An Alton church is marking Addiction Awareness Week by offering a Fresh Start to Whitehill & Bordon residents who need help with breaking a habit.
Fresh Start is a free nine-week course run by Alton Harvest Church that’s ideal for anyone who feels it’s time to cut down or break an addiction.
The next course will start on February 4 in St Mark’s Shared Church Centre in Bordon with registrations welcome through Mark on 07769 030913 or via [email protected]
Organisers are keen to highlight the New Year course as the announcement is timely, coming ahead of Addiction Awareness Week from November 30 to December 7.
Addiction is a serious mental condition and most people will know someone affected by it, although it’s often hidden from view and not spoken about until crisis point.
“Addiction is not an individual or family’s moral failing - it is often rooted in pain, trauma or adverse childhood experiences,” said Mark Rumsby of Harvest Church.
“The problem might be something like smoking, over-eating, catalogue shopping, internet or mobile phone addiction, gambling, drinking or using drugs – in fact any habit which once might have brought us comfort or fun, but is now spoiling our daily living.
“But recovery from addiction is possible and Fresh Start offers free, non-judgmental support to local people so that they can overcome damaging habits and start again.”