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CARE SERVICE
ISSUE 1.
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IN THIS ISSUE... Race for life / Inter agency football results! / Gardening and allotments! / Johns blog / BRF Information / SUGAR information / Carers section / Health & wellbeing / The nice to do list / Poetry / Real life stories / Dates of interest / Contact details of people who can help / Word search & MUCH, MUCH MORE!
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Any factual/clinical information included in this newsletter comes from referenced sources.
We are inviting you, your friends and family to come along and join in the activities which include:
Paying tribute to someone youve lost on our symbolic branch tree Listen to service users poems and readings Hear stories of strength and hope Meet new people Share experiences
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Editors Comments
Welcome to the first edition of the Birmingham Service User and Carer magazine.
Although it looks like it has been named SUGAR, in fact this is just a temporary name for the magazine. Further down you will see how you can be part of this exciting new magazine, we are offering 40 in Love2Shop vouchers for the best name suggested for the magazine, details below. Inside this peer-led magazine you will find powerful service user and carer stories; information about recent and future events; useful and informative information about Birminghams treatment and support options and much more. It has taken what seems like a lifetime to get to this point and the creation is the culmination of hard work by service users and carers across Birmingham. In September 2010 the Birmingham Drug and Alcohol Action Team (BDAAT) reflected on their User Involvement provision and came to realise that it was very limited. BDAAT took the decision to enhance the service user and carer provision by bringing together a group of service users who were interested in the development of involvement, which they like to now call active participation. Following four months of hard work, the first Birmingham Recovery Forum (BRF) was attended by about 35 service users who took ownership and led on its future direction. Once the steering group was not needed, it was dissolved with a view to creating a pan-Birmingham User and Carer Involvement Team.
This team, now called SUGAR (Service User Group About Recovery) has in the few months of its existence assisted in the continual growth and development of BRF, which now has an average attendance of 60 members; set up multiple events, including Carers Day (Pampering Sessions), International Remembrance Day, World Drugs Day City Bus Tour (in partnership with BDAAT); and created this magazine which is only part of the ever growing recovery movement happening in Birmingham. We hope you enjoy the very first edition of this magazine, created by service users and carers for service users and carers. If you wish to contribute an article or story; information or poem; recipe or anything you think has relevance to the service user and carer community, then please email hob.brsuf@nhs.net with the subject newsletter or phone the SUGAR Involvement Team on 0121 465 4936.
Competition
To win the 40 Love2Shop vouchers please email your suggestion for the name of the Service User and Carer magazine to hob.brsuf@nhs. net with the subject newsletter competition along with your reasons why you think your entry should be the winner. Alternatively send your entry to: SUGAR Involvement Team, Summer Hill House, 18-21 Summerhill Terrace, Ladywood, Birmingham, B1 3RA. Closing date for competition entries is Friday 26th August 2011. If you have any questions regarding the competition or would like to know more about how to become involved then you can phone the SUGAR Involvement Team on 0121 465 4936. BRF and SUGAR
Recovery is Sweet
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Johnss blog:
hhtp://wiredin.org.uk/ member/profile/3095
Jaynes Story
John
I was around 6 years old when I became affected by my mums drinking.
My life story
There came a point in my life where I found myself at a complete standstill.
I had no beer, no money and I was desperate for a fag, completely isolated from the outside world. The only people I mixed with were other people in the same situation as me, if not worse. I was in a hostel; I had somehow managed to gain the title of alcoholic. I was a successful medical professional, with a nice house, car and a new born son. Then, right before my eyes this was all taken away from me. This was all due to my excessive drinking behavior. I found it harder and harder to hold down a job, and even harder to hold onto my wife and infant son. Having tried several times to stop drinking with no professional help, I sought help from several treatment units. None of these attempts worked and I eventually came to terms with the knowledge that I would always be a waste of space. I made a choice to try and change one last try. I approached Aquarius and screamed out for help. I was referred to Park House Birmingham, a residential treatment unit. On the 1st February 2011, I was admitted and the team there managed to give me back my self-confidence and something else that I had lost many years ago. My self esteem. And my personality.
