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ased 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 ),
The inclusive recovery cities initiative has exciting plans for the spring , says Royce Marshall
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 parti cipants 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
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