This week, Trustees David Swyer and Chris Hughes represented LonGBoaT Wakefield at Turning Point’s Integrated Recovery Conference, an event dedicated to exploring innovative strategies and partnerships to support long-term addiction recovery. The day was filled with valuable insights, inspiring stories, and opportunities to deepen collaboration between LonGBoaT and Turning Point.
Conference Highlights
The event opened with powerful presentations by Jo Rowe (Senior Operations Manager), Jez Mitchell (Wakefield Council Public Health Principal), and Sheidah Haghighi (Deputy Operations Manager). Their talks set the stage for a day of learning and sharing best practices to improve recovery services in the Wakefield district.
David and Chris attended workshops focused on key areas of addiction recovery, including:
Referrals & Pathways: Enhancing access to recovery programmes.
Clinical Interventions: Exploring evidence-based treatment approaches.
Harm Reduction: Minimising risks associated with substance misuse.
Safeguarding: Prioritising safety for service users and staff.
Service User Involvement: Empowering individuals in recovery to shape the services they use.
Young People, Families, and Carers: Supporting those affected by addiction within their households and communities.
One of the most impactful moments was hearing from Turning Point’s peer mentors, who shared their personal journeys from being service users to becoming mentors helping others on their recovery path. Their stories were a testament to the transformative power of recovery and peer support.
Key Takeaways for LonGBoaT
The conference provided invaluable learnings that we aim to incorporate into our own services. From strengthening referral pathways to emphasising harm reduction and safeguarding, the insights gained will enhance our ability to support LGBT+ individuals navigating addiction recovery. Additionally, the event offered excellent networking opportunities within the Wakefield district, enabling us to build stronger partnerships with Turning Point and other organisations.
LonGBoaT Wakefield is committed to addressing the unique challenges LGBT+ individuals face in recovery. Events like this conference help us grow, reflect, and develop more inclusive services. We’re grateful to Turning Point for hosting such a dynamic and informative day and look forward to continued collaboration to create safer and more supportive pathways for recovery.
About Turning Point Wakefield
Turning Point is a leading social enterprise offering integrated healthcare and support for those facing challenges such as substance misuse, mental health issues, and learning disabilities. In Wakefield, their services focus on providing personalised recovery programmes, harm reduction, and support for individuals and families affected by addiction.
To learn more about their work and access resources, visit Turning Point Wakefield or contact their local team for support.
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