Christmas went down in style with a festive party at the Recovery Chapel featuring food, games, music and more.
Staff put on an afternoon of Christmas celebrations for service users at the Leeds Recovery Chapel, a place for those in recovery which offers education and training as well as fun groups and workshops.
The party started with a joyful game of charades and a Christmas quiz. There were board games, party games, live music, a selection of food and soft drinks and a raffle.
Jo Byrden is the manager at the Recovery Chapel. She said: “The party was to celebrate Christmas but it was also a way to say thank you to service users who’ve been coming into the Recovery Chapel. We’ve got over 100 clients since opening in July. There was a Christmas hamper and a tombola too. Everyone who participated in the games got a raffle ticket and there was a stall so people could go and choose a prize.
“It was a case of us all getting together, having a bit of a laugh and all getting to know one another. All our staff were there too so it was also about them sitting down, relaxing and having a good time with service users.”
Playing as the soundtrack to the festivities was a CD of Christmas music, featuring the incredible talent of service user Clive on Saxophone. Clive gave a live performance later that day to an enthralled audience.
A feast of food was provided by staff, with Recovery Champion Helen Mason bringing a delicious pot of homemade chicken curry. She said: “The party was for people who are in recovery. Everyone who goes to the Recovery Chapel is abstinent so it was a little celebration for them with some nice food and some games to celebrate Christmas.
“Events like this are really important for our service users; it’s important for everyone to have a sense of belonging.”
Recovery Champion Helen Mason stirs her delicious homemade curry.