Hey everyone,

I want to start off by saying what an amazing opportunity this is for me to write a column about my passion, Addictions and Mental health.

Over the past twenty years, I have worked in Cornwall as an Addictions and Mental Health Nurse/Counsellor. Throughout those years I have met some of the most caring and compassionate people, both personally and professionally.

In 2015 Recovery Cornwall opened its doors and from that moment on I have witnessed and aided in some extraordinary recoveries. As co-founder, I could not have asked for a better community to create access to our services.

Since then Recovery Cornwall has helped hundreds of individuals suffering from Addiction and Mental Health disorders. Establishing strong relationships with community partners was essential in treating our patients holistically and respectfully.

The title of this column will be Road to Recovery. I chose this name to reflect on the fact that recovering from addiction can be a long and winding road. Receiving support from multiple service providers, including professionals and loved ones in a persons life is integral to an individuals recovery. The Road to Recovery can be a lifelong endeavour.

Engaging with the patient and seeing “where they are at”, establishing a treatment plan that encompasses their needs, and making sure services are easily accessible is key to Recovery.

My hopes is that this column will help reduce the stigma surrounding Addiction and Mental Health disorders. These disorders do not discriminate. It affects people of all ages, races, and occupations. The Road to Recovery can be filled with ups and downs requiring vigilance from the recovering individual. Remember there was a last time for everyone that has chosen to embrace life and recovery.

Thank you, see you next month and in the meantime, remember – when you are ready, our doors are always open and a smiling face will be there to greet you at the front desk.