As many Liverpool based RAWKites may be aware, The Brink on Parr Street is a "Dry Bar", ie, an alcohol free venue intended to support those recovering from addiction (alcohol, drugs etc).
In addition to the support they offer these people - getting clean and staying clean, talking groups and the like - The Brink also offers a wide range of community groups: art, guitar lessons, drum lessons and so forth. They also have various evenings of entertainment; tomorrow is poetry evening for example and Sundays are usually movie night. They also screen the footie for when you prefer a cuppa to a pint. Perhaps of great significance, they also offer welfare advice and support in a manner similar to The Casa.
I myself class myself as a depressive in recovery - emotions, especially negative emotions - are highly addictive, but the Brink is a wonderfully positive atmosphere to be in, with good people rebuilding their lives after years of neglect and despair.
But the Brink needs your help.
The Brink is tied to a charity, which essentially forbids it from pursuing various forms of advertising and options available to "regular" businesses. As a result, getting the word out on a lot of what it offers is very difficult for them. A number of their groups are poorly attended.
As a result of these restrictions, The Brink is losing money. Paid staff have left and have not been replaced. Others are full time volunteers; working up to 36 hours a week with no pay (other than jobseekers).
If Liverpool is to retain the Brink and its services in the long run, we need more people to use it. And I must stress that the Brink isn't JUST for recovering alcoholics and junkies. They serve great drinks and great food, and as I said the vibe in the place is often a cut above many other bars and cafés.
It is a shame that, in this age of Capitalism, the good work an institution does takes a back seat to profit, but the Brink cannot run a loss forever. To that end I ask any of you who are in the immediate area to pop in sometime and have yourself a coffee or a pot of tea, and maybe some toast. Check out the fliers and see what's on. Tell your mates about the place. Get the word out on the street. Above all though, just experience it for yourself and do your part.
I have faith in you RAWK.
Cheers.
