Hundreds of people in Carlisle were treated to free recovery focused activities and wellbeing advice at a Try Dry July event in the city centre earlier this week. 

The event, which was organised by Healthwatch Cumberland, ran from 10am until 4pm on Tuesday July 30. 

Organisations including CADAS, Recovery Steps Cumbria, The Well Communities, North Cumbria Integrated Care, Citizens Advice, Rebike Cumbria, Cumbria Health, The Hepatitis C Trust, Twentee-total, Safety Net UK and Carlisle Eden Mind set up stalls providing information about the services they offer across Cumbria. 

There were plenty of stalls for people to choose fromThere were plenty of stalls for people to choose from (Image: Paul Grindley)

Local people were provided with the opportunity to discuss what the challenges and barriers are for people in our communities, preventing them from reaching out for support.

At the event, people could take part in activities such as giant jenga, mocktail-tasting, trying on beer goggles or even making your own smoothie through the power of a bike, while more serious discussions on health and recovery were also on offer, with NCIC providing blood pressure checks. 

Chloe Wallace, Healthwatch Cumberland senior engagement officer, said: "I couldn’t be more pleased with the turn out of the Try Dry July event yesterday. It was exactly what we wanted it to be - a gathering of the relevant professionals who have a shared desire to improve the lives of those affected by addiction. All together in the city centre!

"Each stall, each volunteer and each professional who attended took the time to share their experiences, resources and expertise to be part of it. It couldn’t have happened without them and their enthusiasm!

"For Healthwatch Cumberland, our addictions exhibition saw hundreds of people stop and absorb the displays and stories which were bravely shared. These will be published in our Addiction’s report later this month.
It was great to hear from others about their experiences and to be able to signpost to the the appropriate stands around us.

"The atmosphere was buzzing with activity and although I can’t take any credit for the wonderful weather, that was definitely a bonus."

The event was very well-attendedThe event was very well-attended (Image: Jimmy Moorhouse)

In the evening, CADAS (Cumbria Addictions Advice and Solutions) ran a successful Games Night at BrewDog.