Focus on stories of recovery
EVENTS PROMOTE WELLBEING AND SUPPORT FOR
ORGANISATIONS are marking this year’s Recovery Week with a range of wellbeing and awareness-raising events.
Recovery Week, running until Sunday, celebrates the achievements of those who have overcome addictions and highlights the benefits of treatment and a drug or alcohol-free lifestyle.
Following on from last year’s Virtual Recovery Week, this year’s event features both virtual and face-toface activities, and will focus on celebrating stories of recovery and raising awareness of the services available locally for people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction.
The week is being co-ordinated by social enterprise Dear Albert, an organisation whose founder has first-hand experience of successful recovery from addiction.
It is backed by a range of services funded by the city council to support people with drug and alcohol problems, including Turning Point, Inclusion Healthcare, Framework Housing Association and Homegroup Housing Association.
It is also being supported by police, Leicestershire and Rutland county councils and adult education provider WEA.
Among the events taking place are singing, creative art and mindfulness sessions, as well as pop-up awareness stalls at various locations, where people can find out more and meet members of the recovery community.
Councillor Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for health, said: “Substance misuse affects all of our communities, which means it affects us all.
“Addiction doesn’t just have an impact on the person who is using; friends and families will also suffer.
“Addiction problems shouldn’t be hidden from view because they can happen to anyone. By raising awareness through Recovery Week and encouraging people to share their stories, we can start to understand the factors that can lead to substance misuse and support those using to engage with our services.
“In this way, they can come to realise that recovery is a viable option which is open to them.”
Jon Roberts, director of Dear Albert, said: “Recovery Week is an important time in our calendar.
“The pandemic continues to bring its own challenges, including isolation, increased opportunities to drink at home and we have seen demand on drug and alcohol services grow significantly over the past 12 months.
“Recovery Week is an opportunity to celebrate success, to show people there is a solution to their substance use issues and to promote the services that are available and able to help.”
It is estimated that nationally the combined benefits of drug and alcohol treatment amount to £2.4 billion every year, resulting in savings in areas such as crime, health and social care.
Anyone needing support or advice with drug or alcohol issues can contact Turning Point on 0330 303 6000.
ADDICTIONS
A full timetable of events is available at: