Dorchester phone boxes turned into into support exhibits

Anthea Parker, of Dorchester, has helped to fill up two red phone boxes on High West Street into an art exhibition featuring postcards with kind messages, in a bid to inspire others that an alcohol-free life is possible.

Ms Parker said: "They have been out of use for a long time, so I thought I'd cheer them up, after giving them a really good clean!

Ms Parker, a housewife, mum and art lover, spoke of her own struggles with alcohol and her journey to recovery which inspired her to start the project which has been up since January 1.

She said: "I spent many years thinking that the pretty labels and bottles were my friend. My comfort in hard times and my joy in celebration with others... What I didn't realize for many years was that the empty promises alcohol gave me were just lies. Once I learnt that alcohol is an addictive poisonous substance, it helped me to learn that it didn't just numb the grief, depression and anxiety, it also numbed my joy.

"Eight years ago, I walked through the doors of Alcoholics Anonymous. The people were so friendly and welcoming, but the process of recovery just didn't suit me. I didn't feel like I fit in. And after many attempts of trying to quit I hung my head in shame and left thinking that there was no hope for me to recover.

"It was in October 2020 that my need to find another way out of my addiction came to a head.

"I came across a book called 'Alcohol Explained' by William Porter. The science was there about alcohol, and it was the beginning of my mindset change.

"I love community and connection with other people, and one day when I was clearing out some rubbish from my attic I came across a small pile of old letters and postcards. I immersed myself in the nostalgia of them, and loved thinking of those times, and looking at the beautiful handwriting. We don't often see others' handwriting these days, and it is so beautiful to see.

She said the exhibition has been up since January 1 and has been touched by the positive feedback she has received on it.

Ms Parker added: "I think the meaning and aim is to share the simple fact that people don't need to feel alone on this journey. Alcohol is an addictive substance like any other drug, but our culture and society has normalized its use.

"My hope is to reach out to people struggling, and share the new found joy that living without alcohol can bring.

"It offers hope, and by people reaching out we are showing that we are not ashamed to share our stories.

"There is a visitor book so that people can leave messages in there, and they can also join the facebook group. Alongside lovely messages, someone left a handmade crochet purse with a lucky penny inside, and another person has left a plant. They are becoming like little shrines! I go to check them every day, and it has become a safe space to reflect and think of others who are still struggling on this journey"