Last week the United Nations Global Commission on Drugs Policy attracted media attention from around the world, partly due to the attendance of such luminaries as Sir Richard Branson, and support from the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Sting and Julie Christie. However, the conclusions that the Commission has come to, have understandably generated far more discussion. The commission has recommended the decriminalisation of all illegal drugs and an end to the disastrous policy of the ‘War on Drugs’, a 40 year long failure that has seen record levels of addiction, billions squandered and a degree of bloodshed in some parts of the world that is comparable with civil war.
The British Government, rather predictably, gave the convention short shrift by stating that they were adamantly opposed to any change in policy at all. This was to be expected, governments of both stripes would be mercilessly persecuted by the British press on the announcement of the first post de-criminalisation drugs death. Their rationale is based around the degree of harm that illegal drugs pose to the health of individuals. In one key, and conveniently overlooked area of the drugs debate, however, the government are doing precisely the opposite of what they claim is their position.
Alcohol, a drug that continues to cause more deaths per year than all illicit substances combined, that if it were being measured on an indice of harm would have to be adjudicated a class A drug, continues to be sold in a manner that would make a Columbian drug lord proud.
Far from legislating against the rock bottom prices, the government’s minimum pricing policy on alcohol has been so ineffective (the Guardian on February 16th 2011 reported that only one in 4,000 drinks promotions would be affected) that one can only stretch the argument of ineptitude so far. That six of the UK’s leading health bodies have walked away from the government’s new drinks code, which calls for a voluntary pledge of responsibility, should give us all an idea of how effective the medical establishment thinks this brewer’s charter will be.
Taking the pledge was the term used in 1930’s America by drinkers who wanted to stop but were relying on willpower alone, invariably most of them failed. This pledge of good behaviour on the part of multinational drinks manufacturers is eerily similar. As with most problem drinkers back then, the distillers and brewers are completely insincere about their desire to change, and the government knows it. The voluntary code is designed to be as ineffective as the Press Complaints Commission’s voluntary code of conduct that the government is equally anxious to avoid making mandatory.
Professor Sir Ian Gilmore, special adviser on alcohol to the Royal College of Physicians has recently said: “"it is not acceptable for the drinks industry to drive the pace and direction that such public health policy takes."
If we are to make any progress in what has become the pre-eminent public health crisis of our times, we must have a government that has the courage and integrity to put socially irresponsible enterprises in their place, but this is just the beginning. Minimum alcohol pricing, while important, should be part of a wider strategy.
It is essential that the deeper causes of addiction in Britain are addressed, the reason why people actively seek alcoholic oblivion and wish to escape from being who they really are is still a mystery to most of us, and yet this phenomenon plays itself out in every public house and public place in every town and city in Britain. An epidemic of addiction is still being met with epidemic levels of public bewilderment and governmental complicity.
Thursday, 9 June 2011
Friday, 3 June 2011
UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 update
Hi everybody and welcome to the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 Update.
Thank you all for your interest in the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011, we’ve been delighted with the response we’ve had so far.
If you’re thinking of coming along and you haven’t registered already, please email us at welshrecoverywalk@gmail.com or gobaithatgerdded@gmail.com. For those of you have already registered, thank you very much for your quick response.
On Tuesday 10th May 2011 – exactly 4 months to the date of the Recovery Walk proper - we held a mini-launch outside Cardiff City Hall. Recovery coaches and champions from all over Wales and beyond gathered to celebrate Recovery and help the public preparations for the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 get under way. You can see photographs of the event and read more about it at our website. Go to
http://recoverywalk2011.org.uk/the-launch-of-the-recovery-walk-2011-in-cardiff-may-11th#more-212
That’s right, the website for the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 is up and running. Visit us at http://recoverywalk2011.org.uk/. There are videos, photographs, route plans, downloads and, of course, the latest news about the walk.
We’ve included for download on www.recoverywalk2011.org.uk a copy of the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 poster so please print it out and put it up somewhere where lots of people will see it. Also please feel free to circulate it among your friends, family and supporters in recovery and encourage them to register.
If you have any questions at all about the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 please do not hesitate to email us at welshrecoverywalk@gmail.com or gobaithatgerdded@gmail.com.
Thanks again for your interest in the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011. Have a great summer and stay safe.
Thank you all for your interest in the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011, we’ve been delighted with the response we’ve had so far.
If you’re thinking of coming along and you haven’t registered already, please email us at welshrecoverywalk@gmail.com or gobaithatgerdded@gmail.com. For those of you have already registered, thank you very much for your quick response.
