headed to North Wales where I was to initially spend two days with close friends Rich and Sian Price in beautiful countryside close to the Conwy Valley. Rich and I have been working and plotting together for some time now.
Whilst staying with him, Rich took me to a meeting in Colwyn Bay of the Ketamine Group which is run by the House of The Vivienne, the support group set up by Chanel Williams and her family in memory of her brother the late James Lee Williams, better known as The Vivienne. Rich asked if I would spend twenty minutes or so talking to the group about the work I do, which I did. I then sat in on the Family Support Group which was such an enjoyable and inspiring gathering. It was also so good to meet Chanel and her father Lee.
On Thursday lunchtime, Rich took me to Penrhyn House, the residential part of North Wales Recovery Communities (NWRC), where I caught up with James Deakin, the Founder of NWRC, and his colleagues. James then took me to Holyhead on Anglesey to attend the local Moving On In My Recovery (MOIMR) group meeting, which was the last of the 12-week meetings for that specific group. I was really impressed by Vicky Thomas (NWRC Anglesey Coordinator), who I knew from previous visits, and the way she led the gathering. I was so inspired by the group and the way it was conducted. Such a lovely bunch of people, all supporting each other.
I stayed at The Management Centre in Bangor, a great place to stay… they also have the best sausages I have tasted in many years! On Friday morning, I attended the Service of Remembrance and Hope at St Deiniol’s Cathedral in Bangor, a service ‘In memory for those who have died, and as a symbol of hope for everyone affected by addiction.’ The Welcome and Opening Address were given by Sophie McCluskey and Alex Magson, which were followed by an address by Sarah Flynn. Chanel Williams gave a family member’s reflection which was so moving that a number—probably a large number—of us broke down in tears. Her Reflection was SO impressive.
When Gareth John came on to give a Message of Hope, he was clearly deeply moved and very emotional about Chanel’s reflection. His message was also deeply moving and he played guitar and sang a beautiful song. This performance was amazing. After Sophie and Alex gave their closing address, we were invited to light a candle for those who have passed. What a special event!
In the afternoon, I gave talks on trauma and healing at Penrhyn House—which I have done there before—to an audience of around 30 people, comprising members of NWRC and people from Parkland Place Rehab in Colwyn Bay. I really enjoyed the event, which was filmed by Marcus Fair MBE (Founder of Eternal Media). I could see that the audience was really engaged and the feedback was really good. I was thrilled. An amazing few days in North Wales!
The photograph taken at the Service of Remembrance and Hope show (from left): Lee Daley, Linzi Lewis, Sarah Flynn, Marcus Fair MBE, Alex Magson, Sophie McCluskey, and Wulf Livingston.