OffTheWall

No.21 Spring 2011

InformatIve

supportIve

creatIve

your guIDE to whatS oN at DhI

Bath & North EaSt SomErSEt South gloucEStErShIrE SwINDoN

INSIDE!

in this issue... We interview Bath MP Don Foster / Ring the Changes! time Out: Books, Films, Poems & Web / Whats On at Dhi

Midsomer Norton Rural Recovery Hub

New free and confidential Multi-Agency Drug and Alcohol Service for Midsomer Norton, incorporating employment and housing information and support
l

South GloS. ActivitieS

hi all.
id like to invite all South Glos Service users to join up for Art Group and Music therapy at tower Road North. Judith is our Art teacher and every Monday morning between 10am-1pm you can come along and get your hands dirty! We produce work that will go on display and learn new skills and techniques that will enable you to have a new skill that you can take back home into your own life and add another string to your bow! And on tuesday morning between 11.30am12.30pm there is a music therapy group where we get together with some musical instruments, (piano, organ, guitars, harmonicas, drums etc) make some noise and try to makes some tunes!! Meet at tower Road North for 11.15am and come and join in the fun!! the next meeting will be on thursday 24th March at the Bungalow Yate at 3pm-4pm

Address: The Cottage, High Street Midsomer Norton BA3 2DP (behind the Midsomer Norton Sainsburys store)
l

For further information about services available and opening times contact: 01225 329411

We look forward to seeing you!

The DHI Allotment

As a service user of DHI in Bath I was told of a gardening project on their allotment in Victoria Park and being a fan of anything natural I thought Id give it a shot.
I was introduced to Louis Wearing and his enthusiasm for all things green was very encouraging. I started coming on a regular basis and there was always a lot to do, from planting veggies to hard lanscaping to just chilling out and relaxing by the pond, feeding the goldfish. I can highly recommend getting involved if you are in need of some meaningful occupation, and getting back on track, Im hoping to get into a gardening career and set up a little business selling veggies to people on low incomes.

If you want to get involved contact us on seankehoe@dhibath.org.uk

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

Hello!
... and welcome to our spring edition of Off The Wall magazine. We have lots of fab stuff to read this issue - just check out the contents below! Dont miss our exclusive interview with Bath MP Don Foster - happy reading...

saffron

contents
Bath MP Don Foster 10 Questions Pier Pressure / Lady Heroin Phoenix Rising Ring The Changes / Fashion A minute of your time Theatre & Film reviews Rockstar Superstar Time Out: Food & Film Time Out: Books Time Out: Poems & Jokes Time Out: Window on the web Whats On at DHI: B&NES Whats On at DHI: South Glos. Whats On at DHI: Swindon Letters Page Useful Info The Back Page 4 6 7 8 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 20 21 22 23 24
Pictured clockwise from above: volunteering has helped some service users on their road to recovery; some of the team let us know their favourite albums; Rachels One-Pot Gammon; Blade Runner gets the Jim Timoney treatment

Patron Midge Ure Off The Wall Editorial Team Feature writers: Jim Timoney, Alan Cupit, Steve Wood. Jokes & Window on the web: Steve; Books & Poetry editor: Jim; Recipes: Justin Yates & Rachel Contributors Alan Cupit, Steve Langston, Rebecca Warner, Collete Lyons, Saffron Reid, Bex McQueen, Gordon Anderson, Jer Palmer, Don Foster, Andy Rose, James Henley. Check us out online: www.dhi-online.org.uk/off_the_wall Get in touch! Off The Wall Magazine 15/16 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DE Tel 01225 329411 Email info@dhibath.org.uk. Copyright 2010 DHI. All rights reserved. The Group of Seven assist with production.

ll off the Wathe Don interviews

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

Off The Walls Jim Timoney chews the fat with Don Foster, MP for Bath.
Jt: What made you decide to be a Liberal Democrat? DF: Well, I was a Liberal before DF: Yes, my son and his family live

the Liberal Democrats were formed in 1981. I only received my membership card two days before I won the election to become a Councillor. I guess it was because I believed in the liberal values of the importance of the individual and respecting civil liberties. The two key policies for me that I was passionate about were anti racism and support for the less well off, particularly older people who were being treated badly by the then Government.

in Australia so I try and visit every three years, I have most recently been on a canal boat holiday in Shropshire with my Grandsons. I love visiting France, Italy and Germany. I have a huge passion for Africa, I have only visited through work and have never holidayed there. I would like to visit India or Sri Lanka, I like active holidays, I have never been one to laze by a swimming pool.

Jt: these questions may seem a little flippant but will give our readers an idea of you as a person. What is your favourite book/food/ album? DF: My favourite book changes

Jt: how much is a pint of milk? We want to see if you are still in touch with the common man DF: Well interestingly you can

more detailed plans for the proposed pedestrian areas for the centre of Bath. I want to see proper consultation and provision for cyclists and what the arrangements are going to be for buses and taxis. A concern of mine is the impact on isolated people, particularly the elderly who may rely on taxis to get to the centre of Bath. They would have to pay a large amount for a fare that takes them round the longer way which strikes me as crazy. I want to see a properly worked out transport package.
Jt: What do you think of Dhis recent name change from the Drugs and homeless initiative to Developing health and independence? DF: To be honest it does not matter

still buy pints of milk, although usually its sold in litres. I would say 44/45p.

Jt: a concern of many of our Off the Wall readers is the traffic in Bath. Both Cleveland and Pultney Bridge are showing signs of strain due to the excessive flow/weight of traffic. how do you see the future of traffic in Bath? i dont drive so i guess Jt: You will be present all week in sWaDs sound like a man after my swindon it doesnt affect me but i do like to own centre, issuing drink calculators, and cross the road, so what are townheart, i take it from your food your advising on you a unit of alcohol choices that whatenjoy holidays in is and thoughts? exotic maintain safe drinking. how tofar away places? DF: Well I am waiting to see

all the time but at the moment I am reading Chris Mollins diary volume II. It gives an amusing and informative insight into life in Government from a Cynic. In terms of food I eat absolutely everything, I love it all so cant think of a particular favourite. I have tried everything from sheep eyes to Nshiam in the Bush in Africa. My favourite album would be anything by Bob Dylan, perhaps Blood on the Tracks.

