People recovering from addictions such as alcohol or drugs are being given more help in the island.

Motiv8 Addiction Services, a charity that celebrates its 40th anniversary this year, has announced the launch of a group work recovery programme.

It has been funded for one year by the Manx Lottery Trust, a partner of the Big Lottery Fund.

A spokesman for Motiv8 said: ’Motiv8 recognises from its extensive local research programme that sustaining recovery from addictive behaviours in the Isle of Man can be an isolating and lonely experience.

’Being able to build "recovery capital", the internal and external resources necessary to achieve and maintain recovery from substance misuse, is an essential component of overcoming addictive behaviours.

’The aim of the groups would be to provide a range of group activities which will help to develop and improve life skills opportunities and the environment of those attempting to change their lives and gain recovery from addictive behaviours.’

The five-point programme includes: Physical and mental health well-being; Rehabilitation; Family and parenting; Recovery networks; Improving life opportunities.

The programme also offers SMART recovery meetings. SMART stands for self management and recovery training.

The meetings will be run by people who have been addicts themselves.

Groups will be held four times a week.

Monday: 10am to 11.30am Life Skills Programme

Wednesday: 6.30pm to 8pm SMART Recovery meeting

Thursday: 2pm to 3.30pm Life Skills Programme

Friday: 12.30pm to 2pm SMART Recovery meeting

The groups are run by those in recovery themselves, outside speakers and staff from Motiv8 and other services.

The groups are mostly one or two sessions on every subject relating to overcoming and recovering from addictive behaviours.

People can book to come to as many of the groups they like and the only requirement is that they book their place and turn up and there is an upper number limit of 15 individuals per group due to room capacity.

Telephone 627656 or email [email protected]