Angie's Angels "First Things First "Recovery project

We have supported over 200 individuals with clothing, home starter packs and wellbeing support through groups. We give individuals a safe space to access preloved clothing, toiletries and hair accessories, helping them feel like a different person. Once they are feeling happier, we can help access the support available to empower them to make a positive choice.

 Also, we can sign post beneficiaries to other support services in the area such as High level, Turning point and gender specific groups around  Rochdale.

We currently run several groups which are totally peer led at First Things First Project since opening in July 2025. 

·         Open Mic nights peer lead is Paul; he is lived experience around addiction and other issues. Paul started out volunteering with Angie's Angels several years ago while in recovery housing with Acorn. This group has grown from around 10 attendees now around on average 20-30 people attend the group every 2 weeks, with special appearances from a local band being the high light of the group and hopefully more will like to use the space to practice. The open mic night was the basis for recovery communities developing Recovery’s Got Talent due on 18th December.

·         Mindfulness Peer lead is Carmen is lived experience in addiction, and other issues associated with addiction. Carmen volunteered with Angie's Angels while in a homeless hostel, now is attending university and studies Level 4 counselling and trained in meditation and wellbeing, and other subjects around supporting beneficiaries this group runs at a capacity of around 7 people each week.

·         Arts and Craft group Peer lead is Emma. She is lived experience in addiction and other issues associated with addiction. Emma runs her art groups at different venues such as Turning point and High-level. Average attendance at FTF (First things First) has been around 9 people. Emma is instrumental with development of the other groups at FTF.

.           Music therapy group peer lead is Jay.  He has a background of addiction and has previously worked in addiction service for several years. He is now passing on his experience to others in recovery through the joy of music. Jays classes are very popular with people wanting to learn about the positive impact of music.

.           Game  group peer lead is Sean. Sean has a background of mental health and neurodiversity and wants to help people experiencing the same issues. People in recovery with the same neurodiverse background find it more difficult to socialise, Sean understands this and encourages people with the right attitude to become more confident.