David Clark

13th July 2026

Ego, Humility and Giving Back: Rob Havelock & Lianne Jones

Rob compares his recovery journey with being in the mountains. You’ve got a map and compass to get yourself up and down a mountain. On the other hand, you’ve got your Big Book and sponsor as your moral compass and guide on your recovery journey. Remaining teachable...
13th July 2026

Changing LifeStyle: Rob Havelock & Lianne Jones

When Rob was on a Hill Skills course, the mountain leader, Alex, suggested that Rob become a mountain leader. When Rob replied, ‘What the hell’s a mountain leader?’, he was told that he was a natural with ‘a map and compass’ and in helping the other participants.
13th July 2026

Addiction & Early Recovery: Rob Havelock & Lianne Jones

He was always guilty of romanticising a life which involved him sitting in a pub with his pint, being Jack the Lad, and enjoying the company of his mates. He soon relapsed into drinking. However, he found only a short-lasting enjoyment from alcohol.
9th July 2026

How Outside Activities Facilitate Recovery: Rob Havelock & Lianne Jones

When he was on a mountain, all Rob’s senses seemed to be opening up. There was something there that he can’t explain in relation to that spiritual aspect that all people need to find in recovery, in some form or other. Rob got in a spiritual state from being in the mountains.
9th July 2026

What Makes NWRC Work?: Rob Havelock & Lianne Jones

In her early days at Penrhyn, people there loved Lianne when she didn’t love herself. They gave her encouragement that she had never previously received. All the good things she experienced added up over time and helped her get more and more involved in the...
9th July 2026

Being a Couple in Recovery: Rob Havelock & Lianne Jones

Rob agrees with Wulf that he and Lianne were an exception to the commonly held view that romantic relationships don’t work for people who are in early recovery. He points out that their relationship put them in a somewhat difficult situation. ‘What did we say to other...
8th July 2026

A Catalyst: James Deakin Story

The person who had the biggest impact on me was Mark Gilman. ‘Mr Gilman’—he has reverential status for me—talked about Asset-Based Community Development (ABCD), and this was a massive light bulb moment for me. Mark worked for Lifeline for four years as Director of...
7th July 2026

Kind Words: Carlie Atkinson

'I found your book incredibly moving. What you've created is much more than a book about addiction and recovery. It's a testament to the power of community, the importance of being seen and valued and the extraordinary capacity people have to transform pain...'
6th July 2026

‘Transforming Pain Into Power’: Outline

This book highlights what can be achieved by peer-led recovery communities by focusing on North Wales Recovery Communities (NWRC), based in Bangor, and founded by James Deakin in 2015. It has five primary aims: 1. To illustrate key elements that are known to...
5th July 2026

Theme Film Favourites: Rob Havelock & Lianne Jones

Rob and Lianne are an exception to the commonly held view that romantic relationships don’t work for people in early recovery. Their relationship put them in a somewhat difficult situation. What did they say to other people...
4th July 2026

‘Transforming Pain Into Power’ Is Out!

In this inspirational book, a series of personal stories are interwoven into chapters focusing on how the exciting initiative North Wales Recovery Communities (NWRC), which is based in Bangor, is helping people recover from serious substance use problems and related issues.
1st July 2026

My 2024 Talks at North Wales Recovery Communities

Tasty canapés were provided prior to my first talk, which was focused on addiction recovery and 'My Journey From Brain Chemicals to Human Connection', to an audience of around 30 people. We then had a gorgeous dinner...
29th June 2026

My New Love Affair: Marcus Fair MBE Story, Part 3

I joined and was soon inspired to write a play, which members really liked. I ended up directing the 40-minute play, which was about how drug and alcohol misuse can destroy people’s lives. I was offered a job with TAPE...
24th June 2026

Well and Truly Addicted: Marcus Fair MBE Story, Part 2

What was my rock bottom? It was every morning! I would lie there when I came around in ‘bed’, wherever that might be, on a mate’s sofa or in a car park, and experience a heart-sinking feeling, an overwhelming...