EPIC Restart Foundation

Building a supportive, empowering community is at the heart of everything we do at EPIC Restart Foundation. We know that recovery is stronger when shared—when individuals can connect, find encouragement, and grow together.  That’s why we’re excited to be working on something new to bring our community even closer. Stay tuned—something new is on the way! #EPICCommunity #StrongerTogether #RecoverySupport #GamblingRecovery #StayConnected

On this week's podcast episode, we are honoured to host Peter Da Silva, a man whose journey embodies resilience, transformation, and hope. Peter shares his story of growing up in Middlesbrough, facing a turbulent childhood, enduring loss, and battling substance use—challenges that led to years of crime and repeated prison sentences, creating a seemingly unbreakable cycle. However, a chance meeting with an old friend sparked a remarkable turning point. With the support of rehab and a dedicated lived-experience coach, Peter found the strength to rebuild. He returned to education, earned a degree, secured meaningful work, and even became a published author. His story proves that, with commitment and perseverance, profound change is possible. Tune in to this week’s episode to hear Peter's inspiring journey and his message of hope for anyone facing their own struggles with addiction, recovery, or personal growth. (Find the link to this week's podcast via the link in the comments) #EPICRestartFoundation #TheRecoveryToolkitPodcast #Inspiration #Resilience #RecoveryJourney

It’s a busy week here at EPIC Restart Foundation as we roll out a range of events designed to empower and support those on their recovery journey. Our Recharge & Reflect at Mount Cook retreat has officially sold out, but spaces remain in other impactful sessions, including Women Empowered Safe Space, Weekly Group Coaching, and Phil Stanley’s How to Build Rapid Confidence. These events are crafted to foster connection, resilience, and personal growth in a supportive environment. At EPIC, we’re committed to creating spaces where individuals can thrive and build lasting tools for recovery. Keep an eye out as we continue to expand our community and bring more resources to those who need them. #MentalHealthSupport #CommunityWellbeing #AddictionRecovery #EPICRestartFoundation #PersonalGrowth

“It is absolute insanity, right? When you think you try to gamble your way out of a gambling addiction because I thought I was in control.” – Lewis Vines, The Recovery Toolkit Podcast In Episode 21, Lewis Vines opens up to Richie about the harrowing mental challenges of gambling addiction. He shares how, over 60 days, his thoughts were dominated by a constant internal battle, cycling between gambling and despair. Believing he could gamble his way out, Lewis’s story reveals the intense grip of addiction and the painful realisation that, at times, winning is the worst outcome. This episode offers critical insights into the complex nature of gambling addiction and mental health—a reminder of the support needed to break this cycle. EPIC Restart Foundation is committed to providing that support, creating safe spaces and practical resources for recovery. Listen to the full episode to gain a deeper understanding of the work we do to help individuals reclaim their lives and move forward with hope. #GamblingAddiction #MentalHealthSupport #EPICRestart #RecoveryToolkit #SocialImpact

The countdown is on… only 7 days until EPIC Restart Foundation’s Reflect & Recharge event at Mount Cook! For those joining us, this 3-day experience will be a unique opportunity to reconnect, refocus, and build resilience on the path to recovery. Participants will engage in physical and mindful activities, each tailored to empower them with tools for sustainable progress and personal growth. Our Reflect & Recharge event is designed to foster an environment of support and transformation, where individuals can gain new strategies, embrace their strengths, and re-energise for the journey ahead. We look forward to creating impactful experiences that support long-term recovery. #RecoverySupport #EPICRestart #TransformativeRecovery #CommunityWellbeing #MentalHealthAwareness

At EPIC Restart Foundation, everything we do is about building a supportive, empowering community for those on their recovery journey. We’re working on something exciting that will bring us all closer together and we can’t wait to share it with you. Watch this space!👀 #EPICCommunity #RecoverySupport #GamblingRecovery #TogetherInRecovery #StayTuned

Episode 24 of The Recovery Toolkit Podcast is now live! 🎧 This week, host Richie Paxton  sits down with Sam Starsmore  to explore the question: When Does Recovery Really Start? Sam shares his journey through unresolved trauma, beginning in his teenage years, and discusses the importance of safe spaces for young people to process difficult experiences. Sam’s story challenges the typical views of recovery. Though he initially reached out for help and spent two years in Gamblers Anonymous, he now sees this time as abstinence, not true recovery. It was only after two relapses that he began to understand the deeper work needed for lasting change - such as building resilience, fully engaging in the 12-step program, and finding support through a sponsor. In this honest conversation, Sam reveals how he developed his own toolkit for recovery and life’s challenges. Tune in for valuable insights on creating sustainable, personal strategies for navigating recovery. Listen now on your favourite podcast platform, or via the link in the comments! #RecoveryJourney #SustainableRecovery #GamblingRecovery #AddictionAwareness #RecoveryToolkit #podcast

Woman. Empowered has been an incredible success, bringing women together from all walks of life to find strength, support, and community. Due to overwhelming demand, we're thrilled to announce a new weekly session every Friday at 11 am, with the first session starting on 8th November! At EPIC Restart Foundation, we believe in the power of safe spaces designed by women, for women, where women can share openly about their experiences with addiction, free from stigma and shame. Each session, led by our brilliant Woman. Empowered team, offers a place to build confidence, foster self-worth, and join a community of women embracing their recovery journey. These sessions don’t just provide support—they offer connection, reduce isolation, and help women overcome societal stigma. Woman. Empowered is about building a brighter, guilt-free future for women ready to take the next step. We now offer Tuesday evenings at 6 pm and Friday mornings at 11 am starting 8th November, making it easier than ever for women, especially mothers and caregivers, to join us. Curious about what EPIC Restart Foundation has to offer? Visit our website to learn more about our programmes and how we’re empowering individuals to restart with resilience and purpose.

"Being part of this community has given me empowerment, hope, and made me realise I can achieve." At EPIC Restart Foundation, we believe in the power of lived experience to guide others on their journey to recovery. Our team, made up of people who have walked the same path, is here to provide practical support and understanding to those recovering from gambling addiction. We recognise the challenges—poor mental health, debt, isolation, stigma, and more—that can make maintaining recovery difficult, and we’re here to bridge that gap. By supporting others, our team not only helps them find their way forward but also strengthens their own journeys. Together, we’re building a brighter, more resilient community where everyone has the chance to reclaim their lives. #LivedExperience #GamblingRecovery #EPICRestart #RecoverySupport #BreakingTheStigma #MentalHealthMatters

In last weeks Recovery Toolkit Podcast, Tony Barrett shared his moving story with host Richie Paxton about the hidden struggles behind what seemed like a perfect life—big house, cars, and all. "I tried to take my life… I still feel incredible shame about what I put my wife and kids through, even though everyone thought I had it all." Tony’s openness about his personal journey is a reminder that mental health affects us all, and that by speaking up, we can offer hope to others on their recovery journey.  Listen to this heartfelt episode on your favourite podcast platform or via the link in the comments. #RecoveryJourney #MentalHealthMatters #LivedExperience #BreakingTheStigma #EpicRestartFoundation #Podcast