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 brainGerry 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.”
Routes to recovery
On ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Sounds
-
Out of Doors
Fire and Peace, ecology and osprey.
Nature and our mental health
Latest features from ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ Scotland
-
'Wild swimming helps me process the grief of losing my son'
The benefits of cold water therapy.
-
Winter adventures are appealing, but an expert advises caution
Trips in winter require particular knowledge and skills.
-
The rescuers: Why volunteers risk their lives in mountain emergencies
Landward meets members of the Cairngorm Mountain Rescue Team.
-
‘Look for the light’ – practical tips to help you through another winter with SAD
Useful advice and tips to combat low moods at this time of year.
-
How you could be a binge drinker without even knowing
Binge drinking is classed as fewer units than many people may realise.
-
How chocolate biscuits and drama classes helped one man leave prison behind
The healing power of creativity.
-
'When people believe in you, it’s life-changing'
Author Graeme Armstrong revisits the man who helped turn his life around.
-
The 'breath-taking' display of US birds swept on to British soil
Recent storms have brought rare birds to our shores.
-
Six things we learned about Alan Cumming on Take the Floor (Spoiler: includes accordions)
The actor spoke to Take the Floor's Gary Innes.
-
How street gangs trap young men in a dangerous cycle of violence
The almost inescapable pull of life in a gang.
-
Why stylist Gok Wan believes there's no such thing as bad fashion
The fashion expert says we should stop following rules and do what feels right.
-
Is sending a CV still the right way to apply for a job?
They've been central to job applications for years, but are they worth it?