Change Grow Live in Stroud has teamed up with local cafe Woodruff’s to offer cakes, freshly baked pastries and a warm welcome at their hub in Bath Road.
“We know that the Christmas and New Year season can be a particularly challenging time for those dealing with drug or alcohol issues. It’s important people know we are here to help and will have our doors open between Christmas and New Year,” explains Stroud Team Leader, Lisa Demain.
Jamie Shaw of Woodruff’s said: “We are delighted to be supporting a charity in our community, particularly at a time when many people may need a warm space and friendly face.”
When Christmas brings excessive alcohol consumption all round it can be a challenging and potentially dangerous time for those in recovery. Festive social pressures see some relapsing and returning to alcohol or illegal or prescription drugs. Change Grow Live is a charity that offers free help and support to anyone wanting to change their relationships with drugs and alcohol. You can refer yourself or go to your GP to be referred if you have any concerns.
“You don’t have to join a group or talk about your recovery, just pop in and say hello. As well as the delicious brownies you will find a warm space, friendly staff and phone charging facilities,” said Rose Ashley-Rogers of Change Grow Live. The Christmas warm welcome dates will also be supported by the recently opened Starbucks Café on King Street who are kindly donating stock of their re-usable cups.
In England, there are an estimated 602,391 dependent drinkers. Only 18% are receiving treatment.(1) In the UK, data shows that in 2020 there were 8,974 alcohol specific deaths (around 14 per 100,000 people). This is a 18.6% increase in deaths from 2019.(1)
If you need any support over the Christmas period, or simply would like to call in and grab a cake, the Stroud hub of Change Grow Live will be open for the following times:
Friday 23 Dec – 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Wednesday 28 Dec – 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday 29 Dec – 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday 30 Dec – 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
Tuesday 3 Jan – 9:30 AM – 7:00 PM
