Welcome to this Q&A style blog, where we delve into the inspiring world of community collaboration and innovation with Connor McGonnell. As a passionate advocate for community-driven initiatives, Connor has been instrumental in co-creating community timetables that cater to the recovery community in Sunderland. In this blog, Connor highlights the importance of inclusivity, accessibility, and shared ownership. By fostering an environment of support and understanding, these timetables serve as a vital resource for individuals on their recovery journey, providing them with structured opportunities for growth, connection, and healing.
Our Sunderland Team have been busy launching a wide range of new groups, co-created with the local Recovery Community and other partner organisations. Here, Connor McGonnell tells us a bit more!
How did the creation of so many new groups in Sunderland come about?
The creation of these groups came about through some brilliant partnerships, working with local services to allow spaces for these groups, as well as funding through the Recovery Capital Grant. This allowed us to host groups such as the football group, in some amazing venues.
Tell us a bit about the groups you have set up?
Our Men’s and Women’s groups have been set up to create a safe space for men and women to speak about their experiences and what is on their mind. We understand that sometimes there are topics that people may not want to talk about in a mixed group and these groups provide that safe space to talk. Our Veterans Group was set up by our coach, Andy, who is a veteran himself. This is an area that he is super passionate about. Veterans have experienced things that only other Veterans will understand, and this is a group to check in and be listened to by someone who has been in a similar position themselves and speak to other like minded veterans. Our Wellbeing group and football groups have been set up to have a creative or sporting outlet for our Community members, and bring people in the Recovery Community together and build long lasting connections. It’s difficult, sometimes, being a newcomer into a group or Community, so this allows people to participate in something where they can get to know people a little bit easier.
Are there any plans to develop these further?
Absolutely, we’re not done just yet! Our football group is culminating in a service wide tournament as well as being open to external services we work closely with. Our Mens, Womens and Veterans group hopefully will expand into other areas of Sunderland so that we can keep people talking and bringing them together.
What benefits do these groups bring to Community members?
These groups have allowed Community members to expand their social networks with positive people and bring together a wider Community from different areas of Sunderland who may just be dipping their toes into the Recovery Community. The groups are there for people to be able to experience things outside of our already established group programmes and maybe experience things that they were missed out on during their addiction.
What kind of feedback have you had so far on the new groups?
The feedback has been amazing, the positivity that we see after any of our groups is amazing and people are excited for the next week, so that they can do it all again.
To find out what’s happening in Sunderland, right now, and access the timetable, click here.
