Erin Fitzgerald
Introduction
Have you ever read someone’s story and thought, this is exactly what I needed to hear today? Your story can do that for someone else, as hearing stories of recovery from people that use our services is not only inspiring but often insightful. They can help people who are new to recovery, those that are struggling to reach recovery, and the family and friends of loved ones who exploring the journey of recovery.
Telling our stories helps to communicate thoughts and feelings and can give a voice to those that often don’t feel heard.
They can inspire people to do things differently and, to think differently.
It can encourage people to be creative in how they tell their story, as stories can be told in many different ways like, writing, art, podcasts, poetry, music and song.
Do you have a story that you would like to share? If so, please email Sue Park, [email protected], about how you can share yours too.
5-a-side football at East Kent Residential Recovery Houses
We would like to say well done to the staff and residents at East Kent Residential Recovery Houses Shephard House and The Cedars for their amazing effort in the Change Grow Live Regional 5-a-side football tournament held in September.
The team had a fantastic day with both players and supporters coming together to celebrate recovery. They said that it will be a day that will be remembered and talked about for a very long time. The team did amazingly well and got through to the quarter finals.
Our West Kent service will be hoping to join the tournament next year, so if you are a budding David Beckham or like to play for fun, we would love to have you on the team. If you are part of the recovery community and would like to get involved, you can get in touch via our Facebook page and leave a message or leave your details with reception and our team captain Richard will get in touch.
A massive thank you!
Thank you to our favourite team baker Ian who regularly spoils the staff in Maidstone with the most amazing cakes! He has generously shared one of his best recipes below, “The Biscoff Muffin!” They are very yummy.
Easy Biscoff Muffins
Ingredients:
- One 400g jar of Lotus Biscoff spread (or shop’s own brand caramelised biscuit spread)
- Two teaspoons of baking powder
- Two large eggs (lightly beaten)
Instructions:
- Preheat the oven to 160°C (fan), 180°C (350°F).
- Line a 12-hole muffin tin with paper liners.
- Heat the jar of spread in a microwave for 40 seconds.
Note: Please make sure that all the metallic seal is removed from the jar and do not overheat the spread, or the eggs will scramble when added.
- Pour the Biscoff spread into a mixing bowl.
- Add the baking powder and stir well with a wooden spoon.
- Add the eggs and beat well until the batter is thick and glossy.
- Divide the batter evenly between the muffin cases.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until a skewer inserted into the middle comes out clean.
- Cool on a wire rack.
- Decorate with melted Biscoff and eat while warm (heat in a microwave for ten seconds if there are any left to get cold!).
A volunteer shoutout: A big thanks to Sally!
On 12th December, some of the West Kent Services and East Kent Residential Recovery Houses volunteers got together to celebrate the end of the year with a Christmas gathering.
Before pulling crackers and tucking into pizza, pie, and Ian’s fabulous cakes, we welcomed new admin volunteer Chris and celebrated our longest serving volunteer administrator Sally who has done an incredible job supporting us for 10 years! It was a great opportunity to thank Sally for the time, support, hard work, and dedication that she has given to us over the years. Sally is known and very highly thought of throughout West Kent services, she is an integral part of the team and a real joy to be around. We are so lucky and grateful to have her.
Volunteer training awards & end of year celebrations
Congratulations and celebrations continued with the achievements of accredited training certificates. Our volunteers are outstanding when it comes to personal development and ongoing learning. A huge congratulations to you all, including the volunteers that were unable to attend the day, you are an amazing team, and we celebrate you all!
Thank you.
Celebrations concluded with a TV, films, and general knowledge quiz. We had split into two teams – “Team Reindeer” and “Team Penguin”, which was great fun with lots of giggles but in the end… “Team Reindeer” galloped ahead to the winning post, leaving the “Penguins” waddling behind.
Santa had trained them well!
Wishing you all peace and happiness for the holidays.
Final thoughts
It is always good to hear from the people that use our services, to hear your stories, to hear your thoughts about how we are doing and to hear your ideas of how we can do better.
We would love to hear from you, so please get in touch via Facebook, visiting our feedback page or email Sue Park at [email protected].