Connecting with the AA Community: Benefits & Barriers

Overview Main areas of cooperation Public Health England Benefits of recovery Some misconceptions Demonstration AA meetings Young People’s project

Health Prisons 4450 Groups Probation Armed Services Employment

(AA membership along with other MA groups) Public Health England Improving Access to Mutual Aid Mutual Aid Reference Group (AA membership along with other MA groups)

Percentage of people who first heard about AA whilst in treatment 2010: all 2015: all 2015: <5 yrs 13 per cent 18 per cent 21 per cent

SOME BENEFITS OF RECOVERY Not taking an alcoholic drink, one day at a time Members encouraged by the example of others Sense of community and connectedness Developing new meaning in life

SUPPORT & RESOURCES Meetings Contact between meetings Sponsorship Literature

Some (mis)perceptions about AA That it is a religion That it is necessary to believe in God We meet in church halls

SPIRITUALITY “…awakening to an inner source of guidance, strength and wisdom which, when drawn upon, can help the lives of people in recovery take on new meaning” (A Message to Professionals)

Demonstration AA meetings

1st AA meeting (First Step) Q & A Typical workshop for demonstration AA meeting with two half-hour AA meetings: Introduction 1st AA meeting (First Step) Q & A 2nd meeting – all can share. Topic meeting

Young People’s Project

Progress to date AA poster for young people Discussion document for the Role of the YPLO One YPP Team member is now an alternative Conference Delegate Monitoring Young People’s Conventions A Message for Young People animated video

Young People’s Video