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How Highland campfires are helping addicts with their recovery

16 April 2019

A simple campfire and a night spent under the stars can have extraordinary restorative effects on a person.

That’s according to Gerry Ward, founder of Fire and Peace, a group promoting recovery through contact with nature. Out of Doors joined Gerry as he led a group of recovering addicts from Glasgow on a wild camping trip in the Cairngorms.

The healing power of nature

Former addict Rhys reveals how a break in the Highlands is helping his recovery.

Gerry explained that the fire is the focal point of the camp because it helps people tap into their primal emotions.

The power of this fire taps into your brain

Gerry Ward

“If you go back to when we first evolved … fire drew you in and made you feel safe and secure. It made people open up to each other, it created relationships.

“The power of this fire taps into your brain and that gives you that feeling of security. There’s no threat. A lot of these guys are currently living in quite harsh and dangerous environments so they can come here and they can let that go.”

Lucky to be alive

“I was almost another statistic,” said Rhys, a recovering heroin addict who knows he’s lucky to still be alive. He joined the group for a night wild camping in the Cairngorms.

“This environment is totally different to what I’m used to. I’ve been staying in Glasgow and there’s so much noise pollution and light pollution.

“To escape for even one night is amazing. I can start to get in touch with my own emotions and feelings. I’ve not got the worries I have when I’m back home. I feel calm.

“I’m here with a lot of guys that I’ve never met before but I almost feel like I belong here.”