September 2013 is Recovery Month. In keeping with this year’s theme, Together on Pathways to Wellness the annual observance will promote the benefits to society of substance abuse prevention and treatment.

Organised by the Department of Counseling Services, activities will focus on lifting the social stigma that attaches to substance abusers and their families through a community-based effort to understand, address, and reduce these issues.

Women’s issues will receive particular emphasis, through a panel discussion that will air through the month on CIGTV (Westar Channel 20). Relevant articles will also be featured in the local press.

The month will kick off with a Family Fun Day, held at the John A. Cumber Primary School on Saturday, 7 September from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. Planned activities include a friendly game of kickball, musical entertainment, children’s activities and more.

To sign up for the kickball tournament, contact The Counselling Centre at 949-8789.

On Wednesday, 18 September, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., a group discussion: ‘Why Do People Numb?, at the Family Resource Centre, will aim to help audience members understand why people develop eating disorders, self-medicate, and use substances to numb their feelings. Children in attendance will be able to engage in self-esteem building activities.

Attendance is free. Dinner and childcare services will be provided.  Interested persons can contact 949-0006 to register.

Celebrations continue on Friday, 20 September, at the Harquail Theatre, when families are invited to attend a talent night filled with free entertainment.

Commenting on last year’s show, FRC’s Programme Coordinator, Miriam Foster said, “Last year’s performances impressed all who attended, and the line-up for this year’s event promises to be equally entertaining.”

To wrap up the month’s activities, on Friday, 27 September, a banquet will recognise outstanding accomplishments of individuals recovering from substance abuse.

While all other events are free and open to the public, the banquet will be by invitation only, due to limited space.

Encouraging community participation, Department of Counselling Services (DCS) Director Judith Seymour said, “It is extremely important that we acknowledge the significance of the changes that people make when they engage in a recovery process.  Celebrating the accomplishments of those community members in recovery every year, provides us with a wonderful opportunity to spread the positive message that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover.”

For more information on Recovery Month events and how to get involved, contact the Counselling Centre at 949-8789, the Family Resource Centre at 949-0006 or Caribbean Haven Residential Centre at 947-9992.