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| Stephen Metcalfe MP with Ricky McCarthy and Sue Hawkett from the People's Health trust |
Stephen Metcalfe, local MP
for South Basildon and East Thurrock, showed his support for the Shadyfish
Xperience (TSX) on a visit last week.
TSX is a
voluntary organisation founded in 2009 by Ricky McCarthy and Linda Russ who are
both former drug and/or alcohol abusers. Wishing to reduce the social isolation that both conditions engender they
set up TSX to provide a dignified, long term, safe and fun way to care for
fragile and lonely people.
Using art as a means to engage
with the community, TSX aims to break down the social, emotional and physical
barriers that lead to the isolation of vulnerable people, hoping for stronger
communities as a result.
Mr Metcalfe commented: “It
was a real privilege to visit TSX. They welcome people from all walks of life
to provide a non-judgemental, caring environment that is a lifeline for many in
the community.”
TSX take pride in their
inclusive ethos, welcoming people with mental health issues including those
recovering, or undergoing treatment for substance abuse; people with emotional
problems or with none. They also welcome people with criminal justice issues,
carers, single parents, the young and the old, the lonely and disabled.
Mr Metcalfe added: “I would
like to thank TSX for all of their hard work and for the invaluable service
they provide to people in Basildon. This is a brilliant example of people on
the ground taking action to make a real difference in the community and I look
forward to seeing how TSX will grow and evolve in the future.”
For more information about TSX, or to find out how you can
get involved, please visit: http://www.shadyfishxperiance.com/.
