A SERVICE in Blackbird Leys for people dealing with addiction is celebrating a first milestone, just in time for a national celebration next month.

The MYOX4 service in Knights Road, run by national charity Lifeline, opened in June and offers abstinence-based recovery programmes to people across Oxford.

On Wednesday ((19/08)) six people battling drug and alcohol addictions were given certificates after taking part in an eight-week course called My Introduction to Recovery.

One group member, a 50-year-old from Banbury, who was a heroin addict for 25 years, said: “The programme has been absolutely fantastic.

“Now I have got a relationship with my daughter and I can walk around in peace.

“I do it mainly for myself but seeing others makes me think I can do it too. Helping others is a big part.”

With staff members, the six course members will travel to Durham on September 12 joining thousands from all over the UK at this year’s Recovery Walk.

Manager DeeDee Wallace said: “There are hundreds of thousands of people whose lives have been transformed through recovery in the UK.

“When people recover they are the best assets that a community can ask for.

“Everybody in Blackbird Leys has been so positive. It’s a positive-thinking and forward-thinking community.

“The Recovery Walk is really visible. You have people from all walks of life, celebrities and people walking with their kids and parents.

The walk forms part of Recovery Month, a national series of events celebrating achievements and educating the public about addiction and the need for services.

MYOX4’s programme facilitator David Eaton, a former service user who has been clean for five years, said: “I took part in the walk last year in Manchester and it was amazing.

"There were 10,000 people in recovery in the town centre. I felt an overwhelming sense of belonging and pride.

“To see people getting well is an amazing feeling. I’ve got the best job in the world.”

The first cohort of MYOX4 clients will go on to join the service’s first 12-week recovery programme, which begins on September 1.

MYOX4 offers an abstinence-based course where participants engage with the service five days a week.

A 52-year-old woman from Rose Hill, who took part in the latest course, said: “If it wasn’t for the programme I would have never stopped drinking. They are absolutely brilliant.

“The walk is a bit daunting but if you had asked me two months ago, I wouldn't have gone. I know that it’s positive and I want to continue.”

To celebrate Recovery Month, MYOX4 is opening its doors every Monday in September from 1pm to 5pm.

People who know someone touched by alcohol or substance misuse, or are curious about recovery, are welcome for tea and cake and a chance to meet staff.

Call 01865 778163.