5-A-Side Flourishes @ The Basement Project

The Basement Project, with bases in Halifax and Todmorden, has become a vital lifeline for many people struggling with addiction across Calderdale. They aim to offer support and inspiration for all those suffering from the problems caused by substance misuse and indeed, all their staff have at some point been touched by addiction issues.

This unique insight means they fully understand the complex needs, physical, mental and emotional, of those that step through the door. The project, not only provides counselling and education, but its holistic approach, also means that social and physical activity play a key role.  

Inter-service Five-A-Side

Active Calderdale recently caught up with the project at their latest 5-a-side inter-service football tournament at Halifax 3GI. The tournament brought together 12 teams from 7 different addiction services from across West Yorkshire and Lancashire. These included Alpha House, CGL, Elisha House, Happy Days, Reflections House, Smartmove and of course the Basement Project.

These multi-service meet-ups are the perfect opportunity for people in similar, often isolating circumstances, to come together and be active and social. The teams were organised into four groups and after watching some highly competitive round-robin matches, we spoke to members of The Basement A and B Teams to find out what impact these sessions were having on their recovery.

To follow Jack's, Elliott's and Dean's stories, follow the links below. 

Jack had been a heavy cannabis smoker for around 13 years. Following numerous episodes of psychosis.....https://active.calderdale.gov.uk/jack

Although Elliott is very much at the start of his recovery process, he believes the physical activities....https://active.calderdale.gov.uk/elliott

Before joining the project, Dean's alcohol addiction was out of control and despite various attempts to get.... https://active.calderdale.gov.uk/dean

Positive Reflections for The Basement Project

Meanwhile, back in the tournament, both Basement teams produced excellent displays to reach the knockout stages. However, it wasn’t to be their day, with Basement A losing in the quarter-finals and Basement B narrowly missing out in the semi-finals. The two teams from Reflections House contested a competitive final with Reflections A proving just two strong.

Despite the disappointment of not reaching the final, the tournament had been a huge success for the Basement Project, bringing together more than 60 individuals with addiction issues and promoting physical exercise, social inclusion and the chance of a sustained abstinent lifestyle.  

For more information about the Basement Project and how they can help you, including advice on drug and alcohol addiction, visit their website at https://thebasementproject.org.uk/

Photo 1: The Basement Project

Photo 2: Reflections House

Photo 3: CGL

Photo 4: Alpha House