Jt: thats how much i pay in Morrisons, although its more expensive in your local corner shop. DF: Well I am a Sainsburys man,

although sometimes I shop in Waitrose. Increasingly I shop more and more in Morrisons.

to the people who matter most, the service users. They just need help and dont care what you are called. The new name is a better way of explaining the services offered. In the past, for people who were homeless, too often just their housing needs were looked at and addressed. But homelessness is not the only problem, in practice there are usually wider issues such as alcohol and substance misuse; family breakdown; and mental health to contend with. The new name reflects this and the wider range of problems people face. The most critical part of the name is the emphasis on independence for all people.

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

5
We dont want people to be in the position where they are better off not working. At the moment people cant do a bit of work without paying heavily for it with their benefits. We want to make it easier for people to go back to work. These latest changes will only affect new claimants and will only be phased in, in 2016. But yes we are reducing some areas of benefit; we have to as our budget has ballooned. We cannot have people claiming housing benefit living in significantly better houses than those who are working hard. We need to apply the principle of fairness while ensuring that the broadest shoulders carry the biggest burden.

Jt: this is a question from me personally. i have voted for you since 1987 DF: I am going to stop you there,

you must have voted for me since 1992 that was my first election.

Jt: Well yes, very well, but i have voted for you for 6 General elections, which i estimate as 22/23 years. since the Coalition has been formed, i have not been happy. i saw you at a meeting i went to a few months back at the Friends Meeting house where you said you were deeply unhappy at the changes to housing benefit and the impact it would have. What have you done to change this? DF: Well the simple truth of the

This time last year, we did not think we would have been in a place where we made policy, rather than commented on it from the sidelines. Liberal Democrats have insisted on a higher addition to the tax on banks, so now they are paying substantially more as they rightly should towards the mess they have created. Our debt of 2.5 billion is more than the total we spend on schools. or every 4 we borrow, we pay 1 in crippling interest repayments. We pay 100 million in interest repayments alone. We have also helped to retain civil liberties.
Jt: i am worried about the changes to benefits. Currently i live on 96.35 a week, what happens if i get less money but the price of everything goes up, how will i live? DF: If your money changes, the

Jt: i am reassured by having had you explain this to me; i guess i wont be affected as i will be drawing my Pension by 2016 anyhow. DF: Well remember that when

you draw your pension, it will be a guaranteed minimum pension. The thing I was really concerned about was the abolition of mobility support for those living in Care Homes. This is something I campaigned for vocally on the floor of the House of Commons and something that was scrapped.

Jt: so why should i vote for Liberal Democrats again? DF: Well Im not sure you should

Coalition is that we couldnt sit on the fence. We tried to do a deal with Labour but they walked away. What were we supposed to do? Let Tories form a Minority Government? Let me tell you, things would have looked a lot different then. We had no choice. I do feel that we have had a significant influence. All but one of the platform issues that I have campaigned on, I have delivered. The exception being tuition fees.

key word is if. A lot of people currently on benefits are not getting the benefits they are entitled to, the system is so confusing and so many people miss out. The new system is more comprehensive, we are adding simplicity to tax credits and making benefits easier to access.

be making that decision yet, its too easily to judge but much has been achieved already. We are helping vulnerable people, increase civil liberties and make wise choices about the economy. These are tough times bloody tough times but I believe we have made good decisions. The past Government have got us in the position where we are spending more on debt repayment than the whole school system. This cant go on. As Liam Bryne said there is not money left, so we need to start creating it.

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OTW REGULAR

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

20 10 Questions
how and why did you get to this point in your career and why did you want to get into this type of work in the first place?

Off The Wall speaks to steve Langston, Service User representative about getting paid, decent Italian nosh and his sniper past.
What is you favourite book, film, album and plate of food?

I have just started out in this career as I got into this work through my recovery, so its a new start to life.
What do you find most rewarding about your job?

Getting paid! - I get my first pay cheque on Monday.

What do you find most difficult about your job?

Fave book: Bill Bryson, Notes from a Small Island. Film: Bourne Triology. Album: I never buy music, just listen to whats on the radio. Food: Spag Carbonara - it has to be done properly by an Italian.
in twenty words describe your perfect night out?

Pictured from above: Steve; Matt Damon in the Bourne trilogy; dinner guest Gina Lee Nolan.

Answering these questions.

in the event of a zombie apocalypse what steps would you take to ensure your survival?

I would get a heavily fortified farm as I am an ex Army sniper. Accuracy International do the best weapons, they take all your measurements (arm spans etc) and purpose build them to fit the person. I could take down a zombie from 1 mile 1/2 with a 50 cal bullet. At 1 mile 1/4 I could shoot through a brick wall and it could still kill a zombie. Would I be scared of a zombie invasion? No! Its no different to Bath on a Saturday night! I would like to get into the therapy line of work. I would like a normal life back - own house, own car, and my family around me and some kids to teach to shoot.

A group of 20 friends, BBQ on the beach in the moonlight with some soft drinks. I used to live in Tenerife so we used to have BBQs all the time.
if you were PM what laws would you introduce or change?

If I was PM, I would make sure there were more strip clubs in Bath. My ex came 2nd in a Spanish Hooters comp in Tenerife (and she was British!) and got to go to Florida for the final.
Who would be your perfect dinner party guests?

guests - Michael Cane, Gina Lee Nolan, Billy Connelly, Pamela Stevenson.
What were your childhood aspirations and which ones have you fulfilled?

What are your career and life goals?

