Last week, the recovery community ARC Fitness in Derry/Londonderry celebrated their 6th birthday. As some of you know, I visited ARC Fitness last May and had the most amazing time. It didn’t take me long to realise that I was visiting an incredible initiative!
“Happy Birthday, ARC team members. Well done on all the awesome work you’ve done over those six years!”
Each year since 2021, ARC Fitness have run a Campaign. This year, they are running the Iron Sharpens Iron Campaign. Here is their Manifesto, Aim, Commitment and Call to join the Movement.
‘Addiction is a deep and isolating struggle. Those caught in its grasp face a unique kind of loneliness—a separation from loved ones, from society, and often from their very sense of self.
In the quiet hours, addiction whispers lies: that you are alone, that no one can understand, and that reaching out is futile. It builds walls between you and the people who care about you, feeding shame and fear that keep you locked away in solitude.
But here’s the truth: no one deserves to fight this battle alone. Recovery from addiction is a transformative process. It is not a solitary journey. By building connections with others on the same path, we build a stronger, more resilient support network. Just as iron sharpens iron, we can help each other thrive and become our best selves through shared encouragement and accountability.
Compassion and connection are the antidotes to the isolation that addiction thrives on.
The #IronSharpensIron campaign strives to create a culture and a community where individuals feel safe and empowered to lean on one another, grow together, and overcome addiction through their shared strength and resilience. Whether you are an individual struggling with addiction, an individual in recovery, or a family member or friend supporting someone in addiction, it’s time to lean in.
For anyone feeling lost in this struggle, know this: there is hope, there is help, and hands are reaching out to pull you in from the shadows. To those who love someone battling addiction, let them know they are not alone. Sometimes, a simple gesture of understanding can be the light that guides them toward recovery.
Together, we can break the cycle of loneliness and remind those in pain that they are seen, valued, and never truly alone.
Together, we rise. Together, we recover. Together, we are unbreakable.
Are you with us?
Our Aim
- We believe in the power of connection: Addiction is a formidable opponent, but it is not unbeatable. Just as iron sharpens iron, so we sharpen each other. Each of us carries our own unique experiences, struggles, and victories, and by coming together, we become more resilient, more compassionate, and more determined. We lift each other, we strengthen each other, and we help one another move forward. Together, we are stronger.
- We embrace vulnerability as a source of strength: We know that it takes courage to face our struggles and even greater courage to ask for help. Vulnerability is not a weakness; it is a testament to our strength. By sharing our challenges and opening ourselves to the support of others, we find the bravery to heal and grow.
- We are committed to growth through accountability: Recovery is a lifelong journey, and every step is meaningful. We hold ourselves and each other accountable—not just for our progress but for our setbacks. We know that success is not linear, but with support, honesty, and determination, we continue to grow. Together, we celebrate victories and work through challenges.
- We recognise that everyone has something to offer: Each of us holds unique insights, experiences, and strengths. We all have something valuable to contribute. We learn from one another and recognise that the path to healing is paved with the collective wisdom of all.
- We believe that together, we are the driving force for change, hope, and inspiration: Our commitment to helping ourselves and each other reach our fullest potential unites us. When we come together, our combined strength and resilience have the power to overcome even the greatest obstacles. Together, we become unstoppable forces of change, hope, and inspiration.
Our Commitment
- Connection Events: We will host various invitational community-based connection events, including Health Fest NW, Colour Dash 2025, The Recovery in Motion conference, and The Recovery Walk NI.
- Stories of Strength: Feature short videos and written testimonials of people in recovery from addiction, emphasising how support from others played a role in their journey.
- Workshops & Webinars: Offer free Recovery Coaching Basics online training sessions in partnership with the Recovery Coach Academy.
- #IronSharpensIron Challenge: Encourage participants to share their progress, accomplishments, or gratitude for their support networks on social media. This could involve posting photos, videos, or reflections with the hashtag.
- Social Media Posts: Share weekly motivation, recovery tips, and information on connection benefits using the hashtag #IronSharpensIron.
Join the Movement
Together, we can break the chains of isolation and replace them with unbreakable bonds of connection and hope. Will you help us spread the message? Let’s rise together and make 2025 a year of resilience, recovery, and renewed purpose.
Are you ready to sharpen others as they sharpen you?
#IronSharpensIron — Join the conversation.