Led by Project 6, The ARC, on Cumberland Street in the centre of Sheffield, has been a community hub and a lifeline for many people - from all walks of life - who have been affected by and navigated their way through the recovery journey from alcohol or other drug dependency. A place where anybody can come together to find like-minded people, free from judgement, who can share their own stories and experiences and support one another to rebuild and start over.

It is a place where growth, change and hope thrive. Through peer-to-peer support groups, SMART recovery workshops, one to one sessions, practical skills training, resilience courses, social gatherings and volunteer commitment the ARC has truly become a home-away-from-home. Combatting isolation and loneliness, all the while celebrating our differences and individuality.

The ARC has been central to many people’s recovery efforts, and we are launching this campaign to support the project, the building and to keep the community thriving. The funding of ARC has changed, and future of the project is now uncertain. The ARC is asking for your help. We have applied for longer term significant funding to continue the hard work that the colleagues, volunteers and the people who use the service do. But we need your support to keep the doors open, the tea poured and the community engaged. Even a small donation will help towards the training costs, maintenance, facilities and the day-to-day running of the building until we are able to secure more funding.

We are delighted to share a story, with permission, from one of the people who use our service; highlighting the crucial work that The ARC does, and with your help, can continue to do:

“My self-care has improved, the team have enabled me to feel self-motivated, giving me a feeling of accomplishment and pride again. I have honesty with my peers. I no longer fear answering the phone, I can cook for myself. I found connection when I was disconnected from everything.

Project 6 quickly became something I can call my own, a safe space. Every time I went it felt like meeting an old friend again.

It has given me purpose again and for that I will forever be thankful.”

On behalf of everyone here at Project 6, and of all the people we have supported over the years. Thank you.