Your Choices Matter, UK

27/01/2026

**𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗢𝗢𝗡**

Nutrition - The often forgotten piece of the recovery puzzle

When we talk about recovery from drug and alcohol dependency, we often focus on the mental and emotional work. While those are vital, there is a physical side to healing that is just as important - and it starts on your plate.

We are proud to announce that our new resource, "Eating Well In Recovery", is coming very soon.

Why did we create this?

For many, the journey to recovery involves repairing the body after years of strain. Nutrition isn't just about looking good; it’s about brain health, stabilising your mood, and regaining the energy you need to stay focused on your goals. But we know that eating healthy often feels like something reserved for people with a lot of time and a massive food budget.

What makes this guide different?

We wanted to strip away the wellness jargon and get back to basics. This guide is built on three main pillars:

Your Food Choices Matter: A clear look at how specific nutrients actually support the recovery process.

Simplifying Nutrition: No complicated recipes or "superfood" trends. Just simple, understandable advice on what your body needs to heal.

Healthy Eating on a Low Income: We know that financial stress is real. This guide provides practical tips on how to fuel your body well, without breaking the bank.

Recovery is a total life transformation. By focusing on good food nutrition, you aren't just eating; you are giving your body the tools it needs to sustain your sobriety and feel strong again.

We are currently putting the final touches to this guide to ensure it’s as helpful and practical as possible for those who need it most. If you know someone who is navigating their own recovery journey or a family member looking for ways to support a loved one, please share this post or tag them in the comments. We want to make sure this resource reaches every corner of our community. Keep an eye on this page - we’ll be announcing the official launch date and how to get your copy very soon.

Your Choices Matter is a Derbyshire-based programme designed to support individuals in recovery from drug and alcohol dependency. Operated by Elastic FM Limited with support from Derbyshire County Council, the programme provides a holistic approach to rebuilding life after addiction.

To access the Your Choices Matter Programme, you can contact us using the details below:

📧 david@yourchoicesmatter.org.uk
☎️ 01246 886497
🛜 www.yourchoicesmatter.uk

27/01/2026

𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 - 𝗛𝗢𝗪 𝗧𝗢 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗧𝗛𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗚𝗛 𝗡𝗔𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗘

In this deeply moving episode of the Your Choices Matter podcast, once again, David Lilley steps away from the traditional one-to-one interview format to host a powerful group discussion with the team and participants of Recovery Through Nature (RTN) in Derbyshire.

Addiction thrives in isolation, but recovery grows in the soil of community. We sit down with Lee, Kat, and Wendy - three individuals who have faced the darkest "puddles" of life, from the crushing weight of COVID-19 isolation to the long-term echoes of childhood trauma. They share the terrifying first step of "getting on the bus" and how a simple cup of tea and a biscuit in a Derbyshire field became the catalyst for a new life.

In this episode, you’ll discover the power of subtle leadership and how Mark and Jill foster a safe, non-judgmental space where the "guys and girls become the treatment".

You will learn about why building a pond, erecting a shelter or growing a tomato can teach the delayed gratification essential to sustainable recovery.

Empathy vs Sympathy: You will sense the unique bond formed when you realise you are sitting among people who "just get it".

A Family in the Field: We learn how laughter can be the best medicine, even when it’s minus five degrees in the middle of winter.

Whether you are seeking your own path out of dependence, supporting a loved one, or working within the recovery sector, this conversation is a reminder that while your choices matter, you don't have to make them alone.

Grab a cup of tea, find a quiet spot, and listen to these beautiful words of transformation.

Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/01musgYp4ONoArowFX5JWq?si=02c4e34e199442aa

🔗 Not on Spotify? Find the full list of Podcasts online here:

https://www.yourchoicesmatter.uk/podcast

GET INVOLVED IN RECOVERY THROUGH NATURE

To find out more about the Recovery Through Nature programme, please visit The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership website:

https://www.derbyshirerecoverypartnership.co.uk/ or telephone: 01246 206514

DISCLAIMER: A NOTE ON ADDICTION & RECOVERY

This podcast episode includes a description of alcohol dependence, specifically with drinking at high levels. For individuals drinking at these levels, professional help to reduce alcohol intake is typically necessary. Attempting to stop drinking without the proper support can be life-threatening. Alcohol dependence often involves drinking daily, and a person may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they delay or reduce the amount they drink.
There are services that offer expert advice and specialist detox support. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service that provides this type of help, including access to a medical detox in either community or inpatient settings. They are easy to reach and can be contacted at 01246 206514.

