Thanks to a generous grant from London Cycling Campaign, we have recently purchased a small fleet of mountain bikes and now meet every week for trail rides in the parks and open spaces of North and East London.
Involvement in outdoor pursuits acts as a powerful therapeutic tool for those in recovery by improving health; whilst also increasing confidence, self-esteem and motivation. Participants keep mood journals, food diaries, and exercise logs to monitor their experience. The project is designed to offer a fun and inclusive space for substance misusers seeking new social activities and friends. Service users involved will in turn mentor and support other people in their community, helping them to get involved in sporting, social and cultural events. It is hoped that the project will ultimately create opportunities for employment and training. Looking to the bigger picture, we also aim to raise awareness about substance misuse and the process of recovery, and raise money for other charities, building further partnerships along the way.
Our launch event 1000K IN A DAY was held on Saturday 27th September 2008 in Finsbury Park. This was a sponsored event to raise money for sports equipment and outdoor activities for people in recovery from addiction. The event, which was a wonderful success, was attended by over 70 cyclists and raised over £500 in sponsorship to support local community organisations. We made a short film documenting the day, which will soon be uploaded to our blog, and received wide publicity in the local press—Tottenham Today, Haringey Advertiser, Haringey Independent, Hornsey Journal—in a nationwide substance misuse journal, Drink & Drug News, and on the Haringey Council website.
Councillor Nilgun Canver, Haringey Council cabinet member for Enforcement and Safer Communities, has applauded the project, commenting:
“Involvement in outdoor pursuits acts as a powerful therapeutic tool for those in recovery, improving health whilst also increasing confidence, self-esteem and motivation. This is a great idea and sets a real example for those struggling with addiction. "It is a reminder that is it possible to overcome addiction, regain fitness and get on with your life. Services are available in Haringey for addicts themselves and their families and friends. I urge anyone seeking help to contact HAGA and take that first step towards tackling addiction."
Events planned for the future include a winter gym club and a walking group.
We are currently seeking funds to maintain our exciting fledgling project on a long term basis and would ask you to consider involvement in the project at whatever level possible.
For more information, contact HAGA on 020 800 6999.
