The Recovery Course – a sixteen-week Christian twelve-step program – has just been piloted for the first time in Australia.
The course, held at Foundation 61 in Geelong, had eight participants and four leaders, and was facilitated by Rev John Clarke (National Coordinator: Alpha for Prisons/Caring for Ex-Offenders).

Feedback from the course has been very positive:
How has it helped you?
“To search for God more”; “put in place strategies for recovery”; “forgiveness”.
What have you learned? “Forgiveness”; “I’m still searching”.

In what ways has the course been helpful?
“Hearing testimonies of similar peoples’ circumstances to my own”; “revision of the 12 steps of Narcotics Anonymous, but to my liking was the heavier spiritual and cross referencing component. N.A principles can be incorporated with Jesus Christ”.

What was the best part?
“Group discussions”; “group interactions”; “discussion – open frank and honest”.

Foundation 61 is enthusiastic for The Recovery Course to continue as part of their rehabilitation programs.
A national Recovery Course training day is being planned for October in Sydney.
Rev John Clarke says, “As the tool came from the UK, it was exciting to see the men connect with the Recovery Course and open up during the discussions. Whether Christian or not, they were able to join in and tackle their addictions and issues and share the challenges. We have churches and agencies lining up to be part of the second pilot. It will be great to see more and more men and women being empowered to rise above their past and find hope again.”