Turning Point Inspiring Futures

In light of Safeguarding week, today the Get Connected team went out into the public to raise awareness of safeguarding it's self and all of the services available for people in service and their families and carers!

✨ The journey of Turning Point has been nothing short of incredible, thanks to all who shared their objects and stories. We're excited to have you help us choose the 61st object by voting for the one you believe best represents Turning Point, the people we support, and our hopes for the future.

➡ Head over to https://mytp.me/VoteHere to find out more and vote today!

Yesterday we held our Annual Recovery Cycle 2024 at Trinity Walk with PureGym Wakefield and what a truly amazing day we had! 🥰

This year our target was to reach 585 miles, to represent the total number of Service Users who have successfully completed treatment with Turning Point Services across the District.

We are proud to announce we reached a whopping 833 miles; the equivalent of cycling from Wakefield to Stockholm in Sweden! 😱🚲

We would like to thank our sister company Turning Point Talking Therapies who joined us to promote the mental health support they offer from their service, and helped us reach our target. Also a big thanks to PureGym Wakefield who kindly lend us their bikes each year so the event can go ahead! 💙

We also would like to share our gratitude towards anyone who chatted with us, took photos, gave us a cheer or hopped on a bike to celebrate our fantastic Service Users who have reached their recovery goal! ✨

See you in 2025!

Yesterday Turning Point Inspiring Recovery had the pleasure of taking a group of our peer mentors down to Kensington to visit the exhibition.


We had such a fantastic day and seeing the objects of others encouraged our peer mentors to start thinking of the objects in their life which mean a lot.


They also enjoyed seeing the history of turning point and the journey that Turning Point has been on for the past 60 years and the amount of people who have been supported added motivation, inspiration and an immense sense of pride of being a part of the journey in the future.

🎉Congratulations to our nursing team at Wakefield Inspiring Recovery, Inspiring Futures and Inspiring Families for winning Community Nursing Team at the Nursing Awards last week.


As you can see, the photograph really does capture how pleased we all were and in true Wakefield fashion, we celebrated in style!🎉

According to the latest World Health Organisation report, the UK has the worst rate of child alcohol consumption in the world, and over 50% British children have had alcohol by the age of 13.

Children may have access to alcohol through various means, but being exposed to more alcohol at home, changing attitudes of parents and the aftermath of the Covid-19 pandemic could be major factors according to the report.

Our Turning Point Inspiring Futures and Inspiring Families service in offer free support to young people and families cope with substance use issues.

So, whether you or someone you know may have issues with alcohol or may have access to it due to alcohol dependency issues in the family, please know that we can help without any prejudice or judgement. 💯

All you have to do is take the first step and reach out. You can contact us on 0300 123 1912.

England child alcohol use tops global chart, finds WHO report The World Health Organization also finds higher rates of drinking and va**ng among teenage girls.

The Liver Buddies team from Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust are welcoming people in to visit their mobile clinic vehicle 'O-liver' for a free liver check-up. 💙

At the roadshow, you can get your liver checked and learn how to keep it healthy from clinical specialists. They will also give you information on liver diseases and tips to improve your liver health.

🏠 Pedestrian area by the entrance to the

📅 Thursday, 18th April

🕜 10:00am-15:00pm

Open to all.

Were you aware that feel more stressed or overwhelmed as opposed to older adults? 🤔

All individuals handle stress differently, but excessive stress can lead to harmful coping mechanisms like alcohol or drug dependency.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use due to stress, our Turning Point Inspiring Futures (Young People) Service is here to offer full support to help you cope better. 🤗

We prioritise all aspects of health and wellbeing and offer stress management techniques and guidance to ensure a successful recovery journey.

You can contact us on 0300 123 1912 or visit our website to learn more about how we can help: turning-point.co.uk/services/inspiring-futures.html

Stress can have serious effects, often pushing to binge drinking and/or drug use to cope with overwhelming feelings.

Such choices can deeply affect not only the individual but also their family, friends, and colleagues as substance use and dependency can have potentially life-altering consequences.

We’re here to remind you to take it easy, seek help if you have turned to substance use to relieve stress and support you through your harm reduction and recovery journey. 🤗

Our Inspiring Futures Service will also support and encourage you to develop healthier coping mechanisms and look at managing stress better. 💙

It's Nutrition and Hydration Week! 📢📢📢

While moving away from substance use, you may have unwanted cravings and changes in how you feel, making it essential to recognise signs of malnutrition and dehydration and prioritise your health! 😅

➡️ Maintaining a healthy diet and staying hydrated is crucial for our wellbeing, but it's especially necessary if you're on a harm reduction and recovery journey.

➡️ Developing a personalised meal plan and ensuring you consume nutritious foods can support your recovery efforts.

If you need further support or guidance, our Clinical Support Team is available to provide tips and guidance to help you stay on track and prioritise your wellbeing.

Support accessible to all our Service Users.

Happy World Book Day! 🤗📕

We strongly encourage all our Service Users to cultivate a habit of reading, as it helps move away from everyday stress, anxious thoughts and unwanted cravings during the harm reduction or recovery journey.