Childhood ambition - to be in Army. I have fulfilled this, was in for 12 years. otw

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

FEATURE

Pier pressure
A personal view of the new Weston-Super-Mare Pier

waited for a very long time for the new Pier to be rebuilt and open, so when it did, I purposely gave it a few days before I went to see it, hoping the expected crowds would diminish before I got there. It wasnt the case though, it was positively heaving with visitors. I was astounded at the changes that had been made. The first thing I did was get myself a hot dog half way up. Not just some ordinary run of the mill hotdog this, it was one of the old fashioned ones about nine inches long with one of those special kind of sausages that I havent been able to find for years. With onions, mustard and red sauce it was very enjoyable but a bit messy. The very small transport train is still running if you dont want to make the couple of hundred yards walk to main amusements. I was surprised to find that smoking was still permitted even after the destructive fire of last time but it was only allowed outside the main events building. There is now a bar on the Pier unlike before but is very expensive so I gave that a wide

The new pier at Weston-Super-Mare

berth. The toilets are large and very well maintained with regular, thorough cleaning undertaken. There were the usual countless gaming machines. There is a new Ghost train and Crazy house both of which are far superior to the old versions. The Pier has been built over three levels now with private hire available for weddings, conferences and parties. There is an intricate go-kart track, dodgems and lots of very futuristic and highly modern, state of the art rides which cost round about a fiver a go but very impressive. There are ice cream parlours and cafes and restaurants.

Only criticism was once I had managed to make my way to only the second floor, it was very difficult to find your way down again, even some of the staff apparently didnt know! Obviously designed to encourage you to have a good wander round before you left. While I was, for the most part very impressed, I thought it was a bit overcrowded with the many machines, not a lot of room to manoeuvre and maybe its my age, but I think I preferred the old one. Having said that, it is still well worth a visit, even for just a hot dog. Alan Cupit

Dear Lady heroin and Devils Dandruff (crack)

Weve been together now for twenty years, but the time has now come to part and go our separate ways. Ive had enough of all your shit. You were hurting me in ways you cant imagine. I cant handle the pain any more! Ive now found a new love in my life and have my kids! Im sure youll find another mug to prey on, so goodbye and farewell. This is the last time youll ever see me, trust me. Weve had some good times but mostly bad times. Youve already taken one child from me. Youre not doing it again. Youve taken me to places some people couldnt even imagine, but youre no longer in my life and I am stronger now. Goodbye, Jer Palmer.

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FEATURE

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

phoenix rising!
Denial is not a river in Africa
Service user Dennis wants us to help others...

Three DHI service users discuss the highs and lows of their ongoing recovery

n our addiction, we seldom think of others; our lives are usually based upon our own wants and needs. We become selfish and just think of ourselves but we reach a point where our lives become hopeless and we feel powerless even to help ourselves. Addiction takes you down to a point of nothingness. Each day becomes a battle; we become driven by the need to obtain our drug of choice; we live in a world of pain and misery, lose our friends and loved ones, fall foul of the law. Responsibility to others and ourselves becomes non-existent. Accepting you have a problem is not easy. Your addiction usually denies having any problems, i.e., I havent got a problem, I feel fine, thank you, etc. My own addiction has taken me down many roads, usually involving police, probation, prisons, psychiatric evaluations. Theres nothing nice about addictions. Denial is not a river in Africa, as the saying goes. We all fear irrationality, of maybe being judged by others, ostracised by friends and family - the list is endless. If we decide

in all this that we dont want a life of fear, anxiety and paranoia, that in itself is a decision towards a better life. Theres no pot of gold at the end of the rainbow but you will see the rainbow as a beautiful creation. You have a right to be here, a right to a better life. Help others where you can. There is

a certain benefit in unselfishly helping others; it takes you out of yourself. Lifes not easy for anyone. Be good to yourself, treat yourself with respect and benefits will follow. I always had low self esteem and self worth but thats improved for the benefit of myself and others around me.

This pic: Help others by volunteering; Opposite: take Gordons advice and get rid of the One-eyed god

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

Bath is Beautiful
Service user Gordon talks about his new optimism...

fter years of abusing myself I entered an Options programme on the south coast. I had a brief meeting with a doctor and he pointed his finger at me and said I was good for rehab. I started moving from drink to drugs - I found I could do it on my own, but it became a vicious circle. This went on for several months, but I started going to meetings and met this one particular guy who started making real sense to me. I was in Salisbury by that time, and I spent two weeks in detox ... off all of the stuff I was on - Valium, Cocaine, Tamazepam, Methadone, Alcohol it was horrific! After that I felt very vulnerable and feared for my sanity. I realised I really wasnt very well ... Id had confidence with drink and drugs, and without booze, or anything, I felt lost. I became scared at going out into the wild world ... Anyway, I got on a fast track recovery plan at Frenchay Mews, and spent some time in Weston Super Mare (who have been very important in my recovery). I started having feelings I didnt recognise, and was scared at first. But I saw other people getting better around me and it slowly dawned on me that I needed to get to the root of the problem by re-living my life from the beginning. Around this time, people said being aroundme was standing next to a pressure cooker ... but after intense counselling I started to feel a new calmness and I started to view life in a different way. Approaching the end of my 5

month stay in Frenchay I knew I wasnt completely right and felt if I was really going to avoid relapse I needed a career change (Id previously worked in the building industry). So I found a dry house through DHI, and Ive been keeping busy doing pre-counselling, Maths, English, working at the allotment, Fishing and going to the film nights. Im learning more about computers as well now, and doing some volunteering. Im trying to give a little back now - and DHI deserve it. They have been a huge help to me - Im still doing three groups a week, and I have a One to One with a worker thats going really well. This has been the happiest January Ive had in a long time, feel really upbeat and positive about my future. Ive been clean for a year now, which feels like a

very big milestone and the Xmas card from DHI really lifted my spirits, so thanks for that. So whats next? I think its a brighter and better future for me - very optimistic. Ive given up smoking as well this year, and the DHI gym card is helping me get back into shape. And if I had to give any advice, Id say, keep it simple. I dont watch TV, I write a lot down about my experiences, I listen to the radio and I keep a calendar. Ive grown to hate TV - the one eyed god as I call it ... and Ive started to eat much helathier than I have in a long time. Its funny, but Im starting to see things differently as well Bath is beautiful, and Im only just nioticing it now. And to cap it all, Ive lost some weight - couple of stone in a year or so.

