Two High Peak friends launch new veteran addiction recovery programme

James Wild and Joe Bishop, both 37, have been friends since they were 12, and been together for the highs and lows of life.

Joe, who used to work in the RAF, had an alcohol addiction.

Now the two friends are working on a new project to bring the first veteran addiction recovery programme to the High Peak.

James said: “Joe has been sober for three years now and says there isn’t the support here in the High Peak to help veterans in similar situations.

“So we decided to meet the need and find a solution.”

Together the friends have set up Building Bridges, which has the backing of High Peak Borough Council.

Their aim is to have supported accommodation specifically for veterans with addiction problems and to provide rehabilitation through peer and staff support to help people live independent lives while maintaining sobriety.

Those using the services will also be linked with Stockport College and Zink Charity in Buxton.

James said: “And for that we need funding.

“We want to have six or 12 months rent behind us so we can pay a landlord and focus on setting up the programme.

“So we are having a fun day.

“We picked Remembrance Sunday as this is about veterans and we are holding it in the afternoon once all the morning services will be over.” At the fundraiser day at Buxworth War Memorial Club there will be a face painter, a barbecue with meat supplied from Kemps Butchers as well as a raffle with more than 40 prizes.

James said: “We also have Councillor Fiona Sloman from High Peak Borough Council presenting a cheque of £5,000 to us from the council who we are working with on this.” James said there needs to be specialist veterans support places as compared to civilians there issues are different and it is easier for a veteran to open up to another veteran who understands the things they may have seen and experienced compared to someone outside of the military who may not.

James says High Peak Borough Council will be helping to fund this project long term and the two friends will be running it.

He said: “It’s so important and there are so many people who need the support.

“The sad fact is when Joe was in addiction there wasn’t the support for him here in the High Peak and he had to go out of the area and we don’t want that to happen again.

“We are also working closely with Stand To in Chesterfield who say when the accommodation is open they know enough people in need and would be able to fill the spaces over and over again.

“There is a clear need for this and it will be the first of its kind in the High Peak and will do so much good and we would love to have the support of the people at the family day.”

The event will run at Buxworth Club from 1pm.