Mutual Aid, Part 2 [4 films, 4’45”]
James Deakin points out that members of North Wales Recovery Communities (NWRC) are given a variety of mutual aid options. If the person can’t relate to the 12-Step approach, they can try Smart Recovery, and if that doesn’t work they can try CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy) or ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Theory). However, they have to try all the options for the first 12 weeks.
Research done by John Stoner of the University of Chester at UWRC has revealed that it is not the actual mutual aid group that people do that makes the difference. It’s just the fact that they are in with other people who are clean and sober that facilitates recovery.
James emphasises that NWRC provide a space at Penrhyn House for external mutual aid groups, with the key principal being that NWRC does not interfere with the groups and their meetings.
He says that they get people coming in for assessment who say they don’t do groups. James doesn’t mince his words. ‘Okay mate, then you won’t get well,’ he replies.