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FEATURE

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

DHI works the phones...

By James Henley

HI has launched a new scheme which aims to help service users to find work. Ring the Changes is a social enterprise project that relies on donations of mobile phones to employ service users. This is the first project of this type to be started in Bath and if it goes well DHI will be starting others. The whole idea of the scheme is that we collect as many mobile phones as we can, from places such as, staff, friends, family and local businesses. I am the first staff member to be employed by the scheme. My name is James Henley. I had suffered from addiction for half my life and the last time I worked was 2005. As with many others I found it very difficult to find work due to my time out and criminal record. The Ring the Changes

project has given me something to aim for and will help me secure other jobs in the future. When the phones are donated we log, check them and sell them on in many different ways, such as Ebay and specialist recycling companies. All proceeds go back into the scheme which, in Helping Baths socially turn help employ the staff and excluded back help towards the employment of into work one phone at other service users in future. a time! Any mobile phones would be helpful to the DHI. The fact is A mobile phone recycling social enterprise project they dont even need chargers Good for the environment and they may not even work. Creates local employment opportunities Social enterprise: help people help themselves All phones would go towards the continuation of the project. You can donate by bringing all your spare and unused phones to For more information see DHI. There will be drop boxes www.ringthechanges.org.uk, email and other ways to donate in the future, just keep an eye out for the ringthechanges@dhibath.org.uk or call James on 07875 228158 progress of the project.

in Rngesg cha
the

otW fashion!

Some fashion tips from the team... l My favourite item of clothing is my leopard coat. Its like a big comfort blanket. My fashion advise is to wear what you feel is comfy, dont follow the herd. (Bex, far left) l My favourite item of clothing is anything striped, it makes me feel happy, funky and with it! My piece of fashion advice is something I saw written in Oasis Its not what you wear, its how you wear it! (Left and inset pic) l My advice - try to wear natuatl materials as much as possible like leather, cotton and wool. Synthetic material can make you sweat loads and feels like you are wearing a wetsuit. Dont be afraid of expressing youself! Thibaut - not pictured)

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

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FEATURE

A minute of your time?

South Glos. service user representative Andy Ross wants a word in your ear

i All, My name is Andy and Im a service user representative here at Warmly and Yate. Over the last few months Ive become involved in helping to gather service users experience of treatment so that the folk that provide our services can look at enhancing what they do. Its been a really liberating experience being involved and having an input into the services we get. I was invited to a Conference for service users the other week. I was asked for my opinion on treatment services and was asked what was happening here in South Glos around the issues of treatment. Being able to share ideas with other service user forums from across the country is really positive stuff! And I

Bristol to Bath cycle path at Warmley

I have realised that the support I have had from other service users has been a really important part of my recovery.
recommend all of you getting involved. I have realised that the support I have had from other service users has been a really important part of my recovery. From whatever direction we have come from, we all arrived at the same point. Most desperately needing the services we get. We all have our experiences, and we all achieve what we can in stages. By coming together, by sharing, we can support each other and pass on our experiences to promote change, and making our services better for those that will follow in our footsteps. To that end Im appealing to all South Glos servicer users out there to come and get involved. I run the SUV (service users voice) where service users get together to discuss their experiences and put forward new ideas and comments of the service so that I can pass that on to the people that provide the services for us. Come along and support me, bring your ideas and suggestions and we will see what changes

we can make! The next meeting will be Friday February 25th at Tower Road North at 3pm and I really hope to see you there. Also we are trying to establish 2 healthy Peer Support groups in both Warmley and Yate. This is a group run by service users, for service users and is so beneficial to all the service users involved. They run once a week and are a wonderful support network for service users moving on from treatment. So please folks, get involved and help each other out. For more information on whats going on for service users please contact me on 07900547156 or e- mail me ABRoss12@aol.com I look forward to hearing from you and seeing you all soon!!!

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Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

timeout: reviews
Spamalot
A musical to laugh with and love unconditionally
l A truly magical musical from Eric Idle and John Du Prez who won a Tony award for Best Musical. The main stars were Marcus Brigstocke, Amy Nuttall from Emmerdale and Todd Carty from Grange Hill, Eastenders and The Bill. The rest of the cast certainly deserve recognition. Especially the director, Christopher Luscombe. A musical comedy about the legendary King Arthurs quest to find Knights to join his round table in Camelot and assist him in his search for the Holy Grail, with the help of the lady of the lake who presented him with his sacred sword, Excalibur. A mixture of fun from two of the fabulous Monty Python films. In was my first visit in years to the Theatre Royal in Bath and while I perhaps should have opted for a better seat, it was still a very funny and entertaining afternoon and well worth what I paid for the ticket to sit in the dress circle. All the special effects were excellent. The lighting and music were spot on and at times they even managed to make the stage appear at least three times as big, very impressive. Todd Carty didnt have too much of a singing voice, but on the whole, he was full of energy and vitality and performed his part as Patsy professionally and with confidence. It was a truly spectacular performance from all concerned. With a wonderful music score along with the acting and dancing, it was an absolute cornucopia of fun and laughter. There was also an excellent touch at the end which I wont mention, suffice to say, Im

sure everyone will enjoy the show even if theyre not a fan of Monty Python. In short, I loved every contagious minute. Alan Cupit

