1. Why Celebrate North Wales Recovery Communities?
Ironically, it is recovery communities like NWRC that understand how to help people overcome such problems, and are helping people find connection: to other people, to their environment, and to themselves. They are not just doing that in their own recovery community, but also in their wider community.
2. Refections on Ten Years of NWRC: Wulf Livingston
He outlined his vision for NWRC and said, ‘Wulf, what do you think?’ James’s vision, and the potential do something so radically different from the normal treatment world, got me very excited. It still does today.
3. Something Had To Change: James Deakin
By 2010, I was full of passion and enthusiasm, and wanting to set up a recovery group outside the treatment system. At the first Recovery Academy conference in Glasgow, I was totally inspired by Mark Gilman and his ideas, particularly around recovery, and the need for treatment services to refer their clients on to mutual aid and other recovery groups to help them stay off drugs and alcohol.
4. Some Facts About Addiction Recovery
Recovery is something done by the person with a substance use problem, not by a treatment practitioner. Treatment or engagement in mutual aid groups may facilitate recovery, but they do so by catalysing and supporting natural processes of recovery in the individual. A second feature of recovery from a serious substance use problem is that it does not occur in isolation.
5. The Emergence of NWRC
James told Wulf he wanted to build a genuine recovery community, with the residential part of NWRC to be integrated with the surrounding community…. ‘The only criteria for a person getting involved is that they’re clean and sober; or basically the three D’s, no Drink, no Drugs, no Dickheads.’
6. From Rugby and Addiction, To Mountains and Recovery: Kevin Morris
During this time, I fell in love with climbing, and found solace in the mountains. I climbed all around Europe and further afield. I spent a good deal of time outdoors in Wales connecting with nature, which had a huge positive impact on me.
7. Development of NWRC, Part 1: The Recovery Programme
James believes that it is not the particular group (Fellowship or SMART) that is important, but the fact that people are connecting with people who are ‘clean and sober’. People who attend both sorts of meeting don’t come away talking about the contradicting philosophies. Rather, they appreciate the human connection and take what they need from each philosophy and the particular tools ‘on offer’.
8. NWRC: The Going Remains Tough
They couldn’t afford to show any fear to these residents. At times, it was scary stuff and they felt out of their depth. However, they couldn’t back down, because it would have been unfair to the other residents who were not causing problems and just wanted peace and quiet.
9. The Development of NWRC, Part 2: Healthy Living & Giving Back
James recognises the social costs of addiction and feels strongly that people recovering from addiction need to give back to society. If NWRC members help others, they will help themselves by enhancing their self-esteem, self-worth and self-efficacy. They will also help tackle the societal stigma that exists towards people with substance use problems.
10. NWRC’s Close Friend: Eternal Media
Eternal Media’s Film Academy, run by Marcus Fair and Lucke Gabriel, empowers and mentors film crews, which comprise people who are rebuilding their lives and are recovering from addiction and/or an involvement in crime. Their productions encourage creativity and storytelling, enhance self-esteem and and teamwork, and ensure the development of new practical skills.
11. NWRC Recovery Walks: Designed To Break Us
NWRC has continued to have a 100-mile walk in September every year, each time along a coastal path in Wales, and always raising money for the NWRC charity. Last year, they spent seven days walking from Porthmadog to Bangor, via the Llŷn Peninsula coastal path. The team at Eternal Media have filmed parts of some of the walks, and in 2021 the expedition became an item on BBC News Wales.
12. Nothing Bad That Has Happened To Me Has Been Wasted: Saffron’s Recovery Story
I gradually learnt to deal with the shame and guilt I had experienced for many years. The sharing of our stories played an important role in this regard. Gaining a sense of belonging played a major role in the early stages of my recovery journey. A real game changer for me was the NA programme and the Step work I’ve done. Making my amends to members of my family was very important to me.
13. Filming NWRC’s Outdoor Adventures: Lucke Gabriel
The following September, NWRC organised a week-long range of activities around their bunk house in Rhyd-Ddu, a small village in Eryri National Park (Snowdonia) which is a starting point for a variety of mountain walks. The expedition involved gorge walking, rock climbing, raft racing, canoeing, and walking up Snowdon.
14. Moving On In My Recovery (MOIMR)
The MOIMR programme includes weekly challenges which are typically based on the topics discussed in each session, but are broadly related to encouraging participation in activities that support recovery or the enhancement of wellbeing. The challenges also encourage commitment and action towards personal values.
15. Rising Above Covid: Feeding the Local Community
Weekly food boxes were supplied containing three microwaveable meals, and various other items so that families could prepare meals. The team was cooking, packing and delivering, generally for six deliveries per day. One of the highlights for the delivery team was being stopped by the police two or three times a day during the early stages of the service, as there was meant to be nothing other than essential vehicles on the roads at the time.
