PEOPLE looking to turn their new year’s resolution into a journey of self-improvement are being invited to join a group that meets weekly in a Wokingham church.
The group meets throughout the year, and people are welcome to come for as many or as few sessions as they wish.
Facilitator, Anna Adams, says: “This is for anyone who is stuck in a bit of a rut and not quite sure how to turn things around.
“People can feel anxious and unmotivated, particularly if they are struggling with feelings of shame, or carrying a secret they can’t share.
“They may be grieving, or impacted by other people’s behaviour, or they might be suffering from an addiction, or depression.
“All of these things have an effect on our lives and make it difficult for us to move on.”
The group is free to join, and people are able to come and go each week.
“We often push things down that upset us,” Anna says.
“But with group support from others who understand, people can face the issues that stop them experiencing joy, and begin to do life well.”
The group sessions are based on The 12 Steps to recovery used by Alcoholics Anonymous.
AA was originally founded in the U.S. in 1935 by stockbroker Bill Wilson and surgeon Robert Smith, both of whom had struggled with alcoholism.
It has since gone on to become an international organisation and is estimated to have more than two million members worldwide.
“The Steps are really helpful, not just for addiction, but for anything that is stopping us from living better lives,” says Anna.
They’re based on ideas originally found in The Bible, but this isn’t a course for Christians,” says Anna.
“Like AA, Celebrate Recovery is broadly faith based, but there’s no heavy religiousness, and it’s very simple, safe and structured.”
People of any faith and none are all can join, and those who do can expect a warm welcome and a warm drink.
They are free to listen and contribute, but they are also free just to observe, as they feel comfortable.
“We don’t have all the answers, and it’s not about fixing,” says Anna.
“It’s about listening and sharing in a safe environment.
“We’re learning to do life well together, and supporting each other to understand and accept ourselves better.
“It takes a lot of courage for people to come along the first time.
“But when they do, they say they feel cared for, as though they have come home, and relieved to know that they are not the only one.”
Anyone wishing to join Celebrate Recovery can just turn up but may prefer to contact Anna first to find out more.
The group meets throughout the year at Wokingham Baptist Church.
Meetings are every Wednesday at 7.45pm.
The first session of 2023 is on Wednesday, January 11.
Anna can be contacted at: celebraterecovery@wokinghambaptist.org.uk
