Derry's ARC Fitness to host annual 'Recovery in Motion' conference

Local addiction recovery service, ARC Fitness, is set to host its annual ‘Recovery In Motion’ Conference, the North West’s only recovery focused conference, in September at the Millennium Forum.

The Derry based organisation is running the conference as part of their ongoing ‘More Than That’ campaign which aims to stop individuals from defining themselves by their struggles. Instead the ARC and its team wants to instil the belief that everyone has the ability to contribute to society in numerous meaningful ways despite their struggles.

The one day conference, which is taking place on Wednesday, 13th September, is set to feature seven keynote speakers from across the areas of addiction, mental health, recovery coaching, support services, and more.

These include Professor Owen Barr from Ulster University; Paula Leonard, CEO of Alcohol Forum Ireland; Substance Misuse Liaison Nurse, Josie Friel from the Western Health & Social Care trust; Counsellor from Extern, Ben Delija; Calisse Connor, Co Founder of Recovery Coach Academy; Dr Charlie Orton, CEO of SMART Recovery UK and Head of Treatment at the Northlands Centre, Tommy Canning.

Gary Rutherford, Founder and Strategic Coordinator of ARC Fitness and host of the conference, is a registered mental health nurse, a qualified personal trainer and was awarded the 2022 Royal College of Nursing ‘Nurse of Year’ Award for his pioneering work of helping individuals and families negatively impacted by substance use.

When speaking about the conference, Gary said: “We’re thrilled to be back hosting our ‘Recovery In Motion’ Conference for the second year running.

“A huge part of what we aim to achieve at ARC is the creation of a community who share a common goal of supporting and championing each other through our struggles and the conference is an extension of that.

“At ARC we know first hand that the challenges faced by individuals struggling with addiction can be so deep and painful, that they can affect their entire lives. The shame and powerlessness they cause can be paralysing.

“However we also know first hand that there is light at the end of the tunnel and the good news is that anyone, no matter what their past, can possess the strength and capacity to turn their life around, and go on to achieve great things.

Gary Rutherford, Founder and Strategic Coordinator of ARC Fitnes

“We have a fantastic line up of both professionals and individuals with lived experience who will be sharing at the conference and we want to encourage anyone and everyone to come along as there truly is something for everyone, no matter who you are or what your level of exposure to addiction is.”

Further to the keynote speakers, attendees will also enjoy a panel discussion to celebrate the launch of ARC’s brand new podcast, “More Than a Podcast”.

The panel will be facilitated by ARC's own Henry Roddy and will include members of ARC’s team of experts with lived experience who will be offering a fresh and empathetic perspective on what it takes to overcome addiction and build a brighter future.

There will also be a host of service providers present who will not only have information stalls for attendees to visit but will also be providing presentations on what they have to offer throughout the day. This includes representatives from North West Methodist Mission, SMART Recovery Ireland, Start 360, The Recovery Coach Academy and more.

Tickets for the conference are £6 and are available directly from here.