CGL - East Kent Residential Recovery Service

Having a slip-up and smoking when you're trying to quit is not something to feel ashamed about. And it does not mean you’ve failed.
Sometimes it takes a few attempts before you quit for good. All that matters is that you keep on trying.

"They look for things that will suit you. You are not just asked to do things - they put you in places where you will thrive."
We are extremely proud to announce that we have been awarded the Investing in Volunteers Standard 🎉
Our volunteers help us make a real difference in people’s lives, and we couldn’t do the work we do without them.

Kieron is part of the Leeds Street Outreach team. During the first lockdown, he moved into temporary accommodation so he could carry on supporting people in homeless communities while also keeping his family safe.
Read more about Kieron and all our other work with homeless communities in our annual report: https://buff.ly/31tZBjb
Throughout the pandemic, we have worked with providers and organisations to make sure that homeless communities have access to vital support networks. By sharing our learning with partners, we have helped protect homeless communities in vulnerable, high-risk situations.

Imagine how dangerous and frightening it is to be street homeless, trying to find somewhere safe to sleep.
They're are giving all they can to get off the streets, will you give too?
Donate to support our work and give hope to families facing homelessness:

Donate - Shelter England Your donation to Shelter can change lives for people facing unsafe housing and homelessness during the COVID-19 crisis.

After a year like no other, we are dedicating our 2020-2021 Annual Report to all our service users, staff, and volunteers who make a difference every day.
Read their stories, and more, here: https://buff.ly/3ou74qY

As young people are excited to start partying again, they are more likely to consider using co***ne. We’ve written tips and advice to help them to stay as safe as possible.
Please share this with any young people it could help: https://buff.ly/370QJ3H

"Although I'd stopped the drugs, I hadn't changed anything. For eight years I managed, but I'd not changed."
Thanks to Lana, one of our incredible volunteers, for sharing her story with BBC News 🙌

Drugs: Review urges more funding for addiction treatments in England An independent report says cuts have left services "on their knees" and recommends a focus on recovery.

As young people are excited to start partying again, they are more likely to consider using M**A or ecstasy. We’ve written tips and advice to help them to stay as safe as possible.
Please share this with any young people it could help: https://buff.ly/3zBSPmR

As young people are excited to start partying again, they are more likely to consider using ketamine. We’ve written tips and advice to help them to stay as safe as possible.
Please share this with any young people it could help:
https://buff.ly/3iNNn9F

Hot weather can be harmful for people sleeping rough.
Read this guidance from Homeless Link to find out how you can help someone sleeping rough in hot weather: https://buff.ly/370jmhl

With a person dying every 30 seconds from a hepatitis related illness – even in the current COVID-19 crisis – we can’t wait to act on viral hepatitis.

https://buff.ly/38inclR

As young people are excited to start partying again, they are more likely to consider using NOS.
We’ve written tips and advice to help them to stay as safe as possible.
Please share this with any young people it could help:
https://buff.ly/3iR7tQi

Any ideas about our bald patch at the Cedars, Canterbury.

"My life now is just amazing. I like to class myself as a positive role model to those who are still lost and don’t believe in themselves."

Dudley's recovery story Dudley's recovery experience with Change Grow Live has helped him to grow and give back to society.

I’m grateful for the opportunity to regain my confidence and skills, it has been a really positive experience.

"I wasn’t confident at first but once I got a foot in the door it was different. I was speaking to people who were me a year ago, so I would always say to them what I wish I’d been told. I try to be the mentor I wish I’d had."
This is Ashley's story:
https://buff.ly/3j1bDa5

In 2017, Jose decided he wanted to stop taking drugs and change his life. He’d learned about Change Grow Live by word of mouth and decided to find out more. Fast forward four years and Jose now volunteers with CGL.

“Before, I lost everything: my house, my money, my dignity. I've been able to really reclaim and rebuild myself physically and mentally. Life makes sense. I’m in a much better state and more positive for the future. I’ve got a sense that I have a purpose.

Through volunteering, I see something in my future and know that I can still make something out of my life. I can make a difference in someone else’s life, and that’s the most important thing to me.” — Jose.

Read his—and other—inspiring stories here: https://www.changegrowlive.org/stories

“My addiction and mental health were horrendous. It’s a battle every single day, but I’m doing so much better now. I’m 21 months sober and that means everything to me, I absolutely could not have done it without Change Grow Live.” —Dan

Today, Dan volunteers at the groups he used to attend as a client. Read his inspiring story on this page: https://www.changegrowlive.org/stories/dans-mentoring-story

Tips for approaching a conversion about drug use or alcohol intake with a loved one:

⏰ Choose a good time and place to talk. Pick somewhere familiar that is calm. It’s not a good idea to start this conversation if your loved one is in a rush or tired after a long day.

💙 Know that it might not be successful first time. Your loved one might be ashamed, or scared, angry or defensive. Try to keep things calm.

💬 Begin by explaining your concerns. Try to open up a discussion instead of telling them what you think.

✅ DO SAY: “I’ve noticed something recently and I’d like it if we could have a chat about it.

❌ DON’T SAY “we need to talk. I think you have a problem”.

You can read more advice on this page: https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/family-friends/drinking-drugs-how-to-talk-to-someone

Are you concerned a loved one is using drugs/alcohol to cope with the pandemic? Talking is one of the most important ways you can help them. But we understand that it’s difficult. To get you started, we’ve included some tips and advice on this page:

https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/family-friends/drinking-drugs-how-to-talk-to-someone

Talking to someone about their drinking or drug use If you're concerned about someone's drinking or drug use, talking can be the first step towards helping. Here are our tips for a respectful, productive talk.

