RECOVERY
COMMUNITY CHAMPIONS
Over the past 12 years Red Rose Recovery has gone from strength to strength , spreading roots across the North West . We asked them to share their story
A NEED TO NURTURE
Founded in 2012 to build recovery infrastructure in Lancashire , Red Rose Recovery has become nationally recognised as a pioneering organisation in developing recovery systems and creating opportunities for people affected by substance misuse , mental health and offending behaviours . RRR ’ s founding purpose was to provide employment opportunities to people marginalised by society , and the lived experience model is in RRR ’ s DNA – it now employs more than 120 people with experience of addiction , the criminal justice system , homelessness , or other complex issues . As a LERO ,
RRR staff ’ s relatable experience provides inspiration and hope to people who are struggling to find a way forward .
Core to RRR ’ s model is the relationship it creates with each individual – it offers inclusive , accessible , person-centred , trauma-informed and coproduced services with people at all stages of recovery and has a strong track record of collaborating with recovery community partners to enable new groups to emerge and grow . It recognises that the greater good of our communities is best served by having a broad range of groups and activities and is committed to building healthy community ecosystems across the UK – as shown by the infrastructure support provided to the emerging LERO and user forums across the North West .
Mike Wearden , managing director , Red Rose Recovery
EVERY VOICE IS HEARD
As a true lived experience organisation , 97 per cent of Red Rose Recovery ’ s staff have lived experience of multiple disadvantages , with an organisational culture that believes in people and their capacity to change and grow . We help to advocate for those who are continually stigmatised and marginalised , with the aim of changing the narrative .
Our community is one where every voice is heard , and those seeking treatment have a say in what their treatment looks like – a community where power is shared and learning passed on . We have forged excellent relationships with commissioners in Lancashire and beyond , built on trust and mutual respect . Twelve years ago , Lancashire County Council public health commissioners took a leap of faith in establishing the Lancashire User Forum ( LUF ). Its aim was to give a voice to the voiceless and create a platform – not only for Red Rose Recovery to be born but for an independent space to thrive . The LUF isn ’ t owned by anyone , it exists to serve the community and Red Rose Recovery merely lends its infrastructure to aid in its running . We have proved that the model can be replicated and is sustainable beyond the individual – and that by identifying leaders in other geographical areas , they can be nurtured and empowered to create change . Recovery is sustained when we reach back for those behind us . We have a responsibility to pass on what we have learned , to empower the community as a whole , to lend our infrastructure to those next
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