Pedal power proves tops in recovery from addictions

A GROUP of 33 cyclists who are in recovery from addiction received a triumphant welcome in the grounds of the Tallaght Rehabilitation Project (TRP) at Kiltalown House in Jobstown last Saturday.

They were greeted by a crowd of over 140 at the finish line, including family, friends, drug-project workers and community gardaí, and got to enjoy a family fun day after their challenging cycle.

On Saturday, May 18, the cyclists from Tus Nua in Clondalkin and the Ballymun Youth Action Project embarked on the cycle under the heading of Connecting Communities Through Recovery.

They set off from Tus Nua, then cycled to Ballymun and crossed the finish line in TRP, after receiving a garda escort from Brookfield Community Centre up to Kiltalown House in recognition of their feat.

Pat Daly, the manager of TRP, told The Echo: “I think the day consolidated recovery in local communities on both the north and southside of the city.

“It was something completely different, because it wasn’t one project in one area doing an event.

“What really added to the atmosphere on the day were the guards from Tallaght, they came on board and provided an escort from Brookfield Community Centre up to Kiltalown House.

“They had their lights on, and it really added to the excitement of the cyclists coming to Kiltalown House.

“The cyclists went from Clondalkin to Ballymun to Tallaght, so it was a huge triumph for them – they were delighted.”

The physical activity that cycling provides is also an important part of recovery, as many people who are in recovery from substance abuse use exercise as an outlet.

“Cycling is becoming a big thing within the recovery process for people in mid and advanced recovery, when they’re at the stage where they want to do something physical,” added Pat.

“I think when you look at the overall picture in recovery, it’s not just about abstaining from substances, it’s about looking after your whole person and your body.

“Exercise gets your endorphins flowing . . . it’s a positive thing that fills that gap for people, and it’s really good for their mental health.”

This is the second year that TRP has played host to Connecting Communities Through Recovery, and Pat is grateful to those who made it a success and is already looking forward to next year’s event.

“I want to thank all of the staff in TRP for their hard work and for coming in on a Saturday, they’re a great bunch,” said Pat.

“Also, all of the clients who helped to put this all together, the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force, and the guards in Tallaght, because it meant people got to see another side of the guards – that they’re human beings and they’re willing to help out.

“I’d also like to thank our colleagues in Tus Nua and Ballymun YAP and their clients, and South Dublin County Council and the South Dublin County Partnership for their support.

“We’re looking forward to doing it all again next year and maybe getting other communities involved – that would be great.”

For further information on drug projects and services in the area, visit the Tallaght Drug and Alcohol Task Force’s website at www.tallaghtdatf.ie.