Successful Open Day for 5 WAYS

The Open Day was a chance for people in Leeds, who are abstinent from alcohol and drugs, to find out about the support available at 5 WAYS. Staff from a range of local services were also invited to attend, to get a better understanding of what is on offer to people they support.

Manager of 5 WAYS Jo Byrden said: “It was great to see so many people coming to find out about 5 WAYS. Stopping drinking or using drugs is tough, but for many people, it’s just the start of their journey. Anyone who has had an issue with alcohol or drugs is welcome to become a member here.

“We support people to rebuild their lives, through the activities we offer and the peer-support the hub provides. We’ve seen any number of people flourish here and go do incredible things with their life.”

5 WAYS offers a range of activities that includes courses, recovery groups, one-to-one support, health and wellbeing activities as well assistance into education, training and employment.

Khalid Din from Engage Leeds attended the Open Day and said: “Our team really enjoyed the event. We got the sense that 5 WAYS was a warm, supportive and welcoming environment for people to continue their recovery. I was so inspired by the courage and dedication of the members to make the changes on their recovery journey. Truly amazing people.”

Events throughout the day included talks about 5 WAYS, taster sessions of the courses Stigma and How it Affects Us All and Drug and Addiction Awareness, mindfulness sessions, and members sharing their stories of how 5 WAYS supports them.

Visitors were able to enjoy tours of the building and chat with members to learn more about the service.

There was also a mini-exhibition where partners and friends of 5 WAYS could present their own. This included, St Annes Community Services, BARCA-Leeds, GamCare, OneYouLeeds, the Northern Gambling Service, Carers Leeds, the University of Leeds. Catering was provided by the Wren Bakery.