Reading Recovery Bench Dedication Ceremony

2013-07-01 News

Recovery champions, including representatives from CRI’s Reading service, have installed a recovery bench in a Reading park.

The recovery bench is dedicated to those who have lost their lives to any form of substance misuse and honours those who are in recovery now. A plaque on the bench bears the message: You’re not here physically, but you can always sit with me.

The bench was opened to the public at an event in May organised by the Reading recovery champions – a group consisting of commissioners, service managers, staff, volunteers, peer mentors and service users who support others in recovery.

The bench was decorated with purple balloons and launched with a ribbon cutting ceremony. Guests then observed a two minute silence in honour of those who have died and released balloons carrying personal messages of recovery.

Mandy, CRI Reading peer mentor, said: “The ceremony was a heartfelt and poignant way to remember everyone who has lost their lives to substance misuse and those who are in recovery today. Watching the balloons drift off into the sky was a magical moment.

“The recovery champions are passionate about recovery and spreading the message that people with substance misuse problems matter. This was a special event to reach out to people all over Reading and the bench will continue to be a place where people can go to think and remember,” Mandy explained.

Michelle Tenreiro Perez, Drug and Alcohol Manager, Reading Borough Council, said: “I’d like to express my thanks for all of the hard work that CRI committed to this really important event.”

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