Just the Tonic is a recovery social enterprise, working towards creating a Dry Bar and entertainment venue in Whitley Bay.
Just the Tonic is working towards creating an venue for everyone who wants a relaxing experience without alcohol. At Just the tonic employment and training opportunities can be created for people whose lives have been effected by abuse and addiction. A place where those who live clean and sober lives can lend aspiration, support and direction to those in recovery.
“Married to an alcoholic made going out with him impossible - the temptation for him to drink was too overpowering. If friends offered him a drink and he asked for an orange juice or a coke, the pressures to accept anything other than alcohol resulted in abuse and violence towards me. The words ‘have a real drink, just the one’ made me feel so angry because I knew that friend was not going to be the one picking up the pieces after that ‘one’ drink. That ‘one drink’ which lead to ‘one’ more and ‘one’ for the road each and every time.
For many years I never socialised because the fear and anxiety of going out and being surrounded by alcohol was overwhelming. A fear often faced too by people in early stage recovery.
If you think of any social occasion it’s hard to find any that do not involve alcohol….. christenings, weddings, funerals are a precursor to a glass of champagne or a steadying whisky. Sports events don’t have a particular connection to drinking, but are still alcohol-laden; a drink before or after the game or take part in Golf, Badminton, Tennis and its expected that you hit the bar immediately afterwards. Even Cinemas - once only sold popcorn, ice cream and lemonade but increasingly they too have introduced bars. Concerts, performances, shows - everyone is invited to retreat to the bar at intervals. Go out for Dinner at a restaurant and your almost instantly asked ‘would you like to see the wine menu’.
So what’s left for the people who don’t to be or can’t be around alcohol to do when still living in a society which raises an eyebrow to anyone who refuses an alcoholic drink who is not driving, pregnant or on antibiotics ? There’s always Sunday Service, if you exclude the sacramental wine or a coffee shop but how many of them open after 6?
With your help Just the Tonic will create an alcohol free sanctuary of sober calm were people can hang out together, have a bite to eat and drink ‘mocktails’. A place where comedy shows and open mike evenings can be enjoyed by everyone without secretly worrying what might or will happen as a consequence of being surround by alcohol.
But that’s not all Just the Tonic will use all profits raised to host a range of services to support people in recovery and provide pathways into volunteering and employment.
The first £20,000 raised will secure the premises and get the entertainment programme off the ground.http://www.chroniclelive.co.uk/news/north-east-news/benidorm-actress-crissy-rock-open-8546855
This project closed unsuccessfully on 15th May 2015