Blog 29 May 2020

#MTMPLockdownStories

Over the course of the coronavirus lockdown, More Than My Past ambassadors have been sharing messages of strength and solidarity with the rest of the community to provide a source of social support. Read more about the series and watch the stories here.

For many people in recovery, social contact is an indispensable source of support. That’s why, when the social distancing measures first came into effect, we reached out to our More Than My Past ambassadors to both see how they were doing and invite them to share a message of solidarity with the rest of the community via social media.

We’ve had a brilliant response and it’s been hugely encouraging to see how well each of them has been coping with the extraordinary circumstances, as well as the advice they have for others.

So far, in our #MTMPLockdownStories series…

We’ve heard former England and Arsenal captain Tony Adams’ game plan for eating clean, exercising often and maintaining his mental health
We’ve been inspired by Pete Bell’s efforts to help out in the community and deliver essential supplies to friends and neighbours
We’ve heard how sporting champion Nikki Waterman has been travelling the world (digitally!) with her regular Zoom recovery meetings
Published poet and author Ralph Dartford has shared his insights on the value of creativity in times of crisis
Jim Smith has told us how he’s been staying in the ‘here and now’ with phone calls, music, and regulating his intake of negative news and media.
Master chef Ilario Guiducci has served up some of his culinary expertise with his very own lockdown cooking masterclass.
Chairman of The Forward Trust, David Bernstein has discussed the importance of going back to basics, establishing routine, appreciating nature, and living in the present day
Julie Muir, Forward’s Head of Recovery and Housing, has talked about some of positives of the current situation, such as the advantages of connecting online, and the amazing communal efforts of different organisations pulling together to protect the most vulnerable at this time.

Once again, our ambassadors have demonstrated that there’s cause for hope in times of hardship. We can’t thank them enough for doing their bit to keep the More Than My Past community connected at this troubling time. You can find all of their stories here.