Women from Hastings and Rother celebrate recovery with special creative event this weekend

A group of inspiring women from the Hastings and Rother area have been using their creativity to combat stress and mental health problems during the coronavirus pandemic.
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Now they are inviting people along to join a special outside celebration in Hastings, on Saturday October 17, from 10am - 4pm, where they will also be able to buy original arts and crafts gifts for Halloween and Christmas as well as hearing stories and poetry of real lives in recovery.

Women Only Recovering Creatively (W.O.R.C) was started by Christina Clarke as a group for women in recovery from drugs and alcohol, mental health, dual diagnosis and female veterans, suffering from anxiety and stress.

Multiple and complex needs.

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The group, whose members come from as far afield as Sidley and Winchelsea, meet at Central Hall, in Hastings town centre.

Christina explained: “At present we are Covid safe in the building, continuing to be a support for one another. Whilst on lockdown, I would take food and art materials every weekend to the home of women of the group. I also engaged in Zoom groups. Then as lockdown eased we met at the park safely until it was announced we could return to the building.

“We have been in the building for about 7-8 weeks now. The women have been working really hard in creating arts and crafts. I provide a free lunch and refreshments every week.

“Normally all the services would come together and we would have a celebration of recovery in a large building. Last year we celebrated in St Mary in the Castle, where all the services would gather and share stories.

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“As this is not possible this year, we have been given the go ahead to have a small celebration for our individual groups.

“A lot of hard work and tenacity has gone into this and we will be celebrating our service and promoting all other services so the public will know and see what is out there for them.

“Our celebration is on Saturday October 17, from 10am - 4pm. This will take place outside central hall in Station Road next to the fruit and veg man.

“Our women will be selling items that they have made, such as cushions, earrings, necklaces and there will be prizes too and more. We have obtained our street trading certificate and have a large amount of insurance too.

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I think we are the only service who has managed to get together and manage to celebrate the month of recovery and mental health.

“Due to Covid 19, people are suffering more and more with mental health. Although W.O.R.C can only take females, there is lots on offer to all within Hastings Town centre and surrounding areas for the public to be aware of.”

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