The idea of a Blog page is that we will regularly be posting a wide variety of different content. The page will not only contain posts related to our Recovery Voices interviews, but also include key information about addiction, recovery and treatment, latest happenings within the recovery communities with which we are collaborating, and relevant news and information from the wider world. We also hope to have contributions from guest bloggers from time-to-time.
3rd June 2025
'Ten years ago, James and the NWRC team had an ambitious vision. Since then, they have turned that vision into a reality for many, many people. Long may they continue. Congratulations NWRC...’ Simon Shaw, Former Assistant Chief Constable, North Wales Police
2nd June 2025
But the key to change, honestly, is that you have a healing environment that’s filled with people who see you. Who make you feel that you belong. Because what they then allow you to do, is that when you are in need of a regulatory interaction where somebody just is present...
1st June 2025
They are helping fix a treatment system that has struggled to solve its revolving door issues. They illustrate to society that even those who have been the ‘worst’ can become among the best. And, critically, they provide the space that ultimately enables individuals to ‘stay off’.
31st May 2025
I have a brand new life! I am a proper mother again. I have plenty of good friends. I run, I play rugby, I love reading, I just enjoy my life. I now facilitate the MOIMR group in which I started. I have my job as a carer back, and I would love to become a Mental Health Nurse. That is my aspiration for the future.
30th May 2025
I'm happy if I've showed up for people, supported people, and done half the things I set out to do each day. Some people describe the Fellowship as a cult that brainwashes people. I have realised that my brain needed washing of all its bad habits. I now have people who rely on me. I have consistent relationships with friends and family.
29th May 2025
Number 10 are the Penrhyn babies. Our NWRC family is growing. People who met at NWRC and pursued their Recovery journeys together have now had children! They are the future. They are feeling the benefit of all the learning that their parents have done the hard way.
28th May 2025
The second I walked through the front door I felt genuine love. I think of the place as a shining light in the darkness of my life at that time. I was the first woman to live at Penrhyn and I stayed a year. I like to think of it as my small contribution paving the way for the women who have lived there since.
27th May 2025
Bruce also points out that if we want to provide therapeutic, healing interactions, they must be moderate, controllable and predictable interactions. 'Healing takes place when there are dozens of therapeutic interactions available each day for the person to control...'
26th May 2025
NWRC is a game changer. Treatment services and other places just did not work for me! NWRC has a range of programmes and I had to do everything for the first three months. My head was flooded with new connections and various modes of recovery. I engaged in the outside...
26th May 2025
I started working with a dietician who never focused on my actual eating behaviour. They empowered me to explore my thoughts, feelings and emotions, and eventually change my mindset. I realised that I didn’t need my maladaptive tools. Our sessions had a massive...
25th May 2025
'I feel so connected now, something that I have never felt before. These are true friends who don't want anything from me. They are not trying to manipulate me. I have my grandchildren and I want to be the best Nanna in the world. I've got the help that I needed and I have a better understanding of myself.' Nicola
24th May 2025
I had made it out of my addiction bubble into a bigger bubble full of other people. Penrhyn offered freedom to be myself without being judged or questioned. It also gave my kids support and hope. They learnt about addiction and recovery. They knew that I was safe at Penrhyn, and they knew I was getting better.
23rd May 2025
Participants began to feel safe to share experiences and described that hearing similar experiences from others in the group was extremely normalising and de-stigmatising. This supported an ongoing sense of connection and identification with members of the group and led to...
22nd May 2025
On the mountains, all his senses seemed to open up. He was on a spiritual journey with the 12-Steps, but now he started another such journey. In January 2024, Rob launched Sober Snowdonia, a walking group to help people recovering from addiction and other problems.
21st May 2025
James Deakin has organised an ‘Evening with David Clark’ on Friday evening at Bwyd Da Bangor. Tasty canapés are provided prior to my first talk, which is focused on addiction recovery and My Journey From Brain Chemicals to Human Connection, to an audience of around 30...