Reading can inspire young people to envision a life beyond dependence on alcohol or drugs. This also helps create a sense of structure and discipline. 🙂

For those of you feeling lost or out of place while trying to cope with substance use, know that diving into a book can be your window of opportunity to create your new safe space. 💯

We were deeply moved by the screening of 'The 1 in 5' documentary at our Turning Point Inspiring Recovery Hub (Socialicious) this morning. 💙

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to John Taylor from Turning Point DAWS - Drug and Alcohol Wellbeing Service for sharing his film which talks about how 1 in 5 children in the UK, approximately 3 million, endure living with a parent battling alcohol use. This documentary is based on his award-winning book ‘Alcohol Stole My Mum’ and sheds light on his childhood experiences living with an alcohol-dependent parent.

Drawing from his personal journey, Taylor bravely recounted his upbringing and how it influenced his own struggles with alcohol later in life. He also emphasised that substance use is a huge issue in the UK and affects children's mental health, relationships and overall wellbeing.

We also thank all the professionals from the education sector who attended this event organised by our Inspiring Families Service. 😄

Nacoa Turning Point

WE CAN'T WAIT TO SEE YOU ALL ON TUESDAY! 🤩

Experience the magic of storytelling and learn how to write your very own script at our workshop led by John Taylor, an award-winning author visiting us from DAWS (Drug and Alcohol Service), London organised by our Service. 😊

In this interactive workshop, John will help discover how to use the art of writing your own story or screenplay to cope with your surroundings. It’s a great outlet to release negative thoughts and explore the space to put down untold stories. 😄

Please join us at our Wakefield Recovery Hub to explore the power of words and leave feeling inspired. 🙌 Service Users and people in active recovery over 18+ welcome to attend.

🏠Socialicious Recovery Hub,

📅 27 February, Tuesday

🕜1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

If you have any questions, please phone our Get Connected team to learn more. Call 0300 123 1912 Option 3, then 4.

“We are all storytellers. There isn’t a stronger connection between people than storytelling.” 💙

Experience the magic of storytelling and learn how to write your very own script at our workshop led by John Taylor, an award-winning author visiting us from DAWS (Drug and Alcohol Service), London organised by our Service. 😊

In this interactive workshop, John will help discover how to use the art of writing your own story or screenplay to cope with your surroundings. It’s a great outlet to release negative thoughts and explore the space to put down untold stories. 😄

Please join us at our Turning Point Inspiring Recovery Hub to explore the power of words and leave feeling inspired. 🙌 Service Users and people in active recovery over 18+ welcome to attend.

🏠Socialicious Recovery Hub,

📅 27 February

🕜1:00 pm – 2:00 pm

If you have any questions, please phone our Get Connected team to learn more. Call 0300 123 1912 Option 3, then 4.

It's Children's Mental Health Awareness Week and we're here to raise awareness and provide support for the mental wellbeing of children and young people.

Mental health is indeed a crucial aspect of overall wellbeing and addressing it early on can have a positive impact on a child's future. ⭐⭐⭐⭐

Encouraging open conversations and sharing resources can help create a more supportive community for children and families. 😊

Join our Young People’s Service team members this Thursday to learn and discuss how to support children and young people's mental health.

If interested, feel free to contact our Get Connected team to save a spot.

🏠Socialicious Recovery Hub,

📅Thursday, 8 February

🕜1:30pm-2:30pm

Worried that you’re spending too much time and resources on gambling?

Are you concerned for a family member or friend who may need help?

Is this causing you stress — making you turn to substance use?

If you or someone you know is facing challenges with gambling, seeking help is a positive step toward recovery. ✅✅✅

Please understand that it's essential to listen without any judgement and offer support. We would like anyone dealing with gambling issues to seek professional help.

SCAN the QR code to get in touch with the folks at Gambling Understood to seek help and support with your gambling concerns. They can offer guidance, support, and resources to address gambling issues based on your needs.

And if you’re worried that your gambling issues are driving you to excessive substance use, do consider reaching out to us.

Dial 0300 123 1912 to contact our team.

Calling out healthcare professionals, professionals, people looking for support as family and carers 📢📢📢📢

Join us for an informative online webinar on Friday, January 12, 2024 from 10:00-11:00 AM to raise awareness about hidden harm and provide support to families and carers.

Through engaging discussions, our team will address various aspects of hidden harm, including its impact on families and carers, potential signs to watch out for, and available support resources. This event is a safe space to share experiences, ask questions, and connect with others who understand.

Register for this FREE event now to secure your spot and join us online for this important event.

Family and Carers Support Awareness to Hidden Harm and More Join our FREE online session to learn about the Family and Carers support offered by Turning Point in Wakefield. Register now!

Happy New Year to our Inspiring Futures family.

Let’s welcome 2024 with a fresh perspective and kindness! 😊

Here is a gentle reminder this new year that the best is yet to come and working towards what you hope to achieve is an ideal way to approach new year resolutions. 😀

Want to learn more about how to cope or plan ahead when it comes to your recovery journey?

