12 Grounds in 12 Hours

Last Thursday (14th September) saw participants from the Active Choices programme tour the country to raise awareness of recovery services across Derby.

The day saw them take on the challenge of visiting 12 EFL grounds in 12 hours to celebrate Recovery Month and raise money for Jericho House, a local addiction recovery residence.

Recovery Month runs throughout September and is supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration to increase awareness and understanding of mental and substance use disorders whilst celebrating those who recover.

The Active Choices programme, ran by the Derby County Community Trust, is a healthy lifestyle and behavioural change programme which helps people who have struggled with substance misuse issues.

It has helped over 500 people with drug and alcohol problems to turn their lives around; giving them the opportunity to receive one-to-one support and take part in worthwhile activities at a critical point in their recovery.

Participants and programme leaders saw Recovery Month as the perfect opportunity to celebrate and raise awareness of the service. The challenge itself, dubbed “12 Grounds in 12 Hours”, saw them visit:

Derby County - Pride Park Stadium
Notts County - Meadow Lane Stadium
Nottingham Forest – The City Ground
Mansfield Town - One Call Stadium
Chesterfield - Proact Stadium
Sheffield United – Bramall Lane
Sheffield Wednesday – Hillsborough
Rotherham United – New York Stadium
Doncaster Rovers – Keepmoat Stadium
Barnsley – Oakwell
Bradford City – Valley Parade
Leeds United – Elland Road

Having started from Pride Park Stadium at 6.30am, the challenge was completed in an impressive seven hours and 43 minutes as they arrived at Elland Road at 2.13pm.

Following the day, Active Choices Team Leader Adam Rowley said: “The day was the perfect opportunity to raise awareness for drug, alcohol and mental health, along with raising money for one of our key partners Jericho House.

“The key message of today is that recovery is out there and it’s all about finding a model that works for you.

“There’s been 27 people on that bus today that are shining examples of recovery and perfect characters to showcase both our programmes and recovery month as a whole.”

Learn more about the Derby County Community Trust and their Health programmes clicking here.