ANYONE feeling stuck in a rut, or who needs some help and encouragement to get their life on track, is invited to join a free Wokingham support group.
Anna Adams facilitates Celebrate Recovery, which offers weekly drop-in sessions throughout the year.
She said: “There are lots of things that can make us feel anxious and unmotivated; shame, things others have done to us, a secret we can’t reveal, grief, addiction, or depression.
“It’s tempting to avoid what upsets us, but if we can learn to face these things that stop us experiencing joy, we can start to do life better.”
Celebrate Recovery is based on the Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) 12 Steps to Recovery programme.
“We’ve had a steady stream of people throughout the year, and those who come say they really love it,” continued Ms Adams.
“Words that come up in the group are quite current; we talk about being vulnerable, and about self awareness.
“We look at forgiveness, and gratitude, too, both of which used to be considered rather pious or religious ideas.
“Now, though, we recognise the psychological help that they offer, and that they can affect people physically as well as mentally.
“And, as in the 12 Steps, we also consider the idea that there is someone or something bigger than us, whether people understand that to be God, or the universe.
“It can really help to recognise that we are a small part of something much bigger, to put things in some perspective.”
The group is taking a break during March, but will reopen in April.
Anna will be joined by new co-leader Brad, who has himself gone through the Celebrate Recovery programme.
Anyone is welcome, of all faiths and none.
People are free to come to as many, or few sessions as they like, and can choose to listen, and contribute, if they wish.
“We don’t have all the answers,” said Anna.
“But we do listen and share in a safe environment.
“Taking the first step to come along takes a lot of courage, but people say that once they do, it is a relief to discover they’re not alone.”
“Things people say about Celebrate Recovery, are: ‘I’m able to share honestly in the group. It has changed my way of thinking,’ ‘I have become more compassionate towards myself and have noticed better relationships with others,’ and ‘It’s a place that holds hope for me when I can’t.’
The group meets at Wokingham Baptist Church (WBC) on Wednesday evenings.
After the March break, it relaunches on Wednesday, April 24, at 7.45pm
For information, visit: www.wokinghambaptist.org.uk
Or contact Anna at: celebraterecovery@wokinghambaptist.org.uk