You can always count on us. Please contact us if you would like to learn more about how we can help you.

We wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. 🤗

While it’s said to be the most magical time of the year, we know it’s not easy for everyone to cope with the chaos of the festivities. 💯

Just know that THERE’S NOBODY LIKE YOU and we hope you experience the magic of Christmas in little ways while looking after your wellbeing. 💙💙💙

If you feel like you need to talk to someone during this period, know that you can reach out.

Talking Therapies
01924 234860

NHS Direct (24 hours)
111

Samaritans (Call or Text)
116123

CAP Wakefield
01924 381119

Wakefield Walk-In Centre
01924 882350

Kooth
020 3984 9337

Anxiety UK
03444 775 774

Mind
0300 123 3393

“A blank canvas has unlimited possibilities.” The artwork shared by the participants from Youth Involvement Week meetup helps us understand just that.

We’re delighted to share that Artwork 6 received the highest reactions among all the wonderful creatives made by the young adults at Inspiring Futures, Wakefield. 😀

The winner created a meaningful piece of art and will receive a £20 reward as a job well done. Congratulations to the winner!

We would like to add that there’s so much potential in all these art pieces that it was truly difficult to choose just one. All individuals portrayed their emotions through art in such a compelling way and we appreciate that so much. 🤗 And trust us when we say, this doesn't change how lovely it's been to see your artwork.

Thank you to everyone who participated and shared their artwork with us. And to those who reacted and commented as well. 😄

Back in October, as part of our Youth Involvement Week initiative – we invited young adults to create a piece of art with the theme, “Describe what it’s like to be a young person in the world today?” and we received 13 beautiful entries.

It’s time to select a winner and we can’t do this without your support. 🙌

Please ‘react’ to the artwork images you like the most and the one with the highest likes/reactions and comments stands the chance to WIN a £20 Amazon Voucher!

The winner will we announced on 5th December. So spread the good word and tell us what you think. 😊

Our session on ‘How alcohol affects the family’ from this afternoon was an educational one. The ‘Family and Carers’ team led the conversation on the topic and highlighted the relevance of recognising physical, emotional and psychological symptoms of stress due to substance use. They also discussed the impact it has on family members and different coping mechanisms used by individuals in this situation.

Here’s thanking all the staff members, peer mentors and service users who attended the event. We hope you found the session helpful. 🙌

This year’s theme for Carers Day is “Caring for your future” and we are here for it!

We have different kinds of carers helping people across the globe–be it friends and family, or healthcare professionals (among others) who put others’ needs ahead of their own. But what about safeguarding the wellbeing of these carers?

We do admire the dedication and would like to extend our support for the friends and family of people who use substances. We understand that it’s not always a choice when it comes to turning into a carer. If someone close to you is struggling with alcohol or drugs issues, please know that you don’t have to deal with this alone.

We know it is not easy, but we are here to help you get through it all. You can go through our website and contact us if you need any support:
https://www.turning-point.co.uk/support.../drugs-and-alcohol

This Universal Children’s Day, we hope every child feels safe and protected.

Children and young adults often turn to substance use – be it drugs, alcohol or both to avoid facing harsh realities.

What would that even look like?

Living with ailing family members, dealing with abuse (mental or physical), growing anxiety, peer pressure and the list is endless.

While there’s no one way to create a safe space for children, we must try to recognise the signs of abuse to protect children in our care.

We provide Drug and Alcohol Prevention, Treatment and Recovery Services for children and young adults under the age of 25.

So, if you think a child or a young person around you is dealing with drug and/or alcohol use, we can help them stop or reduce that use, minimise the harmful effect it may have and help find healthier ways to cope.

You can visit our website to learn more on the next steps.
https://www.turning-point.co.uk/support-we-offer/drugs-and-alcohol

Bullying doesn’t look any one way. Be it a child or an adult, anyone can be a victim of bullying and looking away from it will not make it stop.

People often turn to substance use due to their growing fear and anxiety, or because of unresolved trauma. And some don’t tend to realise the effect it can have on their family and children.

This year’s theme for Anti-Bullying Week is to ‘Make a Noise about Bullying.’ And while there’s a week dedicated to spreading awareness about bullying, identifying what bullying may look like and encouraging people to speak up against it, the first step is to recognize it to begin with...

If you or someone you know has turned to due to past trauma or an unhealthy environment, please know that you’re not alone.
You can connect with us, and our team will give you the support you need (in the way that works for you): https://www.turning-point.co.uk/

Day 5 of Youth Involvement week at Inspiring Futures and Inspiring Recovery.

Steph and Jane held another presentation with young people yesterday. Lots of games were played including a game of categorising different substances and trying to catch a ball while wearing the cannabis goggles! It was a really fun afternoon.

Today the team will be reflecting on the feedback the young people have given to us throughout the week about the support they get from our service.

Young people have described our Hidden harm workers as funny and cool and have said that it is really nice to have someone to talk to and rely on!

We have all had a really great Youth involvement week and can't wait to share the end results of the art competition we are running. We will post photos of the artwork as we receive them! And we look forward to the next one! ❤