I grew up with alcohol & drug taking from a very young age.
She would come home from the pub emotional & upset. I would instantly start to feel like I had to help my mum, possibly heal her. (this was to go on for years) she would play one particular record called wheres your mama gone my mom always promised she was going to leave us. This being myself (oldest) sister and two younger brothers. I was in charge of them and my mom. I became the head carer of the family. I was obsessed with my mom leaving. The more my mom drank the more violent she became If I overcooked potatoes or meat, didnt clean floors or make beds properly. Looker after my siblings properly she would beat me. She always had hangovers which made my mom horrendous of a morning. I dreaded my mom combing my hair. The pain was excruciating, I would cry, silently as, if she saw or heard me crying she would beat me for it. I always dreaded going home after school. If I heard her arguing with my abusive violent step dad I would fill with great fear. My heart would pound. Id do anything to stay away from any responsibility concerning our household. I never had any peace of mind, even at night while sleeping, my parents would wake me to Jayne ask why didnt I clean under the cooker or fridge properly as my step dad would plant matchsticks to see if I had swept and mopped. It reminded me of the film Freddie Kruger, cuz even when you slept, there was no escape! To this day I never have a full nights sleep without waking at least twice.
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SUGAR
(Service User Groups About Recovery), has developed from the organic growth of Service User Involvement within Birmingham.
In September 2010 the Birmingham Drug and Alcohol Action Team (BDAAT) reflected on their User Involvement provision and came to realise that it was almost non-existent. BDAAT took the decision to enhance the service user and carer provision by bringing together a group of service users who were known to be enthusiastic and passionate about the development of involvement, which they like to now call active participation. From a group of four service users who first met in November 2010, a steering group was created with the express purpose of developing a forum for service users and carers. The steering group had support from BDAAT (who provided meeting rooms; admin support; access to offices; and other assistance where sought) throughout the entire development and implementation process, and the steering group quickly grew into a team of fifteen service users and carers whose membership represents the diverse service user groups within drugs, alcohol and carers across the whole of Birmingham. Following four months of hard work, the first Birmingham Recovery Forum (BRF) was attended by about 35 service users who took ownership and led on its future direction. Once the steering group was not needed, it was dissolved with a view to creating a pan-Birmingham User and Carer Involvement Team. This team, now called SUGAR (Service User Group About Recovery) has in the few months of its existence assisted in the continual growth and development of BRF, which now has an average attendance of 60 members; set up multiple events, including Carers Day (Pampering Sessions), International Remembrance Day, World Drugs Day City Bus Tour (in partnership with BDAAT); and created this magazine which is only part of the ever growing recovery movement happening in Birmingham. SUGAR is very much integrated partnership working at its best. Not only does it incorporate all service user and carer groups across Birmingham, but also works in partnership now with providers and generic services. User Involvement or Active Participation is now integral to all BDAAT processes including Treatment Redesign as well as contributing to Executive reports before they are received by the Joint Commissioning Group (JCG) - the stakeholders that ratify all decisions regarding treatment provision in Birmingham. SUGAR has achieved a huge amount, but none of this would have been possible without the partnership that is SUGAR and BDAAT. If you would like to contact SUGAR: Please call the Involvement Team on 0121 465 4936 or go to www.bdaat.co.uk/involvement Alternatively call Mark Spooner on 07540668594 mark.spooner@nhs.net. For further information on the Birmingham Recovery Forum (BRF) see page 15.
We would just like to thank everyone who has been part of this exciting journey: including all members of the SUGAR team; everyone at Birmingham Recovery Forum; everyone who contributes to the running of all Service User Groups and Mutual Aid Group across Birmingham; all interested and participatory workers and services; all of you who have taken the step to ride the wave that is Recovery ; and last but definitely not least, Sarah Feeley, Acting Involvement Team Leader and Parveen Akhtar, Strategic Lead, BDAAT without whose support and genuine belief in User Involvement / Active Participation / Integrated Partnership Working, none of this could have happened.