BReakFast at tiFFanYs starring Audrey Hepburn, George Peppard (1961)

l Taken from the Truman Capote novel, this is probably my favourite Audrey Hepburn film, one I never tire of watching. The main character, Holly Golightly, is played to perfection by Ms Hepburn; George Peppard, later known for his role in the A Team on TV, proves a worthy co-star. Holly Golightly is an eccentric New York girl about town. During the course of the film, she sets her sights on a Brazilian millionaire; it doesnt take the viewer long, however, to see that

her neighbour (George Peppard) is really the one for her. It just takes them both the entire film to realise it! This is a very funny and romantic film, one of Audrey Hepburns finest, showing that the late Ms Hepburn certainly had style in shed loads. As well as George Peppards excellent contribution, there are bonus appearances by Buddy Ebsen (TVs Beverly Hillbillies) as Hollys estranged husband from her earlier life in

the sticks, plus Mickey Rooney as her oriental(!) husband. Breakfast At Tiffanys is a joy to watch and is enhanced by the Oscar-winning score and the popular song of the time, Moon River. Jim Timoney

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

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timeout: music & DvD

Rockstar Superstar Project
Bex McQueen tells us about a new approach to tackling drug and alcohol addiction.
our top 15 albums Rebecca Warner The Very Best of Power Ballads Soweto gospel choir: African spirit Ladysmith black mambazo: Rain rain beautiful rain Beth Rowley: Little dreamer Fat cats: Deadbeat Bonnie Tyler: Greatest hits Twilight soundtrack Amy Winehouse: Back to Black 101 Housework songs Gente De Zona: Lo major que suena ahora (Cuban reggae) Mumford and sons: Sigh no more Alanis Morrisette: Jagged little pill Bob Marley and the Wailers: A Legend: 50 reggae classics New Root: Talk is ending Phil Spector Christmas album Bex McQueen Kiss: Destroyer Twisted Sister: Stay Hungry The Cult: Electric AC/DC: Back In Black Def Leppard: Hysteria Bon Jovi: Slippery When Wet Lizzy Borden: Appointment With Death Motley Crue: Too Fast For Love Kiss: Psycho Circus Pink Floyd: The Division Bell Kiss: The Elder Morrissey: You Are The Quarry The Beatles: Sgt Peppers Lonely Hearts Club Band No Doubt: Tragic Kingdom Kiss: Hot In The Shade

ockstar superstar project was set up by twin brothers Marc and Kris Kancler. Kris had a drug addiction which severely affected his brother and when Kris got into recovery, they came up with a unique way to help people combat addiction through music. The RSS mission is to spread awareness of the disease of addiction and decrease the social stigma still associated with it. They visit schools, colleges and other venues around the states to get their message across. The National Institute on Drug abuse has reported that there is an increase in drug dependancy, especially in teens across America. They have released a CD called Serenity which is the first of its kind and its created solely to help combat addiction.

It was produced by a Grammy award winning producer and features guest musicians from bands such as Kiss, Heart and The Goo Goo Dolls and one track from the CD was nominated for Rock single of the year in 2010. The CD is also recommended nationwide by certified alcohol and drug counsellers. Kris has also written a book titled 30 days to serenity and will be available spring 2011. You can find them on Facebook www.facebook.com/fbrockstar. I have been in touch with Kris and Marc and they were delighted when I told them that I wanted to write about their project in our magazine. What they have achieved is amazing and I wish them success with this project, they deserve it.

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Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

timeout: food & film

One pot gammon meal
Ingredients 1lb joint of gammon baby new potatoes (enough for four people) carrots (enough for four people) broccoli (enough four people) Tablespoon of marge 2oz plain flour quarter pint of milk quarter pint of gammon stock wholegrain mustard (optional) method Put a 1lb joint of gammon and baby potatoes, in a large saucepan, cover with cold water and bring to the boil, then simmer for 20 mins, add carrots and broccoli and large onion and simmer for another 40 mins. For the sauce, melt a tablespoon of marge in a separate saucepan and add the flour to make a roux. Cook for 1 min, add a quarter of the juice from the gammon and veg water, and quarter a pint of milk, and bring to the boil, then put on simmer, for a white sauce, or if you want add a table spoon of coarse grain mustard if you prefer. This makes an easy one pot gammon meal! If you prefer you can roast the ready boiled pots for 15 Mins, If you keep the rest of the stock from the gammon and veg, you can make a delious soup! just add a one or two more carrots, boil til soft + a tin of chopped tomatoes, liquidise with hand blended, then add 2 ounces of pre cooked lentils.

Healthy tasty cheesy jackets!

Ingredients 4 large potatoes 1 small container of cottage cheese (plain or with chives) 1 small container of natural yoghurt (125g) optional: 2 chopped chives 2 tablespoons of grated cheese method Bake potatoes in the oven until soft inside Remove from oven, and cut potatoes in half Scoop out potato and put into a mixing bowl. Put potato skins back into the oven to crisp up (10 minutes). Add yoghurt, cottage cheese, chives to the potatoes. Beat everything together with an electric whisk (or mash potatoes and then beat in the rest of the ingredients with a wooden spoon). Add black pepper to taste. Spoon mixture back into potato skins, sprinkle cheese on top and return to oven for 15 minutes. Delicious with salad for a light lunch. Left overs can be stored in the fridge and re-heated in the microwave in

2-3 minutes. Can be frozen for a month. For a not so healthy option, mix in a blob of margerine and corned beef into the mash. Or better still, fried onion and grated cheese. Our favourite? Tuna fish!

NEw at DHI

FIlm NIGHt

Every second monday in the month

5.45pm 7.30pm, see Julian in Day Care for further information.

