I Love North Shields attended the Props North East Breaking Barriers event in North Shields – an evening of guest speakers held in the heart of the community, Christ Church North Shields. Props are a specialist family drug and alcohol service which aim to improve the lives of families affected by drug and alcohol use, as well as signpost services for those seeking help with addiction. The event brought together these services, recovery champions, and families who have lived through the chaos and courage of addiction and recovery.
It was raw. Real. And deeply moving.
The evening was held with understanding, compassion and honesty, especially as we listened to Narcotics Anonymous members as well as a father and daughter speak about their experiences, strength, and hope. These weren’t just stories – they were gut-wrenching truths. Brutal reminders of what addiction takes… recognition that addiction doesn’t just hurt individuals – it shatters families, and powerful glimpses into what recovery can give back.
The evening also shone a light on some amazing local services and groups such as NTRP (North Tyneside Recovery Partnership) – offering tailored support for individuals on their journey to sobriety; Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO) – a peer-led movement that proves recovery is possible when support is real and relatable; the PAUSE Project – focusing on recovery and helping people break the cycles that bind them; and Narcotics Anonymous, a worldwide peer-led addiction recovery support.
Every single person in that room tonight had one thing in common: they were breaking barriers. Whether they were walking the path of recovery, supporting a loved one, or working to change the system – they were part of something powerful.
“After attending the props event at the Christ Church in North Shields, and listening to the stories of those that have battled with addictions, what their families and carers have gone through, and their journey’s to recovery was just over whelming to say the least. Hosted by Earl John Charlton and lead by Tracey Hawkins Dobson, Sandra Adams, Peter Cassan and the rest of the team at Props, the help and community spirit that arrived to create awareness and show their support of those that are troubled with an addiction was an amazing turnout. With goody bags on arrival, drinks and food on offer, the welcome that we all felt in such a none threatening environment, was greatly appreciated as those in recovery spoke in front of us all talking about their traumatic experiences. Acknowledging their behaviours while under the influence and how it affected their loved ones around them. Loved ones also spoke about their involvement and how it impacted on the families throughout. The horror, the pain and the worry they felt but also how proud they were of them on how far they have come on battling with the awful illness that they suffered/suffering, as it is a life long process that those will learn how to stay in control of” – Lisa Young
Such an inspiring evening to be part of and the help, the gratitude and passion that was encountered from everyone was just so emotional to witness.
If you or someone you know is struggling, know you are not alone. Tonight proved that.
You can contact PROPS on 0191 226 3440 to speak to somebody any time between 9.00am to 9.00pm every day, including Saturday and Sunday, and bank holidays or for further details on the support available to you, a friend or a loved one, go to www.props.org.uk
Photographs by Lisa Young
