We are really chuffed to see the party growing and appreciate the positive feedback we have been receiving. It means a lot to know that what we are doing is connecting with the community.
We are also pleased that Good Clean Fun is attracting some press attention. We are excited about how a little recognition might widen our net and allow for a more diverse range of people to become aware of what we do. The more people – and the more different types of people – attending the party the better. Afterall, all the best parties and communities are a melting pot.
BBC Scotland have requested to cover the party in November. We are excited about this as it will give Good Clean Fun – and the recovery community that attends – a platform.
The recovery community has historically been covered in negative terms at worst, or in patronising terms at best. Recovery has often been cast as something someone is burdened with.
However, as those who come along to the party will know, this is far from true. We present the recovery movement – a sober way of life in the widest possible sense (taking care of yourself, helping others, mutual aid, pushing back against individualism etc) as something desirable. Recovery is a positive alternative to a life of individualism, numbing, dissociation and alienation that can often come with over reliance on alcohol and other substances.
The coverage will also make recovery visible, which is another important aim of our party. For too long recovery and what came before it has been stigmatised and hidden away in society. This stigma allows isolation and shame to thrive and hinders the success of people getting better.
We aim to take recovery out of the shadows and into the light. We are showing that recovery is real, possible and desirable. This belief that recovery is real and possible provides the essential and motivating message of a better future—that people can and do overcome the internal and external challenges, barriers, and obstacles that confront them. Hope is internalised and can be fostered by peers, families, providers, allies, and others. We hope that our party -and the BBC’s coverage of it – will invoke hope and inspiration for change in others who are considering this as a way of life.
The vibe and atmosphere of the party is of utmost importance to us. We also believe that it is important to document what we are doing. Documenting allows the party to grow, attract more attendees and become sustainable. It is also inspiring others: it has been great to see more alcohol-free club nights pop up in Scotland and further afield (Berlin-based Refuge Worldwide recently did a feature on Sober Nightlife with DJs Riva and DJ Flounce).
There will be a small crew from the BBC at the party on Saturday 30th November (1 small camera and 2 people) and will be filming the event. We have requested that filming be as discreet as possible so as not to affect the atmosphere of the night. We have also asked that faces are hidden in the final broadcast. If you are attending the party and have any further questions about any of this, please do get in touch.
