A LOCAL woman who had a 'serious alcohol addiction' before turning her life around is now assisting others do the same by working for a self-help group.

Leigh Proctor is the national co-ordinator for SMART Recovery, an alternative to Alcoholics Anonymous which uses cognitive behaviour therapy and rational emotive behaviour therapy.

Leigh first became involved with SMART Recovery over two-and-a-half years ago when she was a volunteer facilitator. She has since gone on to take on the paid position as national co-ordinator and hopes her journey will give inspiration and hope for others who are once where she was herself.

She's organising a MAPS (Mutual Aid and Peer Support) event, in conjunction with SMART Recovery, the 12 Steps programme, and Moving On In My Recovery, at Pembrokeshire Archives on March 31.

"This event is to raise awareness and understanding of what mutual aid and peer support is and how that is presented in our communities," explained Leigh.

"Addiction is a lonely place to be, but so can recovery, especially in the early stages. This puts people at high risk of relapse which is why it is important to bring this awareness to the forefront. Also Mutual Aid and Peer Support are free, and in this day and age of funding cuts, it is a essential that people know there are other ways to gain that much-needed support."

Leigh continued: "SMART Recovery helps to change your unhelpful thinking which in turn changes the way you feel, then how you behave. The SMART Recovery tools help people to build much more positive coping skills. The 12 Steps and Moving On In My Recovery also has tools and teaches skills to enable people to achieve a more productive recovery - which is why awareness about each path is so important.

"Mutual Aid/Peer Support can play a key part in a person's journey. Recovery is possible, people can and do change."

The meeting on March 31 is from 10 am - 4 pm and lunch will be provided.

For further information, Leigh can be contacted on 07795073416.