A Chester dance company is searching for Guardian Angels to help continue its life-saving work with people in recovery from addiction.
Fallen Angels Dance Theatre, which has a recovery group at Storyhouse, has launched a Guardian Angel scheme inviting supporters to contribute regularly to their work so that they can increase capacity and help more people reach their full potential.
Fallen Angels Dance Theatre was founded in 2011 and will celebrate its 10th birthday in the autumn. The company has recovery groups in Chester, Liverpool and Leigh and continues to work online.
Artistic director Paul Bayes Kitcher, himself a recovering addict, said:
“The Covid pandemic and lockdown have been tough for many people but especially tough for those battling poor mental health.
“I know from lived experience that isolation makes people in recovery more vulnerable to relapse, so during the lockdown, we moved quickly to transfer our groups online.
“These workshops became a lifeline so we are appealing to the public to consider giving us regular support so that we can offer more and more recovering addicts access to our unique and creative practice.”
The work that Paul and Fallen Angels Dance Theatre do in recovery workshops has never been more important. Statistically, alcohol-related deaths increased 20% in 2020 compared with 2019, the highest level since statistics were first compiled. Prior to the pandemic, a government report recognized the importance of intervention, stating that for every £1 spent on alcohol treatment, the return is worth £3 and for every £1 spent on drug treatment, the return is worth £4.
Paul added: “Our research and evaluation, with Dr Zoe Zontou of Liverpool Hope University, shows that the outcomes of being part of our recovery groups include significantly increased confidence, raised self-esteem and physical and emotional wellbeing.
“Many of our workshop participants have gone on to volunteer, to further education and into employment. Support from individual donors would go such a long way in helping us allow more people to reach their full potential.
Guardian Angels contribute as little as £3.50 a month, although people can contribute as much as they like. As part of the Guardian Angels program, Fallen Angels Dance Theatre will send a regular newsletter, plus twice-yearly exclusive insights into their innovative and exciting work.
Visit the Fallen Angels Dance Theatre website for details on how to sign up here.
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