Substance misuse issues are tackled

SEPTEMBER has seen national recovery month take part with a range of activities held in Loughborough town centre and at the Falcon Centre. Organised in partnership with Leicestershire Police, the aim was to increase awareness and understanding of substance misuse issues and more importantly to celebrate all the people in recovery.

Many events and activities were run by those that are now in visible recovery and gave up their time to share their experiences and inspire others.

Sarah Whannell, manager of the Falcon Centre, said: “It was an amazing and inspiring week and I would like to thank everyone that helped make recovery week a great success, particularly those that are in recovery, the volunteers, businesses that donated time and goods, service users, the staff team, partner agencies and the whole community for supporting it.”

A week of self-care and support was available and with over 300 visits to the Falcon Centre in five days many enjoyed creative sessions, haircuts, hot meals, Indian head massages, health checks, lifesaving training, sports, live entertainment, talking to recovery fellowships and speakers who shared their experiences of recovery.

PC Gary Bailey said: “Recovery week has made a huge impact on all those involved. I have been stopped whilst out on my patrols by service users, providers and the public of Loughborough, all have made positive comments and it is clear that recovery week provides support, encouragement and inspiration to many.

“Recovery FEST was the live launch event, opened by Nicky Morgan, that took place in the town centre and I think this really set the tone for the week ahead.

“Encouraged by the positive response we are now hoping to expand this into an event in its own right.”