The last 12-13 months have been extraordinary. Lots of people have turned to alcohol as a coping mechanism for stress, loneliness and anxiety.

Are you worried about how much you’re drinking? If so, take the alcohol advice quiz on our website. It’ll help you understand how much you’re drinking and provide guidance on what to do next:

https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/alcohol-drugs/alcohol-drinking-levels-quiz-self-assessment

Anxious about visiting our residential rehab facility for the first time? Jose, an ex-client and current volunteer with CGL understands:

“I’d tell anyone who is going to a service for the first time that it’s normal to be nervous. It’s a symptom. No one goes to a detox centre without fear, but it’s a part of the process. You'll have your concerns, but don’t let that put you down. Be positive and try something that will change your life.”

On your first visit, you’ll be invited to an induction. You’ll have been allocated a keyworker who will be with you throughout your journey. You can ask your keyworker any questions you might have.

COVID-19 has been tough on many. Lockdown “has taken its toll on millions of people caught in a battle with addiction”, Sky News reported earlier this year. So, if you or a loved one relapsed, please know that you’re not alone. And help is at hand.

If you’d like support, give us a call now on 01303 220719.

Having a hep C test takes no longer than five minutes ⏱️

With just a quick finger prick, it's easy to get tested, get treated, and get cured.

Contact your local service to get a test: https://bit.ly/3vnL8hR

Making positive changes in your life is always easier when you have people to support you. In our residential rehab facility, we have peer mentors who'll help and guide you. Give us a call on 01303 220719.

If you’re concerned about your drinking or drug use but aren’t sure what steps to take, you can find lots of information and advice on the Change Grow Live website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/alcohol-drugs

As draws to a close, how have you found the challenge?

If you stopped smoking for 28 days, congratulations! Did you know that if you can quit smoking for 28 days you are five times more likely to quit for good?

Didn’t manage it? No worries, sometimes it can take a few attempts. All that matters is that you keep trying! Get advice about ‘slipping up’ on this page:

https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/find-advice-info/health-and-wellbeing/smoking/having-a-slip-up

What to do if you have a slip up when you’re trying to stop smoking Do not feel ashamed if you have a slip up when you're trying to stop smoking. Find out how to get back on track and avoid it next time.

Concerned about something and don't know what steps to take? Try the CGL website. You can find advice and information on a range of topics including drugs, alcohol, health and wellbeing, housing, mental health, going to prison and stopping smoking: https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/find-advice-info

“I wouldn’t take away any of the experiences that I went through, no matter how bad it got, because it’s made me the person I am today.” - Claudia

Claudia found Change Grow Live in 2009 when drinking heavily and dependent on alcohol. In 2015, she joined as a peer mentor and volunteer for the organisation. Today, she works in a fulltime role. You can read her full story on this page: https://www.changegrowlive.org/stories/claudias-volunteering-story

Worried about a friend or family member?

Find advice on how to support them, whether it's drugs, alcohol or their wellbeing you're concerned about. You can read our advice pages or speak to a member of the Change Grow Live webchat team: https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/family-friends

How you can help friends & family with drug & alcohol issues If you're worried about a friend of family member we have advice on how to support them, whether it's drugs, alcohol or general wellbeing you're concerned about.

We can help you change your life for the better. If you want to change your direction, grow as a person, and live life to its full potential, we’re here to help you.

We’re here for you if you need help with challenges including drugs or alcohol, trouble with housing, domestic abuse, or your mental and physical wellbeing. Our services are free and confidential, and we'll never judge you.

Call us now on 01303 220719.
Website: https://www.changegrowlive.org/residential-recovery-east-kent/shepherd-house

“To anyone worried about getting help I’d just say don’t be scared. The people are friendly, and lots of them have been through the same things as you. At the end of the day, life is so much easier without an addiction.” —Tomica

Peer mentor Tomica said she started engaging with her local service once she began to lose everything she had. Now she uses her experience to help others. Read her story on this page: https://www.changegrowlive.org/stories/tomicas-story

“My life is just amazing. I like to class myself as a positive role model to those who are still lost and don’t believe in themselves.” - Dudley.

Dudley's experience helped him to grow and give back to society. You can read his inspiring recovery story here: https://www.changegrowlive.org/stories/dudleys-recovery-story

Do you have an alcohol problem?

Take our quick quiz to understand how much you’re drinking. When you’ve answered the questions we’ll give you advice about alcohol and what to do next: https://www.changegrowlive.org/advice-info/alcohol-drugs/alcohol-drinking-levels-quiz-self-assessment

At our residential rehab facility (Shepherd House), we help motivate people to remain abstinent from drugs or alcohol. While staying with us, you'll be supported by staff and peer mentors. We run a structured group programme where you can learn about tools and techniques in a supportive environment.

Contact details & where to find Shepherd House: https://www.changegrowlive.org/residential-recovery-east-kent/shepherd-house

After Shepherd House, you'll move onto The Cedars for the next stage of your recovery.

Here, we offer second-stage support to people who have begun their journey to abstinence from drugs or alcohol. With us, you can continue your recovery journey and access support. We offer key working sessions, peer support, life skills groups and more. At the end of your time with us, we'll help you plan for your life going forwards.

Contact details & where to find The Cedars: https://www.changegrowlive.org/residential-recovery-east-kent/the-cedars

Here are a few websites and apps you might find useful:

Click through the images to learn more about us and how we can help you.