Chris Sylvester's life took a drastic turn at the age of 12 when he was introduced to heroin in a school bathroom. The subsequent 26 years were a cycle of active drug addiction, prison, homelessness, and hospitalizations. "It was a nightmare existence," Sylvester stated, recalling a period where drugs defined his identity and isolated him.
Sylvester's journey toward recovery began unintentionally in 2017, at age 36. Shortly after his father's death, he was released from prison under license conditions. His continued drug use, specifically injecting heroin into his groin, led to a severe infection that threatened both his leg and his life. "My legs swelled up and I couldn’t walk. I was in absolute agony," he recounted. "I thought I was going to lose my leg at the very least, or potentially die."
Despite the near-fatal infection, Sylvester made a full recovery. His probation officer then suggested a recovery program as an alternative to finishing his sentence. This suggestion proved life-saving, as Sylvester found invaluable support and connection within a community of peers who understood his struggles. "That support and a like-minded community that understands you is paramount, it's the most important thing in remaining abstinent," he said.
Sylvester credits the recovery program with enabling him to confront his feelings honestly, something he had previously avoided through substance abuse. He has since dedicated himself to supporting other recovering addicts, helping them access peer support and employment opportunities.
Building a Community and a Business
Sylvester founded Getting Clean, a community organization initially focused on peer support and voluntary community action. Members engaged in activities such as litter picking and assisting the elderly with repairs. Sylvester recognized his unique ability to connect with individuals that professionals often couldn't reach, due to his shared experiences and the trust he engendered. "I realized that I could reach people that professionals can’t. People were willing to sit down and speak with me because they knew I had the same experiences as them and they trusted me."
Getting Clean emphasizes empowerment, helping individuals in recovery redefine themselves as valuable community assets. "As an organization we are focused on empowerment and allowing people to understand that they are assets to the community," Sylvester explained. "It’s changing the public perception but also the way they see themselves."
The organization evolved into a business when Sylvester realized the difficulties in securing consistent grant funding. The idea for soap production came as a "shower thought." "I had a shower one day and realized that I could help people get clean with soap," he said. The operation began in his mother's kitchen and has since expanded to a small factory.
The soap is 100 percent naturally derived, cold-pressed, and chemical-free, marketed as beneficial for skin health and as a symbol of support for those in addiction recovery. Available fragrances include sandalwood and pine needle, orange and patchouli, and lemongrass and sweet orange.
Getting Clean donates 50 percent of its profits to charities supporting recovery. Furthermore, six of the organization's ten employees are themselves in recovery, underscoring Sylvester's commitment to providing employment opportunities for those overcoming addiction.
Fundraising and Future Endeavors
Sylvester's next initiative involves spending 60 consecutive hours in a bathtub in Leeds City Square. This event, dubbed 'Tubtrap' and livestreamed on social media platforms like TikTok, aims to sell £50,000 worth of soap. Sylvester hopes to donate £20,000 from the proceeds to fund a collaborative project with Leeds City Council focused on lived experience recovery.