Ara Recovery For All

17/10/2025

Fresh pasta, good company, and a taste of connection.

Our Community Engagement team recently supported residents in Ara housing to take part in a hands-on pasta making session, bringing creativity, teamwork, and fresh flavours into the home.

Clients made pasta and pesto completely from scratch, using pasta machines to roll and cut the dough before coming together to cook and share the meal. The session focused on learning new skills, communication, and teamwork, ending with a shared dinner that celebrated both the food and the friendships made along the way.

This activity is part of a wider series of cooking sessions organised by Ara, both within our housing projects and in the community. Each one is designed to help people in recovery build independence, connect with others, and gain confidence in the kitchen.

It was a warm, lively evening that captured the spirit of recovery: connection, confidence, and community through simple, joyful experiences.

14/10/2025

Sunshine, laughter, and a day on the water at Bristol Harbourside.

Ara’s Community Engagement team recently ran a watersports activity day for clients in recovery. The session offered two experiences:

Paddleboarding: Clients practiced standing up, balancing, and even tried a few tricks, including spinning on their boards. There were plenty of splashes, laughter, and encouragement as they travelled around the harbour together.

Boat Tour & Litter-Picking: Others joined a guided boat trip, learning about the harbour’s history while helping to clean up the area. The atmosphere was full of sunshine and connection, with conversations flowing as freely as the water itself.

It was a brilliant day of social connection, confidence-building, and shared joy. Once again, the session showed how community activities can make a powerful difference in supporting recovery and wellbeing.

Thank you so much to All-Aboard Watersports for being so welcoming and making our day so special!

10/10/2025

A calm day by the water, and a reminder of the power of connection.

Our Community Engagement team recently supported a small group of clients in recovery to take part in a fishing session. It was a peaceful day focused on learning, laughter, and shared experience.

From mastering new techniques to celebrating the thrill of two catches, the group found space for reflection and community connection. Locals stopped by to offer tips, encouragement, and even a few friendly dog introductions. 🐾

Days like this capture what Ara’s Community Engagement work is all about: building confidence, calm, and connection through simple, meaningful moments in safe and supportive spaces.

09/10/2025

Behind every strong service is strong leadership.

CQC found Ara is guided by an experienced, approachable management team who promote openness, continuous improvement, and independence from gambling industry influence.

This commitment to being well-led ensures that our service remains safe, effective, and compassionate — and that we continue to deliver meaningful change for the people we support.

You can find out more on our website here.
https://www.recovery4all.co.uk/ara-receives-an-excellent-cqc-report-for-gambling-harms-support-services/

02/10/2025

CQC praised Ara for being responsive and inclusive.

Our support is shaped around the person — whether that means flexible session times, a choice between remote or face-to-face support, or creating personalised care plans to meet individual goals.

We listen, adapt, and respond, making sure every person feels supported in the way that works best for them.

You can find out more on our website here.
https://www.recovery4all.co.uk/ara-receives-an-excellent-cqc-report-for-gambling-harms-support-services/

29/09/2025

Ara’s Peer Academy – Turning Lived Experience into Lasting Change

At Ara’s Peer Academy, we believe that lived experience is a powerful tool for recovery. Our Peer Academy offers people in recovery from substance use or homelessness the chance to use their journey to inspire others, gain new skills, and build a brighter future.

👥 What is the Peer Academy?

The Peer Academy is a structured training and volunteering programme that equips people with lived experience to become Peer Mentors. As a Peer Mentor, you’ll provide emotional, social, and practical support to people in the early stages of recovery.

Mentors aren’t counsellors or clinicians – they’re role models, guides, and companions. By sharing recovery tools, building confidence, and reducing isolation, Peer Mentors play a vital role in helping others move forward.

🎓 Training & Support

Every Peer Mentor starts with Phase 1 Core Training (around 6 weeks, 2 half days), covering:

- Safeguarding
- Boundaries
- Group work skills
- Self-care and wellbeing

Mentors can then progress to Phase 2, with opportunities to gain accredited qualifications, apprenticeships and employment support.

✨ Why Join?

Becoming a Peer Mentor is about more than giving back – it’s also about personal growth. Volunteers gain:

- Confidence and a stronger sense of purpose
- New skills and training opportunities
- A chance to connect with a supportive community
- Experience to boost your CV or explore careers in recovery services

🧡 Who Can Volunteer?

This role is open to anyone with lived experience of recovery from substance use who:

- Has been abstinent for at least 6 months
- Feels they are in a stable place in their own recovery
- Is ready to support people in the early stages of recovery
- Be the Hope You Once Needed.

If you’re ready to inspire others with your story and take the next step in your own journey, Ara’s Peer Academy is here for you.

📧 Email: recruitment@recovery4all.co.uk
📞 Call: 07852 657850
🌐 Learn more: https://www.recovery4all.co.uk/peer-mentor-volunteer-job-ad/

26/09/2025

Kindness, respect, and compassion run through everything Ara does.

CQC found that people consistently described our staff as approachable, non-judgemental, and genuinely committed to helping them. Many told inspectors they felt heard for the first time and trusted that staff really cared.

For us, recovery isn’t just about treatment — it’s about being there with empathy and dignity every step of the way.

You can find out more on our website here.
https://www.recovery4all.co.uk/ara-receives-an-excellent-cqc-report-for-gambling-harms-support-services/

24/09/2025

Rydym ni’n falch iawn o rannu bod Ara wedi symud ein swyddfa yn Ne Cymru i SBARC — Parc Ymchwil y Gwyddorau Cymdeithasol Prifysgol Caerdydd.

Rydym ni’n ymlaen at ddod i adnabod cymuned SBARC ac adeiladu partneriaethau sy'n rhoi gobaith a bywydau gwell ledled Cymru.


# EffaithGymdeithasol

23/09/2025

23/09/2025

We’re delighted to announce that Ara has moved our South Wales office to SPARK – Cardiff University’s Social Science Research Park.

We look forward to getting to know the Spark community and building partnerships that provide hope and better lives across Wales.

21/09/2025

On 30th September, Torbay will shine as a beacon of courage, compassion, and connection as it welcomes the Baton of Hope – raising awareness of su***de prevention and mental health.

At Ara, we’re proud to walk alongside our communities, carrying a message that every life matters, every conversation matters, and hope can help.

“Being a Baton Bearer is a huge honour. I lost both my sister and cousin to su***de, so this is deeply personal.” – Kai, Ara Community Engagement Lead

“Since joining Ara, I’ve received ASIST training and become more aware of su***de prevention, especially in diverse communities.” – Chaz, Ara Community Engagement Lead

📍 The baton will travel through Torquay, Paignton & Brixham with wellbeing events, music, and activities for all.

The day ends with the BIG Show of Hope fundraiser at the Riviera International Centre.

Full details: or torbaybatonofhope.com
Learn more about Ara’s support: recovery4all.co.uk/gambling-harms-services

19/09/2025

CQC found Ara’s support is not only compassionate but effective. Every intervention is evidence-based, tailored to the individual, and aligned with NICE guidelines.

From relapse prevention tools to one-to-one counselling, people told CQC our service gave them the skills and confidence to make lasting changes. Data also shows positive outcomes, with the majority of people feeling their circumstances improved after support.

Effective support = real recovery.

You can find out more on our website here.
https://www.recovery4all.co.uk/ara-receives-an-excellent-cqc-report-for-gambling-harms-support-services/