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After leaving/finishing detox at Park House I found myself in a huge and scary world. I had become accustomed to the world as we know it with a drunken mind. But now seeing it with a sober mind for the first time in many years. I began to feel a huge Wow factor coming on.
It seemed to take me days to be able to adjust and focus on what I had set out to do each day without coming across Alcohol and experiencing some form of craving. It took me even longer to be able to cope with these cravings.
John
It seemed that everywhere I turned, I could see alcohol in shops, on TV, bill boards and even strangers chatting on the bus/train. The whole world seemed obsessed with Alcohol.
Recovery is Sweet!
Visions!
By Dean OConnor.
I saw your vision upon the wall, Because youre the fairest of them all, But when your vision disappears, My heart fills up with love and tears.
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The day was a great success with nearly 200 people from different agencies able to meet and mingle while watching the action with many individuals able to form contacts and hopefully a better understanding of agencies and the work they undertake. The day was organised to bring service providers together to get to know each other and enable partnership working. It was a cracking turnout and a good day was had by all, hope to see everyone there again next year! (Funding permitted) A big thank you goes out to all those who attended. Link to A Teams article and pictures: http://www.alcoholservices-ateam.org.uk
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My Son
You came into our lives in 1976, the first time we saw you we new we would love as our own forever, with you, your dad, sister and I we now a complete family. Son you were so loved and such a happy bonny baby, sleeping well at night, sat up early walked at 10 months so very bright and loved so much.
When you were about 8 or 9 you started to play football and joined a local football team, played in goal and was a dam good keeper, as you got older you got chosen for the district and then the county, The next few years were such happy years, we took you and your friends to all your games to support you, you seemed to be getting on well at school, we went to all your parents meetings, you dad was on the PTA and put a lot of input into the school. We were still clearing your debt and keeping you and no job, I looking back now I see so many things we should have done differently, but we love you unconditionally, the years rolled by and thing didnt change or get better, in and out of jobs still drinking and drugs.
You then met a new girl, you set up home together, your dad and I furnished it and decorated it, it was now your partners turn to deal with you dont doubt that you both The last year of primary school we were loved each other, but it wasnt enough for told you were 2 years behind, we were you still drinking and taking drugs. Over devastated, why hadnt they picked it up the next few years you had your two little earlier, you then moved schools. At your boys so beautiful, when your first son was new school you got on with every one, you born I said to your dad am frightened of a very likable young man, so good at all loving this grandchild like or other three sports you won so many different cup grandchildren because I will get hurt, but for different sports for your school. of course I did fall in love with him deeply and his baby brother. But So when things start to STORY through you I dont see them now, STAR ER OF change? I dont know, WINN there mother is trying so hard to your dad and I had ground keep your relationship with your rules you had to be in on R sons going, they just adore you UCHE VO time and we had to know but you keep letting them down. were you were going. Now it Jan 2011, 15 months on my You were now 18 in and out of job own with out your dad, trying to deal not really knowing what you wanted with ever think in clouding you, I have had to do, drinking and then the drugs came a deep look at the last 20 year and see all on the seen, you kept getting into debt that you have done, the last 15 months are with banks and shops, we tried so hard the worst, you been my son should have to keep you straight clearing debt after been looking after me and try and make debt. At the age of 21 because of drink or my life a little better but you dont, every drugs you cut your right think you have done in your life have been arm very badly and had your decision hurting so many people, you to have major operation have stole from me, lied and cheated me and no more football. just to get money for you fuel your habits.
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I have now made a decide I want no more to do with you, I want you out of my life, I will never forgive you for all the pain and hurt you have caused me. The list could goon for ever, but three things will always stick in my mind, your dad ring which I wanted you to have, I had it altered for you the next day you pawned it, I had to pay to get it back, then you stole it from my house and pawned it yet again, now have the ring, you will never get it. The second thing just three weeks be for your dad died, you came to our house asking for money when we said no you started to get very nasty, I throw you out, how could you do this when you know how ill your dad was and only a short time left. The third thing is your two son, one of the things have to come to terms with I wont see them growing up, I love those two little boys but through you they wont be in my life. This is were we are now 12 Jan 11, hope this year I can start getting some think into my life as your dad gave me life, with the most wonderful gift, one of his kidney just 18 months before I lost him. I wish the years could have been different, but they cant be changes, only the future, get help please, get your life back on track for me your son and mostly for your self.
ac
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BE FO
R E...
before ...
