“Paws for Thought” the theme for the month
September is Recovery Month when people around the world with addictions of whatever type are encouraged to avail of the help that is out there either set out on the road to recovery or to continue on that journey if they have already taken the first steps.
To mark the start of what will be a very busy month for them, the staff, volunteers and participants at the Red Door Project on the Dublin Road embarked on a symbolic journey when they brought their pet dogs for a walk along the river Boyne to Oldbridge.
They called this morning’s event “Paws for Thought” because that is what they want people to do – pause before jumping to conclusions about people battling addiction.
As Red Door Managers Louise Mahony and Joanne O’Dwyer said before the Paws for Thought walkers set out this morning with their pooches, there are many routes into addiction but there are just as many ways out if it. The route is different for every individual.
Louise told Drogheda Life that Red Door helps some 200 to 250 individuals each year with their personal struggles with addiction but the demand is so great they have a six month waiting list for applicants.
She said that with winter coming and the numbers of homeless people and rough sleepers seeking assistance for help with addiction issue the immediate future is pretty bleak.
“Red Door is not a homeless service but when people come looking for help we always do what we can, even if it’s only giving them a cup of tea, a chance to use the phone or fresh underwear and clean socks” she said.
She added that it was nigh on impossible to engage with people with addictions while they are sleeping rough so they ae very excited that on Wednesday next, September 7, Peter McVerry, an inspirational speaker who has spent his life battling homelessness in Ireland will be their guest speaker and will be talking about housing, education and addiction. All are welcome but to secure your place please email joanne@lcdat.ie.
“Recovery Month aims to promote awareness and understanding around substance misuse including alcohol and drugs. At the Red Door we see Recovery Month as very important event to bring our service to the community and highlight the services that we offer.
“We are very excited with the line-up of fantastic activities we have for the month of September 2022.
The Reddoor CE participants are undertaking a 1 million steps for Recovery campaign to help build awareness of the Recovery journey.
Throughout September the Red Door will are continuing its Paws4thought campaign asking people to post a picture of their pet in purple to show their support for people in recovery and help break the stigma of addiction because “animals see the person not the addiction.”
“We believe in the power of community and believe that recovery from addiction is possible. During the month of September we champion people in recovery and look to the community to support us to reduce the stigma that makes recovery more difficult.
Other events at the Red Door during Recovery Month include: Steps to Recovery Sessions, a Recovery Table Quiz, an Aerobic Dance Session, a Table Quiz, Open AA Sessions and lots more
Keep an eye on The Red Door Facebook page for pictures and events throughout the month of September and show your support for Recovery month and The Reddoor project by following their Recovery month journey and sharing our events and activities with your friends.
