Tag Archives: Alcohol and Drugs Action

DART Self-Coaching in Recovery Training.

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So, on Wednesday 20th August 25 we saw the DART course being brought to Aberdeenshire for the first time.  We met at 10am (sharp) at the Stonehaven Community Centre.  The kettle was ready, and we soon fell into great conversations, introductions, getting to know the new faces along with the familiar faces, and some that had travelled far to attend, and the sound of chatter soon filled the room.  It wasn’t long before we had to quieten down and get to work.

This has been a long-awaited course so was a very exciting day  to offer it to the recovery community in Aberdeenshire.

 The DART course is an initiative of ACR’s Partner, Alcohol and Drugs Action (ADA), so it was fantastic for ACR, along with our Development Worker, Laura from ADA, to be able offer such a fantastic and worthwhile event.

DART – Drugs & Alcohol Recovery Training is a self-coaching model where we use tips and techniques to help understand ourselves better and learn “how we tick”.  It can also assist people to identify and achieve goals and ambitions and to to enjoy a fulfilled and happy life.  Over the 6 sessions of the course, we will look at stages of change, recovery capital and resilience to name a few.  Each topic which will ignite lots of great conversation in a safe and welcoming environment.

This course is also an accredited learning, Qualification:2 credit points @ SCQF level 5.

On the day, the paperwork was laid out, projector on and the classroom was ready for the learning to begin. With all 8 Students feeling the mix of anxiety and excitement, we were ready to begin.

Icebreakers over, it was not long before everyone was feeling much more comfortable. We delved deeper into learning about Coaching – what is it and what it most definitely not – and we were soon ready to complete assessment 1.

The fear of just that word alone was evident.  Many of the group had been out of education for a long time.

As the day continued, we shared our personal experiences of “Comfort Zones” and the feelings we have when these are no longer healthy comfort zones.  Conversations continued over lunch with everyone being eager to get back to the course. Laughter continued right to the end with new connections being made.

Sharing our own recovery experiences with other, we all worked right to the end, loosing track of time, immersed in conversations.

Too soon, it was time to pack up for the day, each of us leaving with lots to think about but all looking forward to returning to the classroom in 2 weeks.

Feedback after week one included

 “I am so glad I came; I was talking myself out of coming telling myself I wouldn’t manage the work, but I have!”

“I am so excited for what else I will learn over the next few weeks.”

“I am excited to find out who I am now.”

Laura McAllister Sept 2025

 

SFAD Wellbeing Event

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On Friday 27th June, ACR’s Friday Brunch group travelled to Ellon to visit the Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol and Drugs (SFAD) Creative Wellbeing Day.  Eight members filled the cars and hit the road to go and enjoy the celebration.

This wee- long event was a celebration recognising families and loved ones affected by some else’s alcohol or drug use.  

SFAD are a national charity which offer support and information, helping family members with confidence, communication and general wellbeing.  They also link families into local support services. SFAD help people recognise and understand the importance of looking after themselves.

On arrival, the venue was bright and inviting, and clearly well attended.  The room was full, with busy, bustling tables set up with a variety of creative activities. We all got busy and quickly lost ourselves in getting creative. We enjoyed stone painting, decorating stones for the ACR garden, whilst others were getting busy making necklaces and bracelets. Decorative jars with jewels and lights were a firm favourite for many.  Others getting lost in a book.

“Blind date with a book” was a great initiative. Many of us picked a wrapped book with only a clue on the cover of what the book was about.  We were also able make a bookmark ready to find that peace and quiet to get lost in our chosen books. For some of us, reading was something we use to enjoy but have not read a book for some time, so choosing a new book was exciting and a good reason to read again.  

There were also therapists there to offer hand or foot massage or even an Indian head massage to really offer that relaxing escape. This was also welcomed by all.

Lots of conversations and experiences shared at the tables during a lovely lunch (enjoyed by all) The support in the room was clear, strangers coming together – we all connected.

Hearing the updated from the SFAD CEO and staff about the successes and future plans for SFAD confirmed that their much needed and valued support continues to thrive and grow and can be a lifeline for the sometimes-forgotten families.

Quotes from attendees who attended the event,

“I had a great day spending time with like-minded people; I felt safe with no judgement”        

“I enjoyed making jewellery and meeting new people”

“it was nice to meet and chat with new people of all ages, and feel that connection”

“I thoroughly enjoy my trip out. I met a great crowd of people and quickly felt comfortable and connected. Meeting new people from all walks of life was also refreshing.  The spread for lunch that was put on was fantastic too. The activities brough us all together, chatting about our crafts, and generating chat with new people in a relaxed way – some had travelled really far to attend too”

“Highlight for me was seeing old faces that I have not seen for many years and reconnecting, the catering was also brilliant and catered for all with all dietary requirements being met.  I ran out of time so missed my hand massage, but I really enjoyed the jewellery making and being able to make something I could take home”

All-in-all the verdict was that this was a special day that we all enjoyed.  Scottish Families do an amazing job supporting loved ones.