New Mentors Will Help People Affected by Dependency

An Isle of Man charity has launched ‘Takeover Tuesday’, a new support initiative led by six newly qualified Peer Mentors – individuals in active recovery who have completed nine months of training.

The sessions, hosted by Motiv8, aim to offer a safe space for anyone struggling with dependency, as well as their friends and family.

Motiv8 is a charity which provides free, confidential support for people affected by dependency, including alcohol, substance misuse, gambling, and gaming.

The charity deliberately uses the term ‘dependency’ instead of ‘addiction’ in its materials and conversations with service users in a bid to reduce the stigma associated with the topic.

Fundraiser Nicole Browne said that the sessions are open to all, regardless of whether they have previously engaged with Motiv8’s services.

’You don’t have to be an active Motiv8 participant to take part – everyone is welcome,’ she said.

The Hub where ‘Takeover Tuesday’ sessions will take place

The six newly qualified Peer Mentors have spent months training to support others in recovery.

Each has lived experience with dependency and understands the challenges people face.

Paul Whipp, Jackie Horne and Jimmy Thistle are among the graduates who are now qualified as Peer Mentors at Motiv8.

Asked about why he decided to train as a mentor Jimmy said: ‘To give back what was given to me when I was in my early days of recovery’.

Meanwhile Jackie said she wanted to give something back to the programme that had helped her in the recovery from alcohol.

The first session introduced the mentors and provided an open Q&A, allowing attendees to share their experiences in a supportive, confidential environment.

Future sessions will focus on numerous different topics such as maintaining motivation and establishing healthy boundaries.

Discussing their first session Paul said: ‘I think it was successful. A good turnout, I think there was good interaction from everyone as well. So, it wasn’t just a case of no one was talking, it was full

Louise McColgan, a senior recovery support worker, guided the group through their training process. 

She said: ‘Yeah, it was quite intense, a lot of work to go through in that short period of time’

Reflecting on how the first session went Louise mentioned how participants started the session not wanting to talk, however by the end of the hour everyone felt comfortable sharing in the group setting.

The Hub Hands (Motiv8)

Phase one of ‘Takeover Tuesday’ will take place over the next six weeks between 11am-12pm at the Motiv8 HQ.

You can access the group through the side entrance or contact Motiv8 at 0808 1624 627 or motiv8.im for more information.