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

15

timeout: Books
blaDE ruNNEr by Philip Dick (Del Rey, 1968) l Decembers Book Club choice was originally called Do Androids Dream Of Electric Sheep? The novel went on to become the wellknown film, Blade Runner. The story is set in January 2021, post World War Terminus. The main character is Rick Deckard, a bounty hunter whose job is to seek out androids (or andys) posing as humans and retire (i.e., kill) them. I found the first few chapters somewhat confusing and more than a little tedious, with the pretend animals, mood-changing computers, etc. However, I gradually became aloNG CamE a spIDEr by James Patterson (Warner, 1992) l Februarys Book Club choice begins with an account of the notorious kidnap and murder of the Lindbergh baby in 1932. It soon becomes clear that the villain wants similar notoriety by committing the crime, eclipsing even the Lindbergh of sixty years earlier. Gary Soneji, a serial kidnapper and murderer, carries out the double kidnapping of the daughter of a famous Hollywood actress and the son of the Treasury Secretary. Evidence of them having been buried but kept alive in a remote spot is discovered; however, the enquiry escalates into more intrigued as the story unfolded, especially as Rick begins to question his job and the justification of retiring androids. The plot does become more interesting and widens to encompass more characters and scenarios, which I dont want to give away here, and I found I began to enjoy it more. Although this novel is not exactly the type of read I usually prefer, I did get into it more than I expected. Im told the film is much better, so maybe Ill catch it next time its on TV. Jim Timoney one of murder when the boy is found dead. There then follows an intriguing and suspenseful plot which grips the reader to the end - at least, it did this reader. Two brilliant and fascinating characters bring the story to life - Alex Cross, a homicide detective, aided and abetted by Jezzie Flanagan, the supervisor of the Secret Service. This is just my sort of reading so I found it hard to put down every time I continued with it. Its easy to see why it became a number one best seller; I thoroughly recommend it to any crime novel fan, or, indeed, to anyone who wants an absorbing read. Jim Timoney
PAST BOOk REvIEWS
Whats It All About? by Michael Caine (OTW 20) Caines 1992 autobiography makes a fascinating read and a good prelude to his recent one. The book gives an in-depth insight into his childhood, National Service days and his struggle to make it as an actor, followed by his astoundingly successful film career to the date of writing. Liar by Stephen Fry (OTW 19) Another rather old but very readable book, this time by the inimitable Stephen Fry. Although not an autobiography but a novel, there is more than a hint of the autobiographical in the accounts of the main characters early life. Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit by Jeanette Winterson (OTW 11) An admirable first novel, largely based on the authors early life, presented with both humour and pathos. A splendid account of taking a stand against hypocrisy and bigotry and winning through in the end. The Wasp Factory by Iain Banks (OTW 13) This novel is definitely not for the squeamish. Although cleverly written, I can only describe it as macabre and disturbing. The bizarre ending certainly took me by surprise.

DHI Book Club meets on the first Monday of each month to discuss a book read during the preceding month. In this section, Jim Timoney aims to present a brief review of some recent Book Club titles, as well as others, thus giving a wider perspective.

16

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

timeout:poems & Jokes

Broke
by Al Cupit

the allotment
by J.R.L

All this scream of times long gone, when all was quiet when peace was won. Alas, now the pain again, rips through us all like acid rain. A credit crunch does no-one well, just takes us to another hell. Only to hurt just some of us, but for others, no real fuss. Just for the poor the pain goes on, paying for shadows that are nowlong gone ..

Hope. Theres a lot of it around But lets not make a sound Or pretend were lost in the mire Of confusion and life. Strife. Oh, theres hope in life all right. Theres hope in the garden growing, I see, With plants and seeds in the allotment Here before me. Before me now starts terror and pain. You have my sympathies withdrawal again. Symptoms come and go, striking terror into my heart. I can do nothing about it Except breathe slowly after dark. Night times are the worst, Evenings on my own. The terror is part of the daily package. Better get on the phone. Ill call my mum, the Samaritans, a friend. Theres no end to these calls when I dont Have to pretend. So, yes, theres hope, but terror, too, At never knowing who might look at you. Let hope reside beside peace in my heart, All the while getting stronger and having a laugh.

Did you hear about the fat, alcoholic transvestite all he wanted to do was eat, drink and be Mary

since the snow came, all the wife has done is look through the window. if it gets any worse, ill have to let her in.

2 women called at my door and asked what bread i ate, when i said white they gave me a lecture on the benefits of brown bread for 30 minutes... i think they were hovis Witnesses.

Just had my water bill of 100 drop on my mat. thats a lot. Oxfam can supply a whole african village for just 2 a month. time to change supplier i think.

ive been charged with murder for killing a man with sandpaper. to be honest i only intended to rough him up a bit.

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

17

timeout: Woods window on the web I DoNt BElIE vE It! one of these might not
be real...

18
FEATURE

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

A Short History of Drinking

By Al Cupit

remember the very first time I took my first drink. I was approximately nine or ten years old and was sat outside with my dad in his favourite pub. He had a pint of strong bitter the name of which eludes me at the moment. Anyway, I asked him if I could have a taste which he duly obliged. I had a sip and didnt like it at all. Dad, I said, that was horrible ! Did you like it when you were a little boy? No, son, he said. it took me a long time before I started to like it, will I like it when I grow up I said? I expect so son he replied. Trouble was, I couldnt know at that tender age how much that statement was to affect my future attitude towards drink. The second time I dabbled in the drink thing I think I was fourteen, at school, where me and some friends got friendly with our school gardeners who would often leave a few of us fags left in secret places for us to have during our break times. This worked out very well for us until he took a few of us to the local pub near our school for a quiet drink in the pub garden. Unfortunately he said he had his wage packet pinched so we were all suspected. Another thing was that three of our teachers were also there so it made us even a more concerned but we laughed about it later as you do. The CID duly turned up at our school and interviewed us about so called theft of the wage packet but it was eventually considered that he had simply lost it himself, the fool! To this day I honestly believe he had lost it. We were little sods but not thieves. I never really experimented with drink again until I was fifteen. We all knew a place we could get served

