Music offers healing at addicts' support group

A project which uses the arts to supports addicts in drugs and alcohol recovery is to mark its 10th year with an anniversary gala.

Creative Communities, run by Bristol Drugs Project, has built a reputation for community-based recovery through initiatives like the Bristol Recovery Orchestra and Rising Voices Choir.

They regularly perform in venues across the city, and will be at the centre of the anniversary event.

Singer Paul Jennings said he found being in the choir "grounding and healing".

"There's an enormous amount of stigma attached to drug and alcohol use which we try and work to break down," said Anna Smith, CEO of Bristol Drugs Project.

"People know they're welcome and cared about. They learn something, have a chat, a cup of tea, make a friend, and we all deserve that."

"Music plays such an important part in helping with their trauma and in some cases their recovery," adding that the now sold-out gala would be an "amazing" way to celebrate 10 years of achievements.

Paul Jennings, 49, from Bristol, said his life spiralled downwards from an early age.

“I’ve been in recovery for years,” said Mr Jennings, who ran away from home aged 15.

“I had a three-year-old son who was killed, and I went off the rails – heroin, shoplifting, in and out of prison, and being homeless.”

“My recovery began through a court order to have help from Bristol Drugs Project,” he explained.

Joining the recovery choir Rising Voices changed his life, he said.

“It’s the fellowship I value. Singing is very grounding and healing and I always leave choir feeling better,” he said.

Mr Jennings is now sober, has a job and has reconnected with his children.

He has not missed one weekly choir practice since joining.

Student Maya Ellis, 22, said she sought help from Bristol Drugs Project in her second year studying history at the University of Bristol - initially for drug issues, and later for an alcohol problem.

She attended group support sessions, and then renewed her love of music by joining Bristol Recovery Orchestra as a clarinetist.

“I’d lost interest in my hobbies like music. The Recovery Orchestra has reset my mind,” said Ms Ellis.

"Music can have a profound effect on your mental and emotional state.

"I’ve found the opportunity to be true to the person I was before addiction,” she added.

Follow BBC Bristol on Facebook, X and Instagram. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630.