It's January, and many of our followers, advocates, and supporters have embarked on the first tentative steps towards recovery – each person's journey is unique to their circumstances. While some find success in abstaining and navigating recovery independently, others benefit from a more holistic and deep-rooted approach, such as the 12-Step Recovery.
Achieving charity status in January 2023, Visible Recovery, a partner of Taking Action on Addiction, has actively collaborated with advocates of the latter approach, including Dan Carden, Labour MP for Liverpool, Walton. Dan graciously recorded a short video last year ahead for Visible Recovery ahead of the Taking Action on Addiction campaign, shedding light on the importance of 12-Step programs. If you're unfamiliar with this treatment approach, it's comprehensively outlined by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).
Dan has been a proactive participant in the Recovery Fairs that Visible Recovery organises across the country – an innovative concept brought to life through collaboration between the All-Party Parliamentary Group (APPG) for 12-Step Recovery and a local MP or group of MPs. These fairs aim to educate, raise awareness, and unite 12-Step fellowships with service providers and communities in need of their support.
Visible Recovery has long championed enhanced support for 12-Step programs, serving as the UK secretariat for the All-Party Parliamentary Group on 12-Step Recovery. This connection to Parliament allows the recovery community to fulfil our mission of educating, guiding, and supporting key decision-makers on the societal value of 12-Step programs and recovery from addiction as a whole. This includes highlighting the financial burden on UK taxpayers from addiction-related costs, which currently focus more on treatment than prevention. Additionally, we strive to address the general lack of awareness about these programs and other methods of recovery among the wider population.
Dan hosted the first Recovery Fair at The Brink in Liverpool. Coincidentally, this venue was also the backdrop for the main Taking Action on Addiction event in the 2023 Addiction Awareness Week, "Let’s Talk About Addiction." The Brink also was the setting for a fringe event on October 11th, 2023, as part of the Labour Party Conference 2023 – 'Breakfast at The Brink: Stories of Hope And Inspiration From the UK’s First Dry Bar.'
We trust that Dan's message, emphasising the accessibility of 12-Step fellowships and recovery programs, will provide support to those currently grappling with their addictions and dependencies. As we continue our collective efforts, Visible Recovery remains committed to fostering awareness, understanding, and robust support for individuals on the path to recovery.