in but it only really resulted in having the odd half pint to start with. I honestly cant begin to explain the thrill it used to give us being treated like grown ups in a grown ups environment. It was a far more powerful effect than the beer at the time. I only wish I could have realised at that time what effect it would have on me for the future, not only on myself but those I loved who were close to me. It took many years to build up to a very slow, downward spiral into despair and depression. I carried on drinking every now and again though no more than perhaps two or three times a week. Starting with the bitter ales but very quickly Progressing to wine, spirits and the strong lagers that would give me the feel good factor on my odd drinking sessions. Through my later teenage years my drinking began to affect my work and several relationships. Although not drinking every day I tended to go on very long sessions, this was in the days when the pubs opened for shorter hours but we often found somewhere that would stay open most of the day. Failing this, we would take a break in the afternoon when they closed and then go out again at five thirty or six oclock and hit the nightclubs when the pubs were closed in the evening. Often getting home at three or four in the morning and more often that not resulting in regular days off work. I will be eternally grateful for having a good boss who never once deducted my

wages much to the annoyance of some of my so called workmates. It took me many years to progress to drinking every day and for a time, when it started to worry me I was actually able to stop for almost a year but made a conscious decision to start doing it again. I was trapped in an endless cycle of debts, court appearances and hanging around with drinkers was my normal activity. It felt like a way of life for me, a kind of lifestyle culture. Up to about three years ago. I was drinking large bottles of wine followed by at least five cans of lager, a bottle of Vodka between me and my friend then wed go to the local pub and down five or six pints of very strong lager, mainly Stella on most days of the week. With the help I received from Badas and DHI I have now cut down from having a hundred and forty pounds bar bills on credit to around thirty pounds and now zero. I have reduced my drinking from twelve or thirteen pints in the pub to an average of six to eight cans a day and dont go out every day. Although still drinking a lot more than what would be acceptable I no longer drink Stella lager, spirits, cider or wine. I accept I still have a long way to go yet but Im getting there, albeit very, very slowly. My ultimate goal would be to be able to go out two or three times a week only and just drink four or five pints and not drink at home so much. Im feeling very positive but it seems a long way off for the moment, but Ill keep trying, thats all I can do for now.

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

19

Whats on at DHI

Bath & ne somerset services

Dhi Bath 15-16 Milsom Street, Bath

DHI Bath 15-16 Milsom Street, Bath. Telephone: 01225 329411, Fax: 01225 334734, info@dhibath.org.uk DHI Information Takeaway 31 Monmouth St, Bath BA1 2AN. Tel: 01225 334185 (Counselling Service: 01225 422156), fax: 01225 465774, info@dhibath.org.uk

changes at DHI
There are lots of changes for drug and alcohol services over as the next few months and we aim to manage these changes smoothly as possibly. for From the 1st April DHI will become the first point of contact first drug and alcohol services in BNES. This will mean that for the bled activities few weeks of April there will be a change to timeta tial due to the change over. We welcome and are keen for poten period and service users to continue to contact us during this es as will continue to assess people and refer people into servic April Monday normal. We will be offering a drop in from the 1st rous to Friday 9.30-4.30pm at 15-16 Milsom Street as well as nume about our groups and activities. Give us a ring to find out more timeta ble on 01225 329411 or come along to drop in at 15-16 Milsom Steet from 1st April. Beehive DHI will then be moving all our services to the Studio in the s and Yard on 23rd April. Information on a new timeta ble for group Milsom St office. activities will be publicised from mid April at DHIs We would be happy to hear your feed back on our services. If you have any queries about changes to services please contact reception on 01225 329411

20

Off The Wall No.18, July/August 2010

Whats on at DHI

south Glos. services

Tower Road North Warmley
DHI South Gloucestershire South Gloucestershire Drug & Alcohol Service, 130 Tower Road North, Warmley BS30 8XN. Freephone: 0800 0733011, Information & Brokerage: 0800 1955784, tel: 01454 868750, fax: 01454 868755, info@dhisouthglos.org.uk Monday 9.30am-1.00pm 1.00-2.30pm 6.30-7.30pm tuesday 10.00am-12pm 11.15am-12.30pm 1.00-3.00pm 2.00-4.00pm 6.00-7.30pm Wednesday 11.30-12.30pm Acupuncture 1.00-2.30pm Into Action Group Each week either at 10.00am or 3.00pm there will be an activity thursday 10.00am-12.00pm 11.30am-1.30pm 12.00-2.00pm 2.00-4.00pm 7.00-9.00pm Friday 10.00-11.30am 11.30am-12.30pm 1.00-2.00pm 2.00pm 2.30-4.00pm Treatment Induction Course Acupuncture Meditation Healthy Lunch Club Stimulant Group BAT Drop in ACE Group Craft Workshop Maximus (every 2 weeks) Family Group Housing Clinic Music for Fun Alcohol Course Bike Maintenence Relapse Prevention Art Course Open Group Peer Support Group

The Bungalow Yate

Yate Treatment Centre The Bungalow, 24a North Road, Yate BS37 7PA. Tel: 01454 273643, info@dhisouthglos.org.uk Monday 12.00-1.00pm Meditation 10.00am-12.00pm Acupuncture 1.00-5.00pm ThroughCare Drop-in Open until 5pm tuesday 11.30am-12.30pm 1.00-2.00pm 2.00-4.00pm 7.00-9.00pm Wednesday 11.00am-1.00pm 1.00-2.30pm 3.00-4.30pm 11.30am-12.30pm 6.00-7.00pm thursday 1.30-2.30pm 3.00-4.30pm 5.00-6.00pm 6.00-7.15pm 7.00-8.00pm Friday 10.00am-12.00pm Housing Clinic 11.00am-12.30pm Alcohol Course Closed from 1.00pm Healthy Lunch Club Into Action Group Acupuncture Relapse Prevention Group Peer support group Grandparents Group stimulant Treatment Induction Course Acupuncture BAT drop in Acupuncture Open Group ACE Group Family Group

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

21

Whats on at DHI

swindon services
The Old School House Swindon
DHI Swindon The Old School House, Maxwell St, Swindon SN1 5DR. Freephone: 0800 9704830, tel: 01793 617177, fax: 01793 486591, info@dhiswindon.org.uk Monday 10.00am-2.00pm 11.00-2.00pm 11.30am 1.00pm tuesday 10.00-2.00pm 11.00-2.00pm 11.00-2.00pm 11.30-1.00pm 1.00pm Wednesday 10.00-2.00pm 11.00-2.00pm 11.00-2.00pm 11.30-1.00pm 12.30pm 1.00pm thursday 10.00-2.00pm 11.00-2.00pm 11.00-2.00pm Friday 10.00-2.00pm 11.00-2.00pm 11.00-2.00pm 1:1 Session Drop-in Triage 1:1 Session (women only) Drop-in (women only) Triage (women only) 1:1 Session Drop-in Triage Relapse Prevention Progress to work Acupuncture 1:1 Session Drop-in Triage Thought Into Action Acupuncture 1:1 Session Triage Stimulant Group Acupuncture

The Boxing Gym

There is access to the boxing gym above the Old School House. Contact us for more information.