On Tuesday 10th May 2011 – exactly 4 months to the date of the Recovery Walk proper - we held a mini-launch outside Cardiff City Hall. Recovery coaches and champions from all over Wales and beyond gathered to celebrate Recovery and help the public preparations for the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 get under way. You can see photographs of the event and read more about it at our website. Go to
http://recoverywalk2011.org.uk/the-launch-of-the-recovery-walk-2011-in-cardiff-may-11th#more-212
That’s right, the website for the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 is up and running. Visit us at http://recoverywalk2011.org.uk/. There are videos, photographs, route plans, downloads and, of course, the latest news about the walk.
We’ve included for download on www.recoverywalk2011.org.uk a copy of the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 poster so please print it out and put it up somewhere where lots of people will see it. Also please feel free to circulate it among your friends, family and supporters in recovery and encourage them to register.
If you have any questions at all about the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011 please do not hesitate to email us at welshrecoverywalk@gmail.com or gobaithatgerdded@gmail.com.
Thanks again for your interest in the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff 2011. Have a great summer and stay safe.
Monday, 9 May 2011
LAUNCH OF WALES' FIRST RECOVERY WALK - 120 days to go
Cardiff City Hall will be the focus on Tuesday 10th May at 11am for a launch event to mark 120 days until the start of Wales’s first ever Welsh National Recovery Walk in Cardiff and the official registration website – www.recoverywalk2011.org.uk - going live. The Walk is supported by the UK Recovery Federation, Cardiff County Council, the Lord Mayor Elect of Cardiff and the Welsh Assembly Government.
The 10th September U.K Recovery Walk Cardiff is going to be a day of celebration; a fun day and an unforgettably inspirational day as we put positive ‘faces and voices’ to recovery and become worthy advocates for the attractive reality of recovery. Around 2,000 are expected to parade around Cardiff City Centre to celebrate the fact people can, and do, recover from substance use disorders and mental health problems.
The date of the walk coincides with the successful Recovery Month in the USA which has inspired the Welsh walk organisers, and which promotes the benefits to society of effective treatment for substance use disorders and mental health problems
Wynford Ellis Owen, who chairs the event committee, said, “We want this Recovery Walk, the first in Wales, to be an event to remember! The US Recovery Month model which I admire lauds the contributions of good treatment providers, and spreads the positive message that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover. This is precisely what the Welsh National Recovery Walk embodies.
“Through this walk we hope to engage with the UK Recovery community, and reach out and generate greater support amongst family members, friends and supporters of those in recovery.
“The Recovery Walk is, in essence, a civil rights issue and will go a long way towards countering the considerable amount of prejudice, discrimination and stigmatization of people with addiction and mental health problems that still exists in society.
“There’s one thing we can promise, there’ll be a welcome second to none in the hillsides, in the Valleys, and throughout Wales for all those attending this first ever Welsh National Recovery Walk. It’s going to be an once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
To register for the walk and to receive further information, send an email to welshrecoverywalk@gmail.com or gobaithatgerdded@gmail.com.
Carwyn, another member of our organising committee writes:
Hello my name is Carwyn and I am on the organising committee of the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff. I am delighted that Cardiff, Wales’s fantastic vibrant capital city, is hosting this walk at the end of the summer. The walk will take in some of the city centre’s great landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium. There are also beautiful parks nearby, lots of great shops and restaurants, museums and galleries; in fact everything you need for a great day out! We look forward to seeing as many people in Cardiff as possible in order to make the walk a great success. We are preparing to launch the walk’s excellent new website prepared and designed by Oskar. We hope that the website will provide all the information that you need to register for the walk, to find out more about the location and route of the walk and help you get to Cardiff and stay in the city if you need to.
The website address will be http://www.recoverywalk2011.org.uk/ so please check out the website for updates, information and registration details.
ENDS
For further information please contact Rhodri Ellis Owen at Cambrensis Communications on 029 20 257075 or Rhodri@cambrensis.uk.com
The 10th September U.K Recovery Walk Cardiff is going to be a day of celebration; a fun day and an unforgettably inspirational day as we put positive ‘faces and voices’ to recovery and become worthy advocates for the attractive reality of recovery. Around 2,000 are expected to parade around Cardiff City Centre to celebrate the fact people can, and do, recover from substance use disorders and mental health problems.
