30 September 2016

For immediate release

CNWL champions the power of service user involvement at annual event

More than 110 users of addictions services provided by CNWL packed into a hall in Notting Hill to talk about how to discover their ‘WoW factor' (Ways of Wellbeing).

The annual Engage Conference, is co-produced by a committee of service users, with CNWL and the charity Build on Belief, who jointly provide services.

The theme of this year's conference was Quality of Life and the simple steps that can be taken every day by everyone to improve quality of life.

It featured the key challenges of dual diagnosis by the new mutual aid group Dual Diagnosis Anonymous (DDA); and awareness of common physical health problems in the aging substance misuse population by the Build on Belief ‘Oldies'. Personal stories of recovery, from those affected by dual diagnosis, physical health problems, and addiction were felt by all.

Quality of life was creatively discussed through ways to ‘discover your WoW factor!' - Ways of Wellbeing, with the reveal of the ‘big wheel'.

A big quiz and a performance from the Outside Edge group, which aims to change the lives of people affected by addiction through theatre and drama, had the audience inspired in the afternoon.

The day was brought alive through drumming and musical flare as each act was brought to the stage by a troupe of Build on Belief musicians.

The day also featured 13 awards, chosen by the services to acknowledge service user efforts in overcoming their substance misuse problems, and for giving back to their services and community.

CNWL divisional director Lorna Payne, who presented the awards, said: "This was a truly inspirational event, which has touched me deeply and I thoroughly enjoyed every minute.

"Hearing people speaking about their recovery journey to a big audience takes courage and I was humbled and thankful to these people for sharing their personal journeys."

Addictions Area Manager Teresa Wirz who led the planning committee said: "I was truly proud and amazed at the enthusiasm and efforts of those, who months in advance, devoted their time and efforts in planning and delivering the event."
 
Editors' notes 
 
Three photos are attached. The first shows the drumming troupe entering the hall; the second and third show general shots of the event. 

Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust
Stephenson House, 75 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PL
Tel: 020 3214 5756 e-mail:communications.cnwl@nhs.net