Great Big Walk visits Addaction RISE

WALKERS of Eden Project’s Great Big Walk started their day’s journey at Addaction RISE in Exeter, sharing breakfast with volunteers, clients and staff at the drug and alcohol charity to hear how it supports the community.

The Great Big Walk started at Batley, where Jo Cox was MP, and five different teams headed off on a 21 day journey to Cornwall, London, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Along their route they are stopping at community projects and initiatives to spend time with and celebrate the people who go the extra mile to bring communities together.

At Addaction RISE, the walking team heard about the support and treatment available from the Devon-wide service and the reasons it so important for our communities, as well as learning about the work of Drink Wise, Age, Well Devon, which works to support positive choices for over 50s about alcohol.

RISE contracts manager Jon Cook said: “The opposite of addiction is connection. Providing more and more opportunities for people to connect with people and move in more positive circles means more people find recovery. 1 in 5 people are affected by addiction and it’s something we want everyone to talk about more and not feel worried about picking up the phone and getting support. When you’re in addiction, you often think there’s no way out. Seeing other people in recovery gives you hope that it’s possible, which is why our recovery champions and recovery cafes are so important.”

Eden walker Judy Thorn said at the breakfast: “We have seen a lot of projects on our journey where bringing people together in a safe space to just talk and have that very human connection is proving better than some of the prescribed systems. This journey has been an emotionally exhausting experience to see the huge difference all these projects are making in communities. It’s inspiring many people to see what difference they can make in their own communities by supporting the work or making their own connections.”

Peter Stewart, Eden Project Executive Director, said: “The Great Big Walk is an incredible project that will shine a light on the ordinary people all over the UK doing extraordinary things for their community. Whether coming together in celebration or in solidarity, in times like these the importance of community unity is greater than ever before. This project will share the positive impact that people coming together can have.”

The walkers were on day 17 of the trek and were heading to Torquay. They will head home in time to join The Big Lunch as the highlight of The Great Get Together celebrations inspired by Jo Cox, and marking the first anniversary of her death 16-18 June.

The Great Big Walk is an idea from the Eden Project funded from the National Lottery and other supporters.

Addaction RISE provides support for anyone affected by their own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use. To find out how to volunteer or to get advice, information or support call 0300 303 3384.