The date of the walk coincides with the successful Recovery Month in the USA which has inspired the Welsh walk organisers, and which promotes the benefits to society of effective treatment for substance use disorders and mental health problems
Wynford Ellis Owen, who chairs the event committee, said, “We want this Recovery Walk, the first in Wales, to be an event to remember! The US Recovery Month model which I admire lauds the contributions of good treatment providers, and spreads the positive message that prevention works, treatment is effective and people can and do recover. This is precisely what the Welsh National Recovery Walk embodies.
“Through this walk we hope to engage with the UK Recovery community, and reach out and generate greater support amongst family members, friends and supporters of those in recovery.
“The Recovery Walk is, in essence, a civil rights issue and will go a long way towards countering the considerable amount of prejudice, discrimination and stigmatization of people with addiction and mental health problems that still exists in society.
“There’s one thing we can promise, there’ll be a welcome second to none in the hillsides, in the Valleys, and throughout Wales for all those attending this first ever Welsh National Recovery Walk. It’s going to be an once-in-a-lifetime experience!”
To register for the walk and to receive further information, send an email to welshrecoverywalk@gmail.com or gobaithatgerdded@gmail.com.
Carwyn, another member of our organising committee writes:
Hello my name is Carwyn and I am on the organising committee of the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff. I am delighted that Cardiff, Wales’s fantastic vibrant capital city, is hosting this walk at the end of the summer. The walk will take in some of the city centre’s great landmarks such as Cardiff Castle and the Millennium Stadium. There are also beautiful parks nearby, lots of great shops and restaurants, museums and galleries; in fact everything you need for a great day out! We look forward to seeing as many people in Cardiff as possible in order to make the walk a great success. We are preparing to launch the walk’s excellent new website prepared and designed by Oskar. We hope that the website will provide all the information that you need to register for the walk, to find out more about the location and route of the walk and help you get to Cardiff and stay in the city if you need to.
The website address will be http://www.recoverywalk2011.org.uk/ so please check out the website for updates, information and registration details.
ENDS
For further information please contact Rhodri Ellis Owen at Cambrensis Communications on 029 20 257075 or Rhodri@cambrensis.uk.com
Monday, 25 April 2011
Mae sêr y byd cerddoriaeth Gymraeg, Bryn Fôn, Elin Fflur, Brigyn (Ynyr ac Eurig Roberts), Côr Hŷn Glanaethwy a Chôr Eifionydd wedi dod at ei gilydd er mwyn recordio cân er lles Yr Ystafell Fyw Caerdydd, y ganolfan Gymraeg ar gyfer adfer o alcohol a chyffuriau. Mae’r gân, Can y 'Stafell Fyw/The Living Room Song, wedi ei hysgrifennu gan y cyfansoddwr ac aelod o’r Tebot Piws, Alun ‘Sbardun’ Huws, ac wedi ei chynhyrchu gan Bryn Fôn.
Bydd y gân, sydd wedi ei recordio yn Gymraeg ac yn Saesneg yn Stiwdio Sain ger Caernarfon, ar gael i’w lawr lwytho o iTunes a www.sainwales.com o hanner nos 1af Mai. Bydd fideo’r gân hefyd ar gael i’w wylio ar wefan Yr Ystafell Fyw Caerdydd www.thelivingroom-cardiff.com/cymraeg ac ar www.sainwales.com.
Bydd y ganolfan Adferiad cymunedol, sy’n seiliedig yn 58 Richmond Road, Caerdydd, yn darparu man diogel, sydd ddim yn barnu, ac yn cynnig amrywiad o raglenni seico-gymdeithasol i bobl o ardal Caerdydd sydd yn gwella o broblemau camddefnyddio sylweddau dwfn a hirdymor.
Nid yw aelodau yn cael eu trin fel “pobl anffodus â phroblemau cyffuriau ac/neu alcohol hir-dymor” ond yn hytrach fel bodau dynol gweithredol â breuddwydion, gallu creadigol ac yn meddu ar fywyd i’w fyw. Bydd y ganolfan newydd yn cael ei hagor yn swyddogol ar yr 8fed o Fedi ac yn help i 'agor y drws i fywyd newydd' yn rhydd o ddibyniaeth. Mewn amser, bydd y gwasanaeth yn cael ei ymestyn i holl drefi mawr ledled Cymru.
Dywedodd Wynford Ellis Owen, Prif Weithredwr, Cyngor Cymru ar Alcohol a Chyffuriau Eraill, “Rwy’n ddiolchgar dros ben i bawb sydd wedi cymryd rhan yn y prosiect yma. Heb eu hymroddiad a’u brwdfrydedd, ni fyddwn ni wedi cyrraedd lle rydym ni heddiw. Mae cael rhestr mor drawiadol o sêr â’r un sydd gennym ni ar gyfer y record yma yn wych, ac rwy’n siŵr y bydd pobl wrth eu boddau pan fyddent yn clywed y gân ac y bydd hi’n rhoi’r siartiau ar dân!
