‘David Clark was a recovery pioneer in the UK before the recovery movement properly achieved its birth… He has sought out compassionate examples of good practice and promoted these and has campaigned for greater understanding of the principles and practice of recovery. He has championed the power of the narrative in helping people move on from dependent drug use and has always been interested in people’s stories as fundamental components of the process. He has visited our project many times and spent time in conversation with patients to their advantage and hopefully his. David’s enthusiasm and passion for recovery are palpable and I look forward to seeing what his next project will be.’ Dr David McCartney, Clinical Lead at LEAP, Edinburgh, UK
‘The Wired-In on-line community is nothing short of amazing… But what borders on miraculous, is this sense of true recovery transmitted through the internet… Our field is blessed to have a visionary innovator like David contribute his considerable talent and time to this endeavor.’ Phillip Valentine, Executive Director, Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR), USA
‘Wired In was the first real grass roots organisation in the field in this country and for that you should be very, very proud. And remember the enormous amount of respect and support that is held for you from grassroots organisations right across the sector…’ Noreen Oliver MBE, CEO, BAC O’Connor, Burton-on-Trent, UK
‘I have closely followed the evolution of the Wired In recovery community since its inception and have drawn great inspiration from the stories, mutual support and resources the site has provided. Wired In is a valuable resource for individuals and family members seeking or in recovery, and a medium through which people in recovery can get their voices to policy makers and professionals charged with addressing addiction-related problems. Keep up the great work and know that you have the continued support of recovery advocates in the United States.’ Bill White, Researcher, Historian, Practitioner, Writer & Recovery Advocate, USA
‘I first came across Wired In To Recovery (WITR) about 15 months ago, at a time when I was still in active addiction. I had no idea how important it was to be connected to recovering addicts. WITR quickly became my daily meeting. It was the first thing I did when I woke up and the last thing I read before I went to sleep. I would also log on and read blogs and stories when I felt like picking up a drink…
… He [David] has always been compassionate and full of empathy. He has always been kind and gentle, never judgmental, even when I was still in active addiction. He just never gave up on me. That kind of support is huge when you have given up on yourself… David helps me understand what is going on in my head and why recovery takes time. I am leaving 15 years of darkness behind me now, and I am excited about my future.’ Maddie, Sydney, Australia
‘Sometimes in life one encounters an extraordinary human being. David is one such individual. I feel privileged to be able to call him my friend, my colleague and my confidante.’ Wynford Ellis Owen, Chief Executive, Welsh Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, & Living Room, Cardiff, UK
‘In creating, nurturing and developing Wired In, Professor David Clark has made a unique contribution to the recovery movement, firstly in the UK and secondly worldwide. As a recovery advocate now based in Australia, David provides the same sense of hope and community to people in this country as he has done in the UK; he is a genuine source of inspiration. David does much to provide the recovery movement with credibility and dynamism and with a sense of dignity and purpose.’ David Best, Associate Professor, Turning Point Alcohol & Drug Centre, Australia
‘Professor David Clark is in my view one of a small number of people who has had a profound influence on our field. He has on the basis of limited funding, created an online recovery community that has literally transformed the process of recovery in the UK. It has helped individuals, families and recovery communities around the country…’ Professor Neil McKeganey, Director of the Centre for Drug Misuse Research, Glasgow, UK
‘I always greatly valued David’s Wired In To Recovery and Daily Dose for the information they provided – using these websites was like going to university. No, it was better! David has given so much to this field. The potential of what could be achieved with David’s approach is phenomenal.’ Michael Scott, Counsellor, Next Step, Perth, Australia
‘Having closely followed the work that David has done over the years, it is evident that he has considerable insight into the development of indigenous recovery communities, but more telling is his understanding of how to disseminate the learning to others.’ Michelle Foster, CEO, The Basement Recovery Project, Halifax, UK
‘David Clark is one of those rare people who has the capacity, tenacity and passion for seeing a need and following it through with a practical response, despite the self-sacrifice and continuing hurdles that can be part of this process… The incredible list of key Advisors that have enthusiastically accepted to be part of the Sharing Culture project comprise of some of the world’s most respected and experienced people in this field. This is a testament to David Clark’s approach and vision.’ Dr Carlie Atkinson, CEO, We Al-li Healing Program, Australia
‘It gives me real peace of mind to know we have someone with David’s wisdom and understanding pointing out how important Aboriginal culture is to our wellbeing, especially when we are in times of despair. David’s work over the past few years has given me hope and the tools to continue to live a life of purpose and conviction…’ Kaiyu Moura, Cultural Educator, Stradbroke Island, Australia
NB. The positions of those people providing testimonials are from the time the testimonial was written.
