Member Article

The Brink to host candlelight vigil for those lost to addiction and alcoholism

The 7th Merseyside candlelight vigil and remembrance event will take place at the Brink, Parr Street, Liverpool on Saturday, 15 November at 7.00pm.

This event, which is presented by Action on Addiction’s Community Recovery, Merseyside, an addiction treatment centre in Rodney Street, is a time to remember those lost to addiction and alcoholism. The evening will consist of music, readings, personal testimonies, and a remembrance roll-call.

Karen Hemmings, Head of Service at Community Recovery, Merseyside says, “This is the seventh year of the annual Vigil where we can remember those people that have died through their addiction and alcoholism. Over the years more 900 people have been acknowledged and commemorated, they will all be remembered this year too. The people who lose their lives are all someone’s brother, sister, mother, daughter, son or friend and the Vigil gives us chance to recognise this.

“It is also important to recognise that there are many stories of hope. The Vigil is a way to acknowledge those who have made changes to their lives and are embracing a new life of recovery from addiction. At Community Recovery, Merseyside we provide a structures day treatment programme in Liverpool called SHARP which supports people on this journey.“

Cathy Hilton who supports family members who are affected by addiction in a programme, funded through Big Lottery says, “It is so important that we recognise the need to help and support family members who currently have loved ones suffering from addiction and have lost someone, the Candlelight Vigil gives us a time and place to recognise our grief, how addiction affects us all and also helps many people with closure.“

Gary Groves, a graduate of SHARP and a volunteer at Community Recovery has been asked to jointly compere the event, Gary commented, “The Vigil is very personal and close to my heart as I have lost friends to drug and alcohol addiction; to be able to play a part in this, the seventh Vigil is an honour and a privilege. I have been fortunate enough to achieve recovery through SHARP and as a graduate, it is important that I help relay the message of hope.“

The Vigil is open for anybody to attend. Candles for the Vigil will be provided at the Brink and the Vigil will be followed by light refreshments.

You are welcome to attend the remembrance event and if you would like your loved one’s name to be included on the remembrance roll-call, please ring 0151 703 0679 or email crliverpool@actiononaddiction.org.uk.

For further information about Action on Addiction please contact Amanda Thomson on 020 7793 1011 or email Amanda.thomson@actiononaddiction.org.uk.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Jack Woods .