Team Forward Leeds are running the annual Leeds 10k to raise funds for the 5 Ways Recovery Academy

5 WAYS is a place for people in recovery and those who are coming to the end of their treatment for alcohol or drug issues. It provides a safe and comfortable environment for people to gain support, advice and guidance. 5 WAYS takes its name from the evidence that suggests there are five steps we can all take to improve our mental well-being.

They are:

• Connect with other people

• Be active and exercise

• Keep learning

• Give to others

• Be mindful

With this in mind 5 WAYS offers a wide range of activities and structured group work for those in recovery, including guitar lessons, yoga, an IT suite, a gardening group, SMART groups and much more. It is an informal and welcoming space where individuals can choose their own courses and activities and plan their own recovery journeys based on what they prefer and not someone else’s idea of what they need. Many of the sessions are co-facilitated and co-produced by people with lived experience of substance use. 5 WAYS has a dedicated Education, Training & Employment worker who will work with people in recovery to design a plan and support people to realise their potential. We also work with a number of learning providers including Swarthmore College, the Cardigan Centre and Northern College. 5 WAYS is open to anyone in the city of Leeds who consider themselves to be in recovery from a substance/alcohol use problem.

For more information about the amazing work 5 ways do every day, please visit https://www.forwardleeds.co.uk/getting-help/5-ways-the-recovery-academy/