A pilot project aiming to develop a comprehensive support service for people recovering from addiction from across the city of Derry has completed a six-week programme at the Oaks Fishery.
The Health and Wellbeing Pilot Programme is funded by Radius Housing through the Department for Communities ‘Housing for All’ Shared Housing Programme.
It is being facilitated by Ian Gamble from Oaks Fishery and is supported by Fishing in support of Hope (FISH), a local all-male support group for those experiencing mental health and addiction issues.
Ten local men came together to participate in the six-week programme at Oaks Fishery, where they undertook holistic therapies and relaxing activities, as well as working on a renovation project on 1.5 acres of land to help develop an environmentally diverse area.
They also underwent professional therapist led assessments at the beginning and end of the programme, to support their recovery and help them to look at their next steps.
Geraldine Dougan from Radius Housing said: “As we began to work on our Shared Housing development, one of the key areas discussed was support for addiction and mental health recovery. There are high levels of drug and alcohol dependency, and mental ill-health among local men, which can have a detrimental impact on community cohesion.
“We wanted to support work that would try to address this and seek a long-term response, which will help individuals and the community. Addiction is something that affects people from all communities and as such people from all backgrounds could come to this project and get the support they needed in a safe environment.
“The wonderful facilities at Oaks Fishery, and the guidance of Ian Gamble and the team at FISH mean this is a practical and positive project which can be a template for tackling addiction issues and improving mental health and wellbeing.”
It is hoped that the findings of the project will help shape future addiction and mental health services in Derry, and an outcome report will be shared with the Department of Health and the Western Health & Social Care Trust.
Joanne Smyth from Hello Sunshine Hypnotherapy said: “We see the direct impact addiction has on men, their families and the community. For too long mental ill-health has been an issue we all avoid talking about.
“With this project, which gives the men a chance to be outdoors, working on environmental projects and learning about fishing. We find it can bring important improvements to their lives and their outlook. We hope that this project and its positive results can be taken on board by the Department of Health and the Western Health and Social Care Trust to support more men who need it.”
For more Derry news, visit our new site MyDerry.