“Bydd cysyniad y 'Stafell Fyw yn trawsnewid y driniaeth sydd ar gael i bobl sy’n ddibynnol ar alcohol a chyffuriau yng Nghymru. Bydd y pwyslais ar adferiad, yn hytrach na rheoli’r ddibyniaeth yn unig. Mae syniad y 'Stafell Fyw yn deillio o’r ffaith fod dim cymuned adferiad yng Nghymru. O ganlyniad, mae Yr Ystafell Fyw wedi ei sefydlu fel ffordd o roi ‘gwyneb a llais’ i adferiad a rhoi gobaith i’r rheiny sydd dal yn brwydro yn erbyn dibyniaeth. O fy amser yn America, fel rhan o Gymrodoriaeth Winston Churchill, dysgais ei bod hi’n hanfodol sefydlu cymuned adfer gref yn gyntaf, gan mai dyma’r llwybr gorau at lwyddiant i bawb sy’n delio ag adferiad.”
Ychwanegodd Alun ‘Sbardun’ Huws, “Mae 'Stafell Fyw Caerdydd yn achos gwych. Rydw i’n bersonol wedi cael profiad o frwydro yn erbyn dibyniaeth ar alcohol ac wedi bod yn gwella ers pum mlynedd ar hugain ac rwy’n gwybod pa mor anodd y gallai dod o hyd i gyngor a chefnogaeth fod. Rwy’n falch o allu helpu mewn rhyw ffordd."
Dywedodd Bryn Fôn, “Yn gyntaf oll mae hi’n gân wych ac roeddwn i’n fwy na bodlon cynnig fy nghefnogaeth. Mae cael lleisiau a thalentau ffantastig perfformwyr fel Elin Fflur, Brigyn, Côr Hŷn Glanaethwy a Chôr Eifionydd yn gwneud y recordiad hyd yn oed mwy arbennig ac rwy’n gobeithio y bydd yn codi llawer ar ymwybyddiaeth y 'Stafell Fyw Caerdydd.”
Meddai Dafydd Roberts, Prif Weithredwr Sain, “Roedd hi’n bleser cael croesawu cymaint o artistiaid talentog i recordio’r gân yma yn ein stiwdio, er budd yr achos teilwng hwn. Gobeithiwn yn fawr y bydd ymdrechion pawb yn sicrhau fod y gân yn codi ymwybyddiaeth o’r adnodd gwerthfawr hwn yng Nghaerdydd.”
Am ragor o wybodaeth cysylltwch â Rhodri Ellis Owen, Cambrensis Communications ar 029 2025 7075 neu rhodri@cambrensis.uk.com neu ewch i www.welshcouncil.org.uk.
Bydd y gân, sydd wedi ei recordio yn Gymraeg ac yn Saesneg yn Stiwdio Sain ger Caernarfon, ar gael i’w lawr lwytho o iTunes a www.sainwales.com o hanner nos 1af Mai. Bydd fideo’r gân hefyd ar gael i’w wylio ar wefan Yr Ystafell Fyw Caerdydd www.thelivingroom-cardiff.com/cymraeg ac ar www.sainwales.com.
Bydd y ganolfan Adferiad cymunedol, sy’n seiliedig yn 58 Richmond Road, Caerdydd, yn darparu man diogel, sydd ddim yn barnu, ac yn cynnig amrywiad o raglenni seico-gymdeithasol i bobl o ardal Caerdydd sydd yn gwella o broblemau camddefnyddio sylweddau dwfn a hirdymor.
Nid yw aelodau yn cael eu trin fel “pobl anffodus â phroblemau cyffuriau ac/neu alcohol hir-dymor” ond yn hytrach fel bodau dynol gweithredol â breuddwydion, gallu creadigol ac yn meddu ar fywyd i’w fyw. Bydd y ganolfan newydd yn cael ei hagor yn swyddogol ar yr 8fed o Fedi ac yn help i 'agor y drws i fywyd newydd' yn rhydd o ddibyniaeth. Mewn amser, bydd y gwasanaeth yn cael ei ymestyn i holl drefi mawr ledled Cymru.