The pictures speak for themselves, but next time you are at Summer Hill House, please go take a look at the expanse that is the rear garden and marvel that two individuals in recovery could do so much in such short a time and with such a small window of opportunity. Congratulations to Birdi and Ben for their dedication and hard work!!
After
...AFT E R
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adul
ac
o k en h When yo H ER end a br VOUC friend m , Can a really do u, yes I o are you. I n e ed y t and so swee Sleep is ing rose, is a bloom re, close. , All you a o I must very line here, s ord of e first w Nig ht is read the re, n find. With ca a questio there You will
20
By Dean OConnor.
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Permaculture is a creative approach to designing landscapes that work with nature rather than against it. Permaculture seeks to create beautiful living systems that provide food (and other essentials) for people in sustainable ways. Permaculture is based on 3 founding principles of Earth Care, Fair Share and People Care and these principles underpin all design decisions. It combines age-old indigenous wisdom with new insights emerging from movements for sustainability around the world. Permaculture is a dynamic, eclectic, and creative discipline being used all over the world.
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The Difference
I got up early one morning and rushed right into the day; I had so much to accomplish, I didnt have time to pray. Problems just tumbled about me and grew heavier with each task; Why doesnt God help me, I wondered; He answered, You didnt ask. I wanted to see joy and beauty, but the day toiled on, gray and bleak; I wondered why God didnt show me - He said, But you didnt seek. I tried to come into Gods presence; I used all my keys at the lock; God gently and lovingly chided, My child, you didnt knock. I woke up early this morning and paused before entering the day; I had so much to accomplish that I had to take time to pray.
Social Enterprise
Swanswell has set up a social enterprise scheme where service users have been trained to become therapists in several complementary therapies including auricular acupuncture, massage and Reiki. Swanswell is assisting the therapists to take up contracts to deliver complementary therapies to local businesses and workplaces. These individuals could ultimately set up their own business.
Stephen Cox
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drug and alcohol use will only be tackled effectively in partnership and through a cohesive and co-ordinated multi-agency approach to the issue. In other words, we encourage all services within the treatment system to work together, as well as the wide array of generic services that operate within the Birmingham area. Service User Involvement in Birmingham also follows this integrated approach by encouraging all service user groups and service user representatives from all services to be part of the pan-Birmingham Involvement Team (SUGAR). This has been successful in that the current team represents a great proportion of this diverse group and is consistently growing. We believe in the fundamental right of drug / alcohol users and their carers to be treated equally, non-judgementally and with dignity and respect. For further information or to contact the Birmingham Recovery Forum you can email us on hob.brsuf@nhs.net or text RECOVERY to 07540668594. If you prefer to phone then please call Mark Spooner on 07540668594 or the Involvement Team on 0121 465 4936. Its held on the last Wed of every month 11am-2pm. Light refreshments provided and travel expenses reimbursed. BRF is held at Summer Hill House, 18-21 Summerhill Terrace, Ladywood, Birmingham, B1 3RA. The forum is open to all current service users, which includes those who have recently left treatment and those who may not have yet engaged with treatment. It is also open to any carers, relatives or concerned others. Recovery is Sweet
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Notes
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PHONE M3ERS NU
and referrals
st ly 11am Thurs 21 Ju -21 Hill House, 18 , at: Summer ce, Ladywood rra Summerhill Te A. 3R Birmingham B1
SUGAR Involvement Team: 0121 465 4936 Norman Imlah Care Service: 0121 465 4936 Aquarius Family Service: 0121 414 0888 POINTS: 0121 675 8004
ACHIEVEMEN Y T LONEL OOD AFRAID DERST MISUN ATED CONFUSED MOTIV RY CONSCIOUS E RECOV SAD DISTRESSED SCARED EXCITED ORRY S GUILTY NGTH STRE T HAPPY UPSE D HOPE ATE VIOL
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