Yesterday marked a moment of pride and celebration as we watched 10 individuals graduate from our Discovery Academy Community Rehab Programme — a transformative journey that began 12 weeks ago with a cohort of 12 participants.
The Discovery Academy is more than just a programme; it’s a powerful experience that guides people through a process of self-reflection, personal growth, and long-term recovery. Over the course of three carefully structured stages, participants explore who they are, strengthen their recovery capital, and develop a practical toolkit to support their journey beyond treatment.
Each stage builds on the last — from understanding triggers and behaviours to setting goals and learning healthy coping strategies. By the end of the 12 weeks, our graduates leave feeling more empowered, resilient, and hopeful about the future.
Damien Prescott, Building Recovery in Communities (BRiC) Coordinator said “I’m so proud of all of today’s graduates. They have given their all to the academy. They showed up everyday, even on the days when it was easier not to and have poured everything into the programme”.
This cohort brought something extra to the table. In addition to the core programme, they teamed up with Carl from the Change Grow Live Cheshire & Merseyside Counselling Service to access Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) sessions. These weekly sessions added another valuable layer of support and insight, helping participants challenge negative thought patterns and develop healthier ways of thinking.
But the support didn’t stop there.
Throughout the programme, participants also engaged in:
- Group sessions focused on connection, peer support, and shared learning
- One-to-one keywork, offering personalised guidance and encouragement
- Art therapy, which gave people the chance to express themselves creatively and explore emotions in a safe, supportive space
The sense of community, dedication, and transformation was clear to see throughout — and yesterday, we had the honour of recognising that hard work. Graduations like this are a powerful reminder of what’s possible when people are given the right support, tools, and belief.
To the 10 people who completed the programme: we are so proud of your commitment and courage. You’ve taken huge steps toward a brighter future, and your journey is only just beginning.
Here’s to the next chapter — and to continuing to grow, together. 💛