Dywedodd Wynford Ellis Owen, Prif Weithredwr, Cyngor Cymru ar Alcohol a Chyffuriau Eraill, “Rwy’n ddiolchgar dros ben i bawb sydd wedi cymryd rhan yn y prosiect yma. Heb eu hymroddiad a’u brwdfrydedd, ni fyddwn ni wedi cyrraedd lle rydym ni heddiw. Mae cael rhestr mor drawiadol o sêr â’r un sydd gennym ni ar gyfer y record yma yn wych, ac rwy’n siŵr y bydd pobl wrth eu boddau pan fyddent yn clywed y gân ac y bydd hi’n rhoi’r siartiau ar dân!
“Bydd cysyniad y 'Stafell Fyw yn trawsnewid y driniaeth sydd ar gael i bobl sy’n ddibynnol ar alcohol a chyffuriau yng Nghymru. Bydd y pwyslais ar adferiad, yn hytrach na rheoli’r ddibyniaeth yn unig. Mae syniad y 'Stafell Fyw yn deillio o’r ffaith fod dim cymuned adferiad yng Nghymru. O ganlyniad, mae Yr Ystafell Fyw wedi ei sefydlu fel ffordd o roi ‘gwyneb a llais’ i adferiad a rhoi gobaith i’r rheiny sydd dal yn brwydro yn erbyn dibyniaeth. O fy amser yn America, fel rhan o Gymrodoriaeth Winston Churchill, dysgais ei bod hi’n hanfodol sefydlu cymuned adfer gref yn gyntaf, gan mai dyma’r llwybr gorau at lwyddiant i bawb sy’n delio ag adferiad.”
Ychwanegodd Alun ‘Sbardun’ Huws, “Mae 'Stafell Fyw Caerdydd yn achos gwych. Rydw i’n bersonol wedi cael profiad o frwydro yn erbyn dibyniaeth ar alcohol ac wedi bod yn gwella ers pum mlynedd ar hugain ac rwy’n gwybod pa mor anodd y gallai dod o hyd i gyngor a chefnogaeth fod. Rwy’n falch o allu helpu mewn rhyw ffordd."
Dywedodd Bryn Fôn, “Yn gyntaf oll mae hi’n gân wych ac roeddwn i’n fwy na bodlon cynnig fy nghefnogaeth. Mae cael lleisiau a thalentau ffantastig perfformwyr fel Elin Fflur, Brigyn, Côr Hŷn Glanaethwy a Chôr Eifionydd yn gwneud y recordiad hyd yn oed mwy arbennig ac rwy’n gobeithio y bydd yn codi llawer ar ymwybyddiaeth y 'Stafell Fyw Caerdydd.”
Meddai Dafydd Roberts, Prif Weithredwr Sain, “Roedd hi’n bleser cael croesawu cymaint o artistiaid talentog i recordio’r gân yma yn ein stiwdio, er budd yr achos teilwng hwn. Gobeithiwn yn fawr y bydd ymdrechion pawb yn sicrhau fod y gân yn codi ymwybyddiaeth o’r adnodd gwerthfawr hwn yng Nghaerdydd.”
Am ragor o wybodaeth cysylltwch â Rhodri Ellis Owen, Cambrensis Communications ar 029 2025 7075 neu rhodri@cambrensis.uk.com neu ewch i www.welshcouncil.org.uk.
Welsh supergroup bid for chart success in aid of recovery centre
Welsh music stars Bryn Fôn, Elin Fflur, Brigyn (Ynyr and Eurig Roberts), Côr Hŷn Glanaethwy and Côr Eifionydd have come together to record a song in aid of The Living Room Cardiff, the Welsh alcohol and drug recovery centre. The track, cân y ‘Stafell Fyw/The Living Room Song, was written by songwriter and Tebot Piws member Alun ‘Sbardun’ Huws and produced by Bryn Fôn.
Recorded in both Welsh and English at Sain Studios near Caernarfon, the song will be available to download from iTunes and www.sainwales.com on midnight 1st May. A music video will also be available to view on the Living Room Cardiff’s own website www.thelivingroom-cardiff.com and on www.sainwales.com
The community based Recovery Centre, based at 58 Richmond Road, Cardiff, will provide a safe, non-judgmental space offering a range of psycho-social programmes (including peer-based recovery support) for people from the Cardiff area that are in recovery from longstanding, entrenched substance misuse problems.
Members are treated not as “unfortunate people with longstanding drug and/or alcohol problems” but as functioning human beings with dreams, capabilities, creativity and in possession of a life to be lived’. The new centre will be officially opened on 8th September and will offer support and help PIRs ‘open the door to a new life’ free from addiction.
