Wirral's first non-alcoholic social club opens in Birkenhead

Rob Cumine, 42, suffered PTSD three years ago and was attending a number of social groups across Wirral for support.

Speaking to the Globe, he said: "The support in the day was fantastic but there was nowhere for me to go in the evening.

"People with addiction and mental health can't have much of a social life. You see people come out of support groups and walk straight into the pub and it's not because they want to drink it's because they want to socialise.

"You are basically setting them up to fail."

With a degree in psychology, Rob knew that socialisation was one of the big factors in recovery.

Rob added: "The nightlife in Birkenhead is built around the culture of drinking and it always has been.

"We felt it was important to bring recovering addicts and alcoholics with people who just don't like drinking together in a safe space to show you don't need alcohol to enjoy yourself."

Rek 41, set up by Rob, is a new social space in Birkenhead where people can come in the evenings which is safe, and doesn't serve any alcohol.

Helping Rob is his three directors, Matt Tomlinson (from MDfitout), Emily Greaves (Green Party Cllr for Birkenhead and Tranmere) and Michael Quinn (Addiction recovery support worker from Wirral Ways to Recovery).

Many people in the community have been volunteering to help with the refurbishment (Image: Facebook)

The building, located on Market Street, is currently undergoing a huge refurbishment by volunteers from the local community.

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Rob added: "We reached out on social media and everyone is volunteering their time because they want to be involved in it."

Once opened, the social club will have a darts board, pool table, TV to screen football, non-alcoholic drinks and music for anyone in the community to come and enjoy.

Rob added: "Anything you can do in a normal social club you will be able to do here.

"We're not coming out and saying everyone else is doing a bad job, because we're not and they're doing amazing. There just needs to be somewhere for people to go at night, there are no options for them.

"Why should the people who want to live a clean sober life not have anything to do?"

Rek 41 will officially open on Friday, March 3 by The Mayor of Wirral, Jeff Green.

Their opening times will be Monday-Friday 5pm-9pm and 1pm-9pm on weekends.

For more information, visit Rek 41's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/rek41birkenhead