Stigma often exists where there is a limited understanding of a condition or a group of people . Negative ideas about these conditions or groups can permeate our collective understanding and form opinions based on stereotypes . The discrimination faced by those who suffer the effects of stigma can often lead to damaging societal attitudes – for people looking to live a life free from substances , these attitudes can damage their confidence , limit their opportunities and undermine their recovery . It is for this reason that I find it so heartening to hear stories where those so heavily impacted by stigma directly challenge it through their positive actions . In late July , the service users at our Wirral Residential Service did just this at the Equilibrium Community Centre . When Equilibrium approached us and asked if our residents would
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‘ Throughout Recovery Month , Phoenix Futures will be launching our anti-stigma campaign with a range of projects and activities aimed at increasing the visibility and positive perceptions of those in recovery .’ |
be able to help tidy up the grounds ahead of the opening this summer , their appeal was met with a resounding ‘ yes we can ’. The result was a complete transformation of the grounds and interior . I spoke with Equilibrium director Sharon Munroe who gave me an insight into what our service users did and what this means for the community . ‘ I can ’ t praise them enough ,’ she said . ‘ They should be immensely proud of themselves . They cleared the car park then weeded , planted , raked and mowed our outdoor spaces . The football cages were covered in rubbish and broken glass . They cleared all of that and brushed it all down clean . They painted and cleaned inside , bringing a training room back into use which we can now hire out to raise funds . And to top it off they even cleaned up the sandbox for the kids .’
The impact of this was that the centre was able to open on time , giving families a place to gather and for children to play . A summer scheme will go ahead , feeding children who would normally receive free school meals and the centre will provide wellbeing workshops , parent and child groups and coffee mornings .
‘ Equilibrium means the balancing of opposing forces ,’ explained Sharon , when I asked about the origins of the organisation . ‘ We exist because we know isolation and inequality exists , and unfortunately always will . Our research helps us understand what our community needs , and provide interventions that help address their issues .
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When Equilibrium asked if service users at Phoenix Wirral Residential would be able to help tidy up the grounds ahead of the opening this summer , their appeal was met with a resounding ‘ yes we can ’.
We actively reduce stigma in the community by giving people an opportunity to raise their selfesteem and confidence . To hear it ’ s not their fault . To make them feel valued and build their wellbeing .’ I asked Sharon about her thoughts on the stigma faced by our service users and the people she works with through Equilibrium . ‘ I actually thought about stigma from their perspective when asking about consents for us to post about it online , but I didn ’ t mention their recovery as I didn ’ t see it as relevant ,’ she said . ‘ I always say “ there but for the grace of the universe go any of us ”. The guys who came to help out aren ’ t defined by being in recovery , they are defined by wanting to give back and do something positive . Everybody deserves another chance . Sometimes we go off the path and need help to get back on it . If we can be part of someone ’ s
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recovery and help them feel part of society again that would be amazing to achieve .’
The feedback from our residents mirrored Sharon ’ s words – they spoke of the joy they felt in giving children a reason to smile , the good memories evoked in seeing a community hub brought back to life , the rewarding feeling of accomplishment and the powerful sense of contributing to something bigger than themselves .
Throughout Recovery Month , Phoenix Futures will be launching our anti-stigma campaign with a range of projects and activities aimed at increasing the visibility and positive perceptions of those in recovery . The actions of our service users at the Wirral Residential capture this message perfectly . Their selfless efforts directly challenge and subvert so many of the negative perceptions within society of those who use substances and exemplify what can be achieved if we don ’ t allow stigma to hold people back from their potential .
Liam Ward is residential marketing and engagement manager at Phoenix Futures
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