Wynford Ellis Owen, Chief Executive, Welsh Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs who sponsor the new centre, said, ”I am so grateful to everyone involved with this project as without their time and enthusiasm we would not be where we are today. To have a roll call of stars as we have managed to amass for this record is great and I’m sure people are going to love the song when they hear it and that it sets the charts alight!
“The Living Room Cardiff concept will revolutionize the treatment of alcohol and drug dependent people in Wales. The emphasis will be on recovery rather than simple addiction management. The idea for the Living Room stems from the fact there is no recognisable recovery community in Wales as such. The Living Room Cardiff has been established as a way to put a ‘face and a voice’ to recovery and to give hope to those still struggling with addiction. From my time in America, as part of the Winston Churchill Fellowship, it is crucial to establish a strong recovery community first as this is the best route to success for all concerned with recovery.”
Alun ‘Sbardun’ Huws, added, “The Living Room Cardiff is a great cause. I’ve personally had experience of battling with alcohol addiction and have been in recovery for twenty five years and know how difficult it can be to find advice and support. I’m proud to be able to help in some way."
Bryn Fôn, said, “First and foremost it’s a great song and I was only too happy to lend my support. The fantastic voices and talents of performers such as Elin Fflur, Brigyn, Côr Hŷn Glanaethwy and Côr Eifionydd makes this track extra special and I hope it raises a lot of awareness for the Living Room Cardiff.”
Dafydd Roberts, Chief Executive of Sain Records said, “It was a pleasure to host the recording of this song and to welcome such talented artists to the studios here, in aid of such a worthy cause. We hope everyone’s efforts will ensure the song succeeds in raising the awareness of this much needed resource”
For further information please contact Rhodri Ellis Owen at Cambrensis Communications on 029 2025 7075 or rhodri@cambrensis.uk.com or go to www.welshcouncil.org.uk.
Recorded in both Welsh and English at Sain Studios near Caernarfon, the song will be available to download from iTunes and www.sainwales.com on midnight 1st May. A music video will also be available to view on the Living Room Cardiff’s own website www.thelivingroom-cardiff.com and on www.sainwales.com
The community based Recovery Centre, based at 58 Richmond Road, Cardiff, will provide a safe, non-judgmental space offering a range of psycho-social programmes (including peer-based recovery support) for people from the Cardiff area that are in recovery from longstanding, entrenched substance misuse problems.
Members are treated not as “unfortunate people with longstanding drug and/or alcohol problems” but as functioning human beings with dreams, capabilities, creativity and in possession of a life to be lived’. The new centre will be officially opened on 8th September and will offer support and help PIRs ‘open the door to a new life’ free from addiction.
Wynford Ellis Owen, Chief Executive, Welsh Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs who sponsor the new centre, said, ”I am so grateful to everyone involved with this project as without their time and enthusiasm we would not be where we are today. To have a roll call of stars as we have managed to amass for this record is great and I’m sure people are going to love the song when they hear it and that it sets the charts alight!
“The Living Room Cardiff concept will revolutionize the treatment of alcohol and drug dependent people in Wales. The emphasis will be on recovery rather than simple addiction management. The idea for the Living Room stems from the fact there is no recognisable recovery community in Wales as such. The Living Room Cardiff has been established as a way to put a ‘face and a voice’ to recovery and to give hope to those still struggling with addiction. From my time in America, as part of the Winston Churchill Fellowship, it is crucial to establish a strong recovery community first as this is the best route to success for all concerned with recovery.”
Alun ‘Sbardun’ Huws, added, “The Living Room Cardiff is a great cause. I’ve personally had experience of battling with alcohol addiction and have been in recovery for twenty five years and know how difficult it can be to find advice and support. I’m proud to be able to help in some way."
Bryn Fôn, said, “First and foremost it’s a great song and I was only too happy to lend my support. The fantastic voices and talents of performers such as Elin Fflur, Brigyn, Côr Hŷn Glanaethwy and Côr Eifionydd makes this track extra special and I hope it raises a lot of awareness for the Living Room Cardiff.”
Dafydd Roberts, Chief Executive of Sain Records said, “It was a pleasure to host the recording of this song and to welcome such talented artists to the studios here, in aid of such a worthy cause. We hope everyone’s efforts will ensure the song succeeds in raising the awareness of this much needed resource”
For further information please contact Rhodri Ellis Owen at Cambrensis Communications on 029 2025 7075 or rhodri@cambrensis.uk.com or go to www.welshcouncil.org.uk.
Monday, 18 April 2011
GWEDDI AR GYFER Y PASG oddi wrth Cyngor Cymru ar Alcohol a Chyffuriau Eraill
Dduw pob gobaith,
Molwn di am hanes y Pasg.