Your Choices Matter · Episode

27/01/2026

𝗣𝗢𝗗𝗖𝗔𝗦𝗧 - 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗘𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥𝗬 𝗥𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗗 𝗧𝗔𝗕𝗟𝗘 - 𝗙𝗜𝗩𝗘 𝗥𝗔𝗪 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗡𝗟𝗜𝗚𝗛𝗧𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗦𝗧𝗢𝗥𝗜𝗘𝗦

In this landmark episode of the Your Choices Matter Podcast, we move beyond the single interview to host a profound group discussion. We bring together a diverse panel - ranging in age from their 30s to their 70s - who share the raw, unfiltered truth of navigating the lonely road of addiction.

What we unpack in this episode:

The Triggers: We explore the direct link between Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and addiction, featuring stories of childhood abandonment, domestic instability, and undiagnosed mental health struggles.

The Reality of the "Bottom": Candid accounts of near-fatal health crises, from liver cirrhosis and brain damage to the terrifying cycle of seizures and withdrawals.

The Recovery Toolkit: A deep dive into what actually supports recovery - from the 12-Step program and medically assisted detox, to the power of journaling, drama therapy, and nutritional wellness.

Relationships & Rebuilding: An honest look at the wreckage addiction leaves behind and the beautiful, hard-won process of reconnecting with children and family.

Whether you are currently battling addiction, supporting a loved one in their journey, or working as a professional in the healthcare sector, this two-hour special offers a comprehensive insight into the human spirit's capacity to rebuild and thrive after trauma.

As our guests conclude, "Open your mouth and ask for help. Don’t be embarrassed. There is a solution."

Listen now on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/episode/7bkaGnYcCuZuygD22PH55t?si=MBgsifboRjikNDnNOeUS4Q

🔗 Not on Spotify? Find the full list of Podcasts online here:

https://www.yourchoicesmatter.uk/podcast

To access the Your Choices Matter Programme, you can contact us using the details below:

📧 david@yourchoicesmatter.org.uk
☎️ 01246 886497
🛜 www.yourchoicesmatter.uk

DISCLAIMER: A NOTE ON ADDICTION & RECOVERY

This podcast episode includes a description of alcohol dependence, specifically with drinking at high levels. For individuals drinking at these levels, professional help to reduce alcohol intake is typically necessary. Attempting to stop drinking without the proper support can be life-threatening. Alcohol dependence often involves drinking daily, and a person may experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms if they delay or reduce the amount they drink.
There are services that offer expert advice and specialist detox support. The Derbyshire Recovery Partnership is the local service that provides this type of help, including access to a medical detox in either community or inpatient settings. They are easy to reach and can be contacted at 01246 206514.

GET HELP WITH RECOVERY FROM ADDICTION Welcome to the Your Choices Matter explanatory website. The 'Your Choices Matter' programme commenced on June 1st 2023 and is operated by Elastic FM Limited, with support from Derbyshire County Council. The programme is designed to support people who are in

24/12/2025

Wishing all of our friends a Happy Christmas. We look forward to seeing you all in the new year. Sending our love and best wishes for a healthy and happy holiday period 🎄🎅

23/12/2025

A brilliant project and very effective 🙏

Did you see our recent post about the Phoenix Futures Derbyshire's Recovery Through Nature (RTN) Project? Did you know the project operates across the county? They meet in Chesterfield, Buxton, Ilkeston, Heanor and Swadlincote! 🗺️

To attend this programme you have to be either in treatment or discharged from treatment from Derbyshire Recovery Partnership. You can volunteer to work at the RTN Project, find out more: /www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk/project/phoenix-futures/

🌿 Recovery Through Nature is a structured, outdoor-based programme that supports people in recovery by involving them in meaningful conservation work. The project helps build confidence, self-esteem, and wellbeing.

To get involved contact project lead Mark Bolton:
📞 07775 462024 (Available Monday to Thursday)
🌐 www.phoenix-futures.org.uk/phoenix-futures-for/commissioners-and-professionals/recovery-through-nature/ for more information.

19/12/2025

Looking forward to people seeing this incredible item and piece of team work (a very long quilt of sorts) put together by a virtual army of people. The quilt will be making an appearance at our Friends Club event 🙏

17/12/2025

🎄Feeling good at Christmas. Very catchy tune 🙏🙏

10/12/2025

07/12/2025

A beautiful Christmas song from Pathways Of Chesterfield, a homeless charity. Very poignant words 💜🎶