REACH – DORSET
REACH Dorset is a free service to support people across Dorset who are affected by alcohol & other drugs.
SW_InfoReach@waythrough.org.uk
24 August, 2026
REACH’s ‘Recovery Through Art’ exhibition showcases work by people supported by its drug and alcohol services.
Francisca Veale said the peer-led program is run by 2 REACH volunteers, Dave & Fiona, and that each person’s perception of what is art, or creativity, shows in their individual expressions of their thoughts and feelings.
“Using artistic expression as a vehicle on the pathway to recovery allows people to visualise what cannot be expressed in words, or simply allows their thoughts and feelings to calm down and relax whilst being engrossed in creative and artistic activities.
The simple act of creating something is almost transformative in itself. People often would not describe themselves as artists, but say: “I’m not good at art.” However, when they look at the product of their creativity, they feel proud, a sense of achievement, and uplifted by the positive experience. Creative expressions are a path to healing.”
The Reach Art group allows people to connect and share their lived experiences of recovery and healing through supporting each other as well as through creative expression and learning new skills. More artwork from REACH below with shell painting which was an activity earlier this year for International Women’s Day.
Another great video created by Karl our previous Community Development Coordinator at REACH drug & alcohol services to promote the Weymouth, Dorset Mindful Gardening group – check it out here!
Our Waythrough services have been getting creative for Christmas! REACH – Dorset have been especially busy as you can see from the amazing wreaths, festive dried fruit garlands and Christmas cards they’ve been making.
And as we begin the countdown to new year, why not share with us some of the best things you’ve created in 2025, or your reflections on the past 12 months and your hopes for 2026?
Recovery Through Art group, Weymouth
The German artist Joseph Beuys once said: “Everybody is an artist” – meaning that each person has a multitude of pathways for their artistic or creative expression.
A volunteer and peer-led art group at Reach – Dorset has been running for over 10 years. Anyone can join to express their creative side or just come along for a chat. In Autumn 2024 the idea was born that the group wanted to display their art creations in the community, which was supported and organised by the Community Development team.
Using artistic expression as a vehicle on the pathway to recovery allows people to visualise what cannot be expressed in words, and their thoughts and feelings to calm down and relax whilst being engrossed in creative and artistic activities. The simple act of creating something is almost transformative in itself. The service users often would not describe themselves as artists, but say: “I’m not good at art.” However, when they look at the product of their creativity, they feel proud, a sense of achievement, and uplifted by the positive experience. The Reach Art group allows people to connect and share their lived experiences as well as supporting each other and learning new skills or techniques.
Video by our talented Community Development Coordinator, Karl, for REACH for Recovery Month.
Just some of the fantastic artwork created by the Reach Dorset peer-led art group for their ‘Recovery Through Art’ exhibition and charity auction!
MINDFULNESS RECOVERY CALENDAR
We had an amazing collaboration between the Community Development team and a then service user, Larry, who is an avid photographer.
He offered us his stunning photos of the Dorset coast for the creation of a ‘Mindfulness Recovery Calendar’ and to raise funds.
Each page sported one of his photographs together with an inspirational mindfulness recovery quote.
MINDFUL GARDENING
Being out in nature and working the soil is a very therapeutic activity not only when in recovery, and the Reach Community Development team has supported and promoted various gardening projects.
Former service user Malcolm acquired and managed an allotment in Swanage which was maintained for a number of years by himself and service users, aiding them in their recoveries by connecting with nature. They quickly saw the fruit (and veg!) of their labour and dedication as they harvested the crops.
Malcolm, who continues to be involved in the service user-led Wareham Recovery Group which happens on Friday evenings, was presented with a certificate and trophy to thank him for his dedication to the Swanage allotment.
During 2023 a gardening group started up in the Reach Gillingham hub, initiated and led by service users and supported by a social work student on placement as well as staff. The group charted their progress on a wall display.
They proudly announced their first crop of some lovely strawberries, radishes and potatoes. The service users planned how they could use these in day to day meals, cooking from scratch, or make chutneys.
In autumn 2024, co-facilitated by the Reach Community Development team, anew project called ‘Mindful Gardening’ began in Weymouth with service users and volunteers. The Mindful Gardening takes place at an allotment plot in Weymouth where people can come and relax or just have a chat over a cuppa, enjoying the view across to the peninsula of Portland and the sea. They can get involved in planting flowers and vegetables whilst learn about the seasons.
All crops can be taken home by the service users and cooked up into a tasty and healthy meal, fresh and no artificial additives. We are planning to put together some cooking suggestions when veggies are ready. Surplus crops will be donated to the local food banks.
Inspired by the Weymouth success, now Gillingham has started a Mindful gardening group too, since May 2025.