Rhannwn gyda’r disgyblion
a thyrfa’r ymdeithio buddugoliaethus i mewn i Jerwsalem -
gan floeddio ‘Haleliwia i Fab Dafydd’.
Yn eu cwmni hwy, helpa ni i glywed gobeithion pobl heddiw
yn arbennig y tlawd a’r methedig,
y di-waith a’r sawl sydd anobeithio ar bererindod bywyd.
Boed iddynt hwythau brofi gwefr gobaith y Pasg hwn.
Dduw pob barn a chyfiawnder
Cyfaddefwn i ninnau droi addoldai’n ffydd
I fod yn ogofau twyll ac yn llefydd i frolio ein hunain.
Edrych arnom yn dy drugaredd
wrth i ninnau gyfaddef ein gwendid a’n pechod.
Maddau i ni am fod mor dawedog
wrth i ni glywed cri'r anghenus a griddfan y difreintiedig.
Glanha staen y byd oddi arnom y Pasg hwn.
Dduw'r cariad dyfnaf,
Diolchwn i ti am ein caru ninnau yn dy ras.
Diolchwn dy fod yn parhau i olchi traed y blinedig
ac estyn ohonot dy hun fodd i wasanaethu heb gyfrif y gost.
Pa fodd y gallwn sylweddoli grym gwyleidd-dra a gogoniant gwasanaeth
yn Iesu Grist?
Meithrin ynom awydd i weithio dros eraill
heb roi unrhyw ystyriaeth i ni ein hunain.
Dduw'r aberth mwyaf un,
Diolchwn i ti am Iesu Grist, a’i ufudd-dod i ti,
hyd yn oed wrth wynebu artaith y croeshoelio.
Wrth iddo edrych ar draws Golgotha,
credwn iddo weld pob dioddefaint,
ac estyn i drigolion daear rym rhyfeddol ei ras.
Dduw'r atgyfodiad,
Rhyfeddwn dy fod yn ein gwahodd
i rannu'r bywyd newydd sydd yn dy fuddugoliaeth di dros bob angau.
Ti yw’r hwn sy’n rhyddhau'r caethion o rwymau’r byd,
Gweddïwn y byddi’n datgloi cadwynau pobl o’r newydd -
y sawl sy’n glwm i alcoholiaeth a chamddefnydd o gyffuriau;
y sawl sy’n gaeth i’w hunanoldeb ac i drais;
y sawl sy’n cael eu cam-drin a’u hamharchu
y sawl sy’n dyheu am fywyd a rhyddid.
Helpa ni i brofi grym y Pasg ym mhrofiadau Golgotha ein byd.
ac i glywed yr Haleliwia yn ein heneidiau’n wastadol. Amen.
Y Parch Denzil I. John
Molwn di am hanes y Pasg.
Rhannwn gyda’r disgyblion
a thyrfa’r ymdeithio buddugoliaethus i mewn i Jerwsalem -
gan floeddio ‘Haleliwia i Fab Dafydd’.
Yn eu cwmni hwy, helpa ni i glywed gobeithion pobl heddiw
yn arbennig y tlawd a’r methedig,
y di-waith a’r sawl sydd anobeithio ar bererindod bywyd.
Boed iddynt hwythau brofi gwefr gobaith y Pasg hwn.
Dduw pob barn a chyfiawnder
Cyfaddefwn i ninnau droi addoldai’n ffydd
I fod yn ogofau twyll ac yn llefydd i frolio ein hunain.
Edrych arnom yn dy drugaredd
wrth i ninnau gyfaddef ein gwendid a’n pechod.
Maddau i ni am fod mor dawedog
wrth i ni glywed cri'r anghenus a griddfan y difreintiedig.
Glanha staen y byd oddi arnom y Pasg hwn.
Dduw'r cariad dyfnaf,
Diolchwn i ti am ein caru ninnau yn dy ras.
Diolchwn dy fod yn parhau i olchi traed y blinedig
ac estyn ohonot dy hun fodd i wasanaethu heb gyfrif y gost.
Pa fodd y gallwn sylweddoli grym gwyleidd-dra a gogoniant gwasanaeth
yn Iesu Grist?
Meithrin ynom awydd i weithio dros eraill
heb roi unrhyw ystyriaeth i ni ein hunain.
Dduw'r aberth mwyaf un,
Diolchwn i ti am Iesu Grist, a’i ufudd-dod i ti,
hyd yn oed wrth wynebu artaith y croeshoelio.
