Based on the idea that recovery is most likely and most contagious in areas where it is both visible and readily accessible, Inclusive Recovery Cities is a movement that celebrates recovery achievements and events. It challenges stigma and exclusion and provides pathways to stable recovery for individuals and families.
There are currently 32 inclusive recovery cities globally, with the UK at the heart of this initiative – ten of them are in England and a further three in Ireland. The network of ten English cities work together and meet quarterly to share ideas and innovations, with the aim of supporting recovery visibility. Towards the end of 2024, the 12 local authorities in the North East agreed to become the first inclusive recovery region, and we are on the verge of agreeing the first inclusive recovery prison in the UK.
At the forefront of this movement has been the wonderful partnership work in Nottinghamshire. Supported by the local authority, Change Grow Live (as the treatment provider), Double Impact (the LERO) and Hettys (the family service) have worked to bring together not only recovery groups and individual recovery champions, but also to engage a diverse range of stakeholders from across the community.
Following a successful launch at Mansfield Town Football Club, we held a second event to focus on innovation and social enterprise for recovery across Nottinghamshire.
The event was opened by Professor David Best who set out his vision for inclusive cities and hoped there would be more such events. He emphasised that the primary aim was to remove stigma associated with people who used substances and their recovery process. A key task for inclusive recovery cities was building a feeling of momentum and making people from across the community proud to be a part of it.
Many respected charities and organisations from our sector were represented at the event, as well as local agencies that were active in the local community. They displayed stalls for their literature, and staff and volunteers were on hand to discuss their organisation with visitors. The event had the feeling of a marketplace, with many things for participants to do and see.
The organisations involved included Retina UK, Hettys, New Way, In Sam’s Name, Nottinghamshire County Council, Alcoholics Anonymous, Getting Clean (who came down from Leeds to present), TunTum Housing, Not Saints and Camerados, who provided a living room space for people to mingle and relax during the event.
Speakers from two of the organisations also gave talks about their involvement and future plans. The theme was meaningful activities, and participants were offered taster sessions, games and workshops. A main aim was to showcase some of the incredible opportunities available in Nottinghamshire, where the IRC Council are building connections with the local recovery community.
A sing-along led by Danny from the Rock Choir brought the event to a conclusion with rousing renditions of motivational songs. Professor Best thanked all present for making the day a huge success.
The event in Worksop achieved its aim of showing what support was available for recovery. Through four events each year we want to create connections that provide opportunities for people to find their passion, develop a sense of belonging, and be a part of something positive that builds hope in the communities where they live and recover.
IRC intends to keep building on its vision to make recovery accessible, visible and inclusive for everyone while overcoming the stigma attached to substance users and the recovery process.
To that end we’re planning a third event for spring 2025, with the theme ‘new growth’. The intention is to have stalls in the Nottinghamshire area with gardening items and demonstrations to enthuse children, adults and families alike, in the spirit of inclusivity. We hope it will continue the momentum and inspire, motivate and promote IRC’s values and beliefs.
What’s happening in Nottinghamshire is a testament to the power of communities and partnerships, showing that not only is recovery possible but that it has a crucial role to play in community development and wellbeing.
Written by Royce Marshall with the assistance of Prof David Best and Lynne Jaap. Images by Melissa Ward