Ice cream and the hard work of healing: Greenwich, Rochester and recovery
This March, Linden Grove’s residents made the most of early spring. On 6th March, they headed to Rochester Castle, followed by free time to explore the town and enjoy its history. Then, on 20th March, the group visited Greenwich, where a trip to the Maritime Museum ended with ice cream, as all good outings should.
Early recovery can be a fragile, uncertain time, involving intense work. At Linden Grove, that begins with safety, routine and support. Many of our residents experience the first real stability and home they have had for a long time and these outings provide precious moments of celebration and connection.
Shared experiences, from laughing with friends to exploring somewhere new without substances, all help to lay the foundation for life beyond addiction. The trips to Rochester and Greenwich gave Linden’s residents exactly that: time together, something different, a break from the intensity of early recovery. And a chance to savour the quiet joy of ice cream.
The foundation built at Linden Grove isn’t just practical; it’s also emotional and relational. As Manager Vincent Mahe shared in this year’s Annual Report:
“The first words a newly arrived resident hears on admission are: ‘Welcome to Linden; you are in a safe place.’ Away from the turbulence, drama, pain and chaos our residents leave behind them, they enter their new ‘home’ with us.
“Linden provides a safe haven, where residents are protected: sheltered from the elements, away from unsafe living conditions, separated from risks of violence and general abuse.
“Linden is so much more than just a roof and a meal. It is a true home, a foundation for recovery.”
- Find out more about Linden Grove and its services here