Wrth iddo edrych ar draws Golgotha,
credwn iddo weld pob dioddefaint,
ac estyn i drigolion daear rym rhyfeddol ei ras.
Dduw'r atgyfodiad,
Rhyfeddwn dy fod yn ein gwahodd
i rannu'r bywyd newydd sydd yn dy fuddugoliaeth di dros bob angau.
Ti yw’r hwn sy’n rhyddhau'r caethion o rwymau’r byd,
Gweddïwn y byddi’n datgloi cadwynau pobl o’r newydd -
y sawl sy’n glwm i alcoholiaeth a chamddefnydd o gyffuriau;
y sawl sy’n gaeth i’w hunanoldeb ac i drais;
y sawl sy’n cael eu cam-drin a’u hamharchu
y sawl sy’n dyheu am fywyd a rhyddid.
Helpa ni i brofi grym y Pasg ym mhrofiadau Golgotha ein byd.
ac i glywed yr Haleliwia yn ein heneidiau’n wastadol. Amen.
Y Parch Denzil I. John
A PRAYER FOR EASTER from the Welsh Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs
A PRAYER FOR EASTER
Lord of all hope,
We praise you for the Easter narrative.
We join with the disciples
And the crowds walking into Jerusalem –
Shouting ‘Halleluiah to the Son of David’.
In their company, help us to hear the hopes of people today,
especially the poor and the disabled,
the unemployed and those who have despaired along life’s pilgrimage.
May they experience the excitement of hope this Easter.
God of all judgement and justice,
we confess that we have turned places of worship,
into dark caves, where we can boast ourselves.
Look upon us in your mercy
as we confess our weaknesses and sin.
Forgive us for being silent
when we hear the cries of the needy and the wailing of the under-privileged.
Cleanse the worldly stains from us this Easter, Lord.
God of the deepest love,
we praise you for loving us with your grace.
We thank you for washing the feet of the weary
giving of yourself, the means to serve without counting the cost.
How can we realise the power of humility and the glory of service
in Jesus Christ?
Nurture within us the willingness to serve others
without considering ourselves.
God of the greatest ever sacrifice,
we thank you for Jesus Christ, and his loyalty to you,
even while facing the torture of the cross.
As Jesus surveyed across Golgotha, we believe that he saw all suffering
and extended to human beings world wide, the wondrous power of his grace.
God of the resurrection
we marvel that you have invited us
to share the new life in your victory over death.
You, who can free the captives from worldly shackles,
we pray that you loosen the chains of people anew
those who are bound to alcoholism and the mis-use of other drugs,
those who are captive to selfishness and violence,
those who are ill treated and suffer disrespect,
those who yearn for life and freedom.
Help us to experience the power of Easter in the Golgotha experiences of our world
and to hear the Halleluiah constantly in our souls. Amen.
The Rev. Denzil I. John
Lord of all hope,
We praise you for the Easter narrative.
We join with the disciples
And the crowds walking into Jerusalem –
Shouting ‘Halleluiah to the Son of David’.
In their company, help us to hear the hopes of people today,
especially the poor and the disabled,
the unemployed and those who have despaired along life’s pilgrimage.
May they experience the excitement of hope this Easter.
God of all judgement and justice,
we confess that we have turned places of worship,
into dark caves, where we can boast ourselves.
Look upon us in your mercy
as we confess our weaknesses and sin.
Forgive us for being silent
when we hear the cries of the needy and the wailing of the under-privileged.
Cleanse the worldly stains from us this Easter, Lord.
God of the deepest love,
we praise you for loving us with your grace.
We thank you for washing the feet of the weary
giving of yourself, the means to serve without counting the cost.
How can we realise the power of humility and the glory of service
in Jesus Christ?
Nurture within us the willingness to serve others
without considering ourselves.
God of the greatest ever sacrifice,
we thank you for Jesus Christ, and his loyalty to you,
even while facing the torture of the cross.
As Jesus surveyed across Golgotha, we believe that he saw all suffering
and extended to human beings world wide, the wondrous power of his grace.
God of the resurrection
we marvel that you have invited us
to share the new life in your victory over death.
You, who can free the captives from worldly shackles,
we pray that you loosen the chains of people anew
those who are bound to alcoholism and the mis-use of other drugs,
those who are captive to selfishness and violence,
those who are ill treated and suffer disrespect,
those who yearn for life and freedom.
Help us to experience the power of Easter in the Golgotha experiences of our world
and to hear the Halleluiah constantly in our souls. Amen.
The Rev. Denzil I. John
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