I have recently been editing film of the conversation between my colleague Wulf Livingston and Gary Rutherford, Founder and Programme Director of ARC Fitness in Derry ~ Londonderry, Northern Ireland. This is such a wonderful Recovery Voices conversation and I’m really impressed with what Gary and his colleagues have done in creating and developing this inspirational recovery community.
This is what Arc says:
Our unique approach to addressing substance use enables individuals and their supporters to improve their mental and physical well-being through physical activity, professional support, education, and community.
They help people get and stay on the road to recovery. They give people the tools that enable them to make positive and informed choices about their recovery. ‘We EMPOWER people, and then watch them THRIVE and SUCCEED.’
ARC Fitness believe the key to tackling stigma and the negative impact of addiction is collaboration within the communities we live. They encourage partnerships with community & voluntary organisations to provide workshops, support and programme to those who need it.
I am inspired and deeply moved by the ‘No Shame’ Campaign that ARC Fitness organised in 2021. Gary Rutherford ran five marathons in five days, all while wearing a 22lb weight vest to symbolise the heavy burden of shame that often acts as a barrier to recovery. He fractured his leg on the second day, but continued on to finish the five marathons.
The ‘No Shame’ Campaign web page contains four films and a podcast. Here are two of those wonderful films. I am deeply touched by the second one below. Almost brought me to tears.
We did what we set out to do, to raise awareness surrounding addiction and substance misuse, to challenge stigma and promote healthy and non judgmental conversations around addiction.
Check out the other two films and podcast on the ARC Fitness ‘No Shame’ Campaign.
You will be able to see the films and written summaries from the conversation between and Gary in a couple of weeks.