Roots Community is the Blackburn with Darwen recovery forum started up in May 2022 to support and mobilise the recovery community locally . |
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in line , to support with training and development , and to help create seats at the tables of power .
Now we have established recovery communities in not only Lancashire , but also in Blackburn with Darwen and North Yorkshire , with other areas to follow soon . Our proven model , underpinned by belief from commissioners and involvement of the grass roots community , takes a lot of hard work , but the results are there for all to see .
Sarah O ’ Mara , RIO contract lead and team leader north , Red Rose Recovery
A SUCCESSFUL MODEL
The Lancashire User Forum ( LUF ), supported and underpinned by Red Rose Recovery ( RRR ), has been a model we have long aspired to see replicated across the country . My focus is on identifying spaces where individuals with lived / living experience and organisations can collaborate with us to build all-inclusive communities , and where people feel empowered to develop a strong sense of identity that provides them with a stake in society .
This identity is grounded in solid systems , processes , and resources , ensuring that individuals not only receive support but also become active participants in shaping it . We foster meaningful relationships , challenge stigma , and create pathways for both personal and collective growth .
Our emphasis on the Five Ways to Wellbeing – connect , be active , take notice , keep learning , and give – ensures that we are fostering holistic health and wellbeing . We focus on the strengths and potential
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of individuals and communities , rather than on deficits . The LUF model , with its emphasis on collaboration and empowerment , has demonstrated significant success and our aim is to continue building supportive , inclusive systems that help people to thrive and contribute to their communities .
Peter Yarwood , director of strategic engagement and training , Red Rose Recovery
SPREADING OUR ROOTS
Roots Community is the Blackburn with Darwen recovery forum started up in May 2022 to support and mobilise the recovery community locally . Our co-produced aims are to connect those in recovery with others ; improve engagement in activities that enhance wellbeing ; empower the community through a voice in decision-making and service provision ; provide opportunities through employment , training and volunteering ; and inspire hope in those seeking recovery , professionals , family members and the wider community .
We do this through a calendar of ten regular weekly activities including community clean-ups , a guerilla gardening project , cooking , gym , fishing , goalsetting , music sessions and planning meetings . We also have representation at operational delivery group meetings , a place on the BwD Community Network Board and regularly involve Roots members in consultations with NHS , service providers , mystery shopping exercises and research projects that shape service delivery .
Our members are drawn from all stages of recovery / prerecovery , with no requirement to be abstinent or subscribe
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to specific recovery models or activities . All we expect is mutual respect and adherence to reasonable behavioural boundaries .
Rolonde Bradshaw , team leader , Roots Community Recovery Forum
LET ’ S MOBILISE
Project FREE is a very small LERO in Bury , Greater Manchester which for nearly two years has been supporting men coming out of prison to resettle effectively in the community . It hasn ’ t been directly commissioned by any organisation or authority but has grown from local recovery networks . Several small public sector grants and private donations have enabled venue hire , refreshments and volunteer expenses to run drop-ins , group sessions and activities .
It came about because Bernard , the project coordinator , wanted to invest his own recovery capital in helping people stuck in a pattern of substance use and offending behaviour , as he was for many years . He used his friendships and connections to mobilise support and establish a monthly steering group for strategic direction .
So far so good for Project FREE – the power of lived experience in helping people make and sustain positive change is undeniable and learning from other LEROs like Acorn Recovery and Red Rose Recovery has been invaluable . These larger groups have a responsibility to incubate ‘ micro- LEROs ’ and create opportunities for people like Bernard and his volunteers . Perhaps we overthink how to incorporate lived experience into the overall
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system and should focus on creating an environment where relationships can grow and ideas can be put into action .
Tom Woodcock , Project FREE steering group member , chair of RRR board
A UNIQUE OPPORTUNITY
North Yorkshire Connected Spaces is a LERO that sits under the umbrella of Red Rose Recovery . At the heart of every recovery journey is a story – one of resilience , struggle , and eventual triumph . As a LERO we are more than a support network – we are individuals who have walked the same path .
We believe that those who have lived through addiction and recovery are uniquely positioned to offer guidance , understanding and hope to those currently struggling – sharing experience fosters a deep sense of trust and connection . Each member of our team has faced the challenges of addiction , sought recovery , and is now dedicated to helping others . We understand the fear , uncertainty , and shame that can come with addiction – and we know the incredible transformation that recovery can bring . Research shows that peer support can significantly improve outcomes , increasing engagement , reducing relapse rates , and fostering long-term sobriety .
We offer hope to those who may feel isolated or hopeless . Moreover , as advocates , we work to change the narrative around addiction , shifting the focus from punishment to recovery , from stigma to support . Together , we can transform lives and communities , one story at a time .
Emma Plant , NYCS community engager
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