On Wednesday, 30 September, Tabor Group hosted its annual Recovery Month Conference at Vertigo, Cork County Hall, bringing people together for an afternoon of open conversation, shared experiences and greater understanding of addiction and recovery.
Under this year’s theme, Breaking Through Addiction: Insight, Experience & Recovery, the conference explored the realities of addiction, its impact on individuals and families, and the importance of empathy, dignity and person-centred support.
Hosted by RTÉ journalist and broadcaster Brian O’Connell, the event featured contributions from Danny Buckley, Oisín McConville and Sarah Healy, each bringing valuable insight and experience to important conversations around addiction, gambling harm and recovery.
Sharing Insight and Lived Experience
The conference highlighted the importance of lived experience in challenging stigma and helping people better understand the complexities of addiction.
Danny Buckley, founder and director of ADHD Now, shared his perspective, drawing on his own experience of ADHD and the challenges people can face when seeking assessment, understanding and support. His work through ADHD Now aims to address these barriers and promote greater awareness.
Oisín McConville, the former Armagh GAA player, spoke from his experience of gambling. His experience offers an important perspective on the realities of gambling harm and the challenges involved in recognising a problem and beginning the journey towards recovery.
Sarah Healy, founder and CEO of Tools for Better, spoke about the need to shift societal responses to gambling harm. Her contribution highlighted the importance of changing how gambling-related difficulties are understood and addressed, encouraging a more informed and compassionate approach to supporting those affected.
Together, these perspectives helped create space for honest discussion about addiction, the barriers people face and the importance of support without judgement.
The Importance of Empathy, Dignity and Support
At the heart of Tabor Group’s Recovery Month Conference was the importance of empathy, dignity and person-centred care.
By sharing experiences and encouraging open conversations, events like this conference help challenge misconceptions and reduce the stigma that can prevent people from reaching out for help.
Every recovery journey is different. Recognising individual circumstances and treating people with compassion and respect are essential to creating an environment where people feel supported in taking steps towards change.
Tabor Group would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us at Vertigo, Cork County Hall, for this year’s annual Recovery Month Conference.
We are especially grateful to our host, Brian O’Connell, and our speakers, Danny Buckley, Oisín McConville and Sarah Healy, for sharing their insight and experience and contributing to such an important conversation.
Tabor Group remains committed to supporting individuals and families affected by addiction, challenging stigma and promoting hope through compassionate care and support.
If you or someone you care about is affected by addiction, support is available. Visit the Tabor Group website to learn more about our services and support programmes.
