Archbishop named as Patron of rehabilitation centre
The Archbishop of Wales has accepted the role of Patron of Brynawel House, a residential rehabilitation centre in South Wales. He will lend his support to its mission of aiding people in their journey towards recovery from addiction.
Archbishop Andrew John, who is also Bishop of Bangor, has supported many alcohol and drug charities during his ministry. He is keen to draw attention to the challenges people face and how support enables them to make good choices about their use of substances.
Sue Gwyn, Chief Executive of Brynawel, says she is delighted to welcome the Archbishop as Patron. She says, “Archbishop Andrew has an excellent understanding of, and empathy for, the challenges facing people who often face discrimination and stigma when trying to access treatment.
“He will provide invaluable guidance and advocacy for our residents and their families. His values underscore those of Brynawel, the importance of accessible and compassionate rehabilitation in achieving meaningful and sustained recovery.”
I see the work of Brynawel as essential because it enables what statutory authorities, on their own, struggle to provide
The Archbishop met staff and clients when he visited Brynawel recently and describes the role of the centre as ‘essential’.
He says, “The work to support people who need help, because of their use of substances, is often underfunded and undervalued. A culture of blame still persists at times and does little to aid vulnerable people who come asking for help. I see the work of Brynawel as essential because it enables what statutory authorities, on their own, struggle to provide. Brynawel employs professional staff who see their work vocationally – making a difference and this resonates with me strongly.”
Brynawel House is a charity based in Llanharan in Rhondda Cynon Taff. It has 21 clients who come from all over the country and who can stay for four months. They are supported in their recovery by therapists and a wider clinical team.
‘Re-discovery is priceless’
Former Brynawel resident, Eurwyn Thomas, writes
On the 8th March 2022 I arrived at Brynawel House, having uprooted from North Wales and in the infancy of recovery.
After years of being stuck in a seemingly endless cycle of drinking, self-pity and taking no responsibility for my own actions – I landed at Bryn, as I affectionately call It; just me, a destroyed ego and a 1980’s style torn suitcase!
It became quickly apparent that the setting of the centre, on its own merit, was spectacular and I was warmly welcomed with some sweet treats from the kitchen. My room was immaculate, and the recovery workers were patient and understanding, and made me feel like I could relax a little and not be so uptight.
There followed an exceptionally enlightening journey, four months in total, where I was able to explore, understand, and regulate my own emotions. The whole journey was immensely enjoyable, and I bonded well with the rest of my peer group. I enjoyed the structured 1:1 sessions with my therapist, Paul, and in doing so started to learn more about myself, my previous behaviours and what I needed to concentrate on to maintain the really positive life change that I had made. I enjoyed my journey through my placement at Bryn, and within five weeks was offered the opportunity to stay in the cottage for the rest of my stay, which was a great opportunity to get to know my peers.
I put on lots of weight (which is still stubborn to this day…!) as I hadn’t been eating well for a few years. The catering staff did a splendid job of seeing to all dietary needs and differing palates. I started looking after myself again, taking pride in grooming and enjoyed curating a new ‘Eurwyn’ look. At the end of the four months, I still had my torn suitcase - with no trace of the old contents.
Addiction is as powerful a leveller as there is in life
As I’m typing these words, I receive a Facebook notification of a Timeline Memory (two years to the day!) which upon opening was an image of me and the Archbishop – Andy John. I sat and spoke with the Archbishop for some time whilst he visited Bryn and was pleased to be able to talk about the journey I’d taken, and how arriving at the centre changed me from a grizzled, and somewhat guarded, ex Police Officer, to an emotionally aware and fully open-minded individual, that had learnt to respect the fact that addiction is as powerful a leveller as there is in life.
I am pleased that the Archbishop has agreed to become a patron of this wonderful place. I am aware that the Church in Wales plays an important role in our communities and is providing safe spaces for foodbanks, social hubs and warm spaces in our communities; as well as providing the spiritual guidance that many of us seek. My mother took great pride in the photo taken of us both together – I was quite impressed as well!
As it was, I never quite made it back up to North Wales! Having taken stock of how mentally uplifting it was to be away from familiar locations and people, he decision to remain in South Wales had already been made. I eventually settled in Cardiff, and I am now a Substance Use worker for CAVDAS in Cardiff & The Vale. I am currently being put through an Institute of Leadership & Management qualification – and at time of writing am waiting on an interview for a Team Leader role within the same organisation – ‘Watch this space’!
On the 8th March I started my journey of re-discovery. Re-discovery is priceless.