WINNER :
DOT SMITH
2024
INSPIRING OTHERS
WINNER :
DOT SMITH
( RECOVERY CONNECTIONS )
It inspires people to turn their lives around – and now a substance use recovery organisation has a Tees Businesswomen Award to show for its inspiring efforts .
Middlesbrough-based Recovery Connections is a peer-led recovery charity that , since 2008 , has had a simple mission : to inspire , motivate , empower and support all those affected by substance misuse , to sustain long-term recovery and to encourage lasting positive change .
And after receiving the PD Portssponsored Inspiring Others trophy , the group ’ s CEO Dot Smith said winning the award sent out a powerful message .
She said : “ I ’ m shocked to win because we represent a community of people that are stigmatised by society .
“ In terms of awards , we don ’ t evoke the emotion other charities do , so I ’ m delighted for the women we serve – it shows them we ’ re worth something .”
Recovery Connections currently employs 120 staff – around 80 per cent of whom are women and most are in recovery themselves .
Dot said : “ I grew up in a household impacted by addiction so we all know what it ’ s like to not have a great start .
“ But for every one of us in the organisation who haven ’ t had a great start , we ’ ve proved it doesn ’ t have to be where you end – you can achieve great things with the right support , people believing in you and good training .
“ We ’ ve got some great leaders in our organisation – it doesn ’ t matter what the job title is , they ’ re all leaders .”
Dot said group members would be “ over the moon ” to win the award because it helps put the spotlight on addiction .
“ Addiction shouldn ’ t be hidden – it ’ s been hidden for too long and that ’ s why too many people suffer ,” she said .
“ We need to be loud and proud about it – recovery is possible and when people do recover , there ’ s no end to what they can achieve .”
And it seems news about Recovery Connections is spreading , with a new contract down in Hampshire recently secured .
Dot added : “ Progress is being made – recovery is much more visible than it ever was . More people recognise and celebrate it .
“ And for those who are struggling , it ’ s easier for them to get help now than it ever has been .”
Julie Burniston
( Teesside Hospice )
Julie ’ s multiple influential roles include head of corporate development at Teesside Hospice and freelance editor and writer for local and national publications .
As voluntary host of the Assist Women ’ s Network , she fosters connections , supports female professionals and creates a nurturing environment for growth and collaboration .
Known for her empathy and tireless efforts in uplifting women , she actively engages in workshops , panel discussions and is dedicated to progressing other women by nominating them for awards .
Sponsored by PD Ports
Smiles – Recovery Connections CEO Dot Smith received the Inspiring Others award from Patti Burt , business development manager at category sponsor PD Ports .
FINALIST : FINALIST :
Joanne Fryett
( NEPIC )
A WORD FROM THE SPONSOR
Now CEO at NEPIC ( North East of England Process Industry Cluster ), Jo ’ s impressive CV includes roles at Stockton Council , Middlesbrough FC , North East Chamber of Commerce , Business Link Tees Valley and Teesside Training and Enterprise Council .
She ’ s held senior roles – none more so than her current post , where she is NEPIC ’ S first female CEO – but continues to give her time freely , mentoring others , talking to schoolchildren and encouraging females across all sectors . Indeed , her role as trustee of MFC Foundation exemplifies her commitment to helping others – a role she ’ s embraced for seven years , despite very demanding work commitments .
Patti Burt , business development manager , PD Ports At some point , everyone has been inspired – and I think that if every single female could inspire somebody else , we ’ ll be stronger together – and that ’ s what why we wanted to sponsor the Inspiring Others award . Dot is unbelievable – what she does for so many people is incredible . She ’ s an absolute power and truly inspirational .