1:1 Sessions
Other appointments outside of these times are available to you at a place of your convenience.

Triage
An initial assessment can be completed over the phone Monday - Friday 9.00am - 5pm. Call us on 0800 970 4830. This number is free from call boxes and landlines.

22
OTW REGULAR

Off The Wall No.21, Spring 2011

Problem page
Time to get it off your chest?
Each issue we will be printing readers problems and letters, and rather than giving our response we want our readers to offer their advice. So if you can help this issues readers, please write in... And dont forget, theres a crisp tenner for the best response each issue. Dear OtW

I have recently started a new job and like to bring snacks in to graze on throughout the day. Unfortunately, some of my coworkers have a real sweet tooth and many of them have been able to find and demolish my secret stash of crisps and chocolate. No matter where I hide my snacks, they seem to be able to track them down! What practical advice can the Off the Wall team give me?
Response from OtW ed team

I would suggest you mix up any chocolates you have - Revels or M&Ms for instance - with rabbit droppings. They wont be nicking them for long. I would suggest you only bring healthy snacks to work - no-ones going to want to have them! Learn to fight I say - frighten them off! Coat individual chocolates with hot chilli sauce. Just try and keep an eye on the ones you tampered with...

but I very soon started to slip back to my old habits ... didnt go out the pubs so much but would generally cover the cost of drinks at home with my friends who I didnt like to resist as they were drinkers like me and were the only people I knew ... What I would like to know is do I have to give up my old friends? Which I think I may have to and dont want to do but I desperately need a contact with someone who could perhaps advise me with certain things to help me in my dilemma. Anonymous (Issue 20)
Reply Dear anonymous

In reply to your letter I would say NO you do not have to give up your old friends! But maybe you should distance yourself from them a bit? Perhaps only meeting up with them in a non drinking environment. But I do think you need to start to make new ones, it sounds to me that you would like to be a social drinker, you say you have tried but feel a failure, does this mean you want to Reader reply to letter in issue 20 be abstinent? If so, have you tried AA (alcohol anonymous). This could be Letter Dear OtW a place where you could make new For years now, as time has gone on, I friends, Sober friends. and maybe have tried for so long to cut down my there you could get a sponsor who alcohol intake ... I tried to break away would give you good guidance. Hope from my usual haunts this helps and things work out and it worked for a for you :) relatively short time

Got a problem? Get in touch! Off The Wall Magazine 15/16 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DE T 01225 329411 E offthewall@dhibath.org.uk.

Check out www.dhi-online.org.uk for more useful information

useful numbers
National contacts
Alcohol concern 0207 9287377 Alliance, the (methadone) 02083 744395 Cannabis Hemp Information Club 0145 8835769 Cocaine www.cocaine.org Date Rape Drugs www.roofile.com Drugscope www.drugscope.org.uk Drug Education Training 0117 99415810 Ecstasy.Org www.ecstasy.org Erowid www.erwid.org Good Drugs Guide www.thegooddrugsguide.com Green Party Drugs Group 0171 7370100 Hemp UK 0186 5311151 Hit www.Hit.org.uk Howard league For Penal Reform 0171 2817722 Justice For Woman 0181 3403699 Lifeline www.lifeline.org.uk Mainliners 0201 5825434 Medical Marijuana Foundation 0157 9346592 National Alcohol Helpline 0345 320202 National Drugs Helpline 0800 776600 National Sexual Health/HIv 0800 5671123 Oxfordshire User Team 0800 0320829 Project LSD 0171 2881500 Release www.release.org.uk/bust.html Re-Solv www.re-solv.org Traffasi 02085 339563 Transform Box 59, 82 Colston Street, Bristol. BS1

Local contacts
DHI Head Office and Bath Area Office 15-16 Milsom Street Bath BA1 1DE tel 01225 329411 fax 01225 334734 email info@dhibath.org.uk DHI Information Takeaway 31 Monmouth St Bath BA1 2AN tel: 01225 334185 (Counselling Service: 01225 422156) fax: 01225 465774 email: info@dhibath.org.uk DHI South Gloucestershire South Glos. Drug & Alcohol Service 130 Tower Road North Warmley BS30 8XN Freephone: 0800 0733011 Information & Brokerage: 0800 1955784 tel 01454 868750 fax 01454 868755 email info@dhisouthglos.org.uk DHI Swindon The Old School House Maxwell St Swindon SN1 5DR Freephone: 0800 9704830 tel 01793 617177 fax 01793 486591 email info@dhiswindon.org.uk DHI kingswood Office 10 Kingswood Foundation Bristol, BS15 8BD Yate Treatment Centre The Bungalow 24a North Road Yate BS37 7PA Tel: 01454 273643 Email: info@dhisouthglos.org.uk

OffTheWall
No.21 Spring 2011

InformatIve

supportIve

creatIve

your guIDE to whatS oN at DhI

Bath & North EaSt SomErSE t South gloucEStErShIrE SwINDoN

INSIDE!

in this issue... We interview Bath MP Don Foster / Ring the Changes! time Out: Books, Films, Poems & Web / Whats On at Dhi