Derry’s Arc Fitness benefits from charity coastal walk

Police officers from Derry City & Strabane swapped their work boots for their hiking boots recently to raise funds for a local non-profit organisation supporting people recovering from addiction and substance misuse.

Six officers from Ballyarnett Neighbourhood Policing Team (NPT) raised £705 for Addiction Recovery Coaching (ARC Fitness) by completing the 30km Causeway Coast Challenge Walk on 5th May.

Ballyarnett NPT Sergeant Pete Johnston said: “ARC works to assist those struggling with addiction, and have assisted many of the people we used to deal with regularly. 

“Far too often police officers see at first hand the impact of the sale, supply and use of illicit drugs and the harm caused, not just on the individual themselves but also on their family and community.

“Tackling this issue is a priority for police in Derry City & Strabane, however, a criminal justice approach alone does not have all the answers, which is why working with partners and other organisations to break the cycle of offending is so important.”

In 2023, ten Ballyarnett officers completed the Belfast Marathon relay, fundraising £1,355 for ARC. In 2022, they secured match funding, along with Derry & Strabane Policing and Safety Community Partnership (PCSP), for a pilot programme with ARC Fitness to enable officers to make referrals to them. 

Sergeant Johnston added: “We hope the funds raised will make a difference to those in need of help.  Thank you to everyone who supported our officers for this great cause.” 

Gary Rutherford, founder of ARC Fitness, says ARC helps those in need of support improve their mental and physical wellbeing though physical activity, professional support and re-connection with the community.

He said the donation will make a ‘massive difference” and added: “The community/voluntary sector rely on the support of partners within the community so, for us, receiving this donation from the PSNI is fantastic; we love working with them and we really value the partnership so, thank you to everyone involved, from all of us at ARC Fitness.”