16. Turning Misery Into Joy: Lee’s Recovery Story
I was filled with fear when I entered Penrhyn. I met Saffron Roberts (Saff) and she told me her story. I thought: ‘Hang on a minute, she used to be just like me. Look at the smile on her face, and the way she’s carrying herself and talking.’ I thought I’d try this recovery thing, and if it didn’t work I’d kill myself.
17. Growing for Change
Growing for Change aims to: (1) change the local food economy so that nutritious, organic produce is grown and made available locally, at affordable prices, and (2) help create positive change in the lives of people who have experienced substance use or mental health problems, and (3) challenge the stigma that is experienced by people with such problems.
18. Rich and Emily’s Recovery Stories
Recovery is a wonderful way of living. It has presented challenges and moments requiring difficult decisions, but I am as grateful for these experiences as I am for the successes. I firmly believe that recovery success comes through perpetual growth in the right direction—a commitment I strive to uphold daily.
19. The Highs and Lows of Bwyd Da Bangor
Bwyd Da developed a strong reputation for serving tasty, healthy and affordable meals. It acted as a platform for marginalised groups, hosting weekly mutual aid (AA, NA, CA) and dementia group meetings, informal gatherings for those with a gambling problem, and an adult autism club. Periodic music evenings took place, as well as evenings specifically for families with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
20. Marc and Gary’s Recovery Stories
NWRC gave me the freedom to look to the future in a secure environment while also assisting me in self-discovery, self-improvement, and acceptance of my past. I was given the opportunity to make mistakes, which helped me learn responsibility and accountability, and gave me a chance to discover and maintain my boundaries.
21. Visiting NWRC From the Other Side of the World
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 people. We then have a gorgeous dinner cooked by chef and restaurant manager Jason Hughes and his staff. The meal is outstanding.
22. Recovery, Relationships, Community, and the Outdoors: Rob & Lianne
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. Lianne always enjoyed the outdoors when she was young, but this feeling gradually disappeared. Now, she is once again passionate about all sorts of outdoors activity; it gives her a feeling of peace.
23. The Process and Experience of Change in Moving On In My Recovery (MOIMR)
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 the development of a shared purpose within the group in terms of a movement towards recovery.
24. Lynda and Cedric’s Recovery Stories
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.
25. Nicola and Ben’s Recovery Stories
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.
26. The Joy of Contentment: Sophie’s Recovery Story
I started working with a dietician who never focused on my actual eating behaviour, which I learnt was a symptom of a deeper problem. 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.
27. A Life Beyond My Wildest Dreams: Martin Smyth (A Trauma Healing Story)
NWRC is a game changer…. My head was flooded with new connections and various modes of recovery. I engaged in the outside activities, which helped me grow my network of connections. In the past, I had always been disconnected. Members of staff were like me, through their experience of addiction.
28. The Impact of Disconnection and How We Can Facilitate Healing
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 moments available each day for the person to control, revisiting and reworking their traumatic experience.’
29. Angie and Luke’s Recovery Stories
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.
30. Reflections of Ten Years of NWRC: Sarah Flynn
My Top Ten NWRC Amazing Experiences: 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.
31. Tony and James V’s Recovery Stories
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 have consistent relationships with friends and family.
32. Vicky and Mike’s Recovery Stories
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.
33. Why We Need Recovery Communities: Wulf Livingston
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’. Through shared friendship, journeys, knowing and love, they help sustain…
34. Healing Environments: Bruce Perry and Oprah Winfrey
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, you can do that.
35. North Wales Recovery Communities: Testimonials
‘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 on your 10th anniversary and best wishes for the future.’’ Simon Shaw, Former Assistant Chief Constable, North Wales Police
Two additional blog posts have been received which highlight The Ripple Effect of Recovery.
36. To Show That Recovery Really Is Possible: Natalie Mathieson
NWRC gave me something I hadn’t experienced before: a sense of belonging. I was surrounded by people who understood, who didn’t judge me. For the first time ever, I felt safe enough to be honest. I told the truth about how I drank, how I felt—all the stuff I had hidden out of fear of rejection.
37. From Vision to Victory—The Heart Behind Archway Recovery: Natalie Mathieson
Through Archway Recovery, we are seeing lives transformed in front of our eyes. People are not only getting well—they are staying well. We’ve seen individuals rebuild families, restore health, regain access to their children, and find purpose in life again.
38. A Life Full of Meaning and Hope
NWRC—and Penrhyn House in particular—gave me a safe, structured environment to begin an understanding the illness from which I was suffering. With the support of the team and the 12-Step Fellowship, I worked the Steps, and something inside me began to shift.