By Alix Booth (on work experience with Telford & Wrekin Council Publich health team)
Supporting Telford’s young people with physical and emotional wellbeing in both education and the wider community is something Healthy Telford are extremely passionate about. Another individual who is extremely passionate is Recharge’s Founder and Managing Director, Rebecca Blount, along with her dedicated team.
Rebecca opened the new Recharge HQ in Brookside to help support young people with their emotional wellbeing and recovery from potentially life-changing issues such as: drug, alcohol, self-harming addictions or bullying. The aim is to give young people the vital support they need to rebuild their lives and fulfil their dreams and ambitions.
They offer Diversionary Activities, Alternative Coping Mechanisms, Smart Recovery, 5 Ways to Well-Being and Mutual Aid Support. Through funding bodies and sheer determination, Rebecca and her team have created a wonderful space that will change the lives of many young people and enable them to have a better future!
Presentations from Rebecca, Co-Founder and Director, Gary Halpin, two of the team members who are recovering there themselves, and even the Mayor of Telford & Wrekin brought laughter, tear-jerking moments and a celebratory atmosphere to the HQ.
One inspiring individual, Steph (left), told us about her own story, the story behind Recharge and her involvement with the scheme over the past 4-5 years (including coming up with the name “Recharge” herself).
The name stemmed from the idea that when involved with these struggles you feel low, but once you start receiving the help you become “Recharged” back to life.
Her heart-warming speech and plethora of thank you’s to Rebecca, including referring to her as a best friend, and all the team demonstrates how much this wonderful service has turned her life around – now she is leading the “Music for Recovery” project and creating her own music which has been played on three radio stations already!
I feel that this service really provides a light at the end of the tunnel for young people like Steph who may face these struggles alone. The emotion and inspiring stories that some of these brave young people gave demonstrated to me just how beneficial this scheme has been, and what it will do for the future of our young people.
Get Involved
There is a growing number of volunteers taking part within the scheme by running and taking part in various activities like “Music for Recovery”, “Walk and Talk”, Fishing trips etc. which you could become a part of!
Connect is one of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, so getting involved by Giving your time & support and connecting with these remarkable young people is a great way to get in touch with the community.
Visit their website: www.rechargetelford.org.uk
Check out their Twitter feed: @Rechargetelford
Call: 01952 371186 or 07486 682606
Email: info@rechargetelford.org.uk