At Motiv8 Douglas, our SMART Recovery Mutual Aid meetings continue to provide a welcoming, supportive, and practical space for people looking to make positive changes in their lives.
Ensuring that we are delivering the best service possible to our community we are delighted to share A recent quality assurance review by Charlie Orton from SMART UK which highlighted the exceptional standard of facilitation, participant engagement, and overall atmosphere of the group. Led by Louise McColgan, with support from fellow participants, the group demonstrated everything that makes SMART Recovery so effective: connection, encouragement, structure, and practical tools for change.
But you might be curious as to what happens in a group….
Firstly, we offer A Warm and Supportive Environment, from the moment participants arrive, the focus is on creating a safe and comfortable space. Refreshments, snacks, fruit, and comfortable seating arranged in a circle help foster openness and conversation. A scheduled comfort break midway through the group also ensures everyone felt at ease.
Strong Peer Support and Participation – Everyone is encouraged to take part but, for some just being there to listen and learn is enough and that is completely acceptable. Members help lead the meeting by reading the opening statement and meeting guidelines, while each person has time to check in, share their week, discuss challenges, and reflect on what has helped them.
The level of peer support in the room is always felt with participants offering one another validation, encouragement, and practical ideas throughout the sessions.
SMART uses easy to remember and use Recovery tools that can be used on a daily basis as needed, these include:
- Hierarchy of Values (HOV)
- Hula Hoop
- Balance
- Choices
- VACI and hobbies
- ABC
- Coping strategies for upcoming events such as birthdays and celebrations
- Mooring Lines (*new from the new handbook.)
Why do Groups Matter?…
SMART Recovery meetings are about more than managing behaviours, they are about building resilience, confidence, and meaningful connection with others who understand. If you live or are visiting the Island are curious, want to learn more then Join us and see how it can help you. Groups are currently on Mondays 12.30pm-2pm and Wednesdays from 6pm-7.30pm, we also offer Auricular Acupuncture and relaxation sessions along with Take Over Tuesday which is where the peer mentors talk about a relevant topics.
Groups are held at Motiv8 Addiction Services, 90-92a Woodbourne Road, Douglas, IM2 3AS, with 2 hour parking permit spaces on adjoining roads, on the bus route and just a short walk from town.
To keep upto date on what groups are happening and when, head to www.motiv8.im/resources and look under The Hub.
Read the full report here: – QA_Report_Motiv8 Isle of Man 120326
