Telford and Wrekin backs International Recovery Month this September
Telford and Wrekin is marking International Recovery Month this September with a programme of events celebrating recovery from alcohol and drug addiction, challenging stigma and highlighting the support available to residents across the borough.
International Recovery Month is an annual campaign that celebrates the work of alcohol and drug treatment services and Recovery Community Organisations, while raising awareness of addiction and the importance of recovery.
This year also marks the 13th annual Telford Recovery Conference, demonstrating Telford and Wrekin's longstanding commitment to supporting recovery and celebrating the achievements of local people who have transformed their lives.
Telford & Wrekin Council officially launched the month by lighting Southwater purple on Tuesday 1 September, a colour widely associated with recovery and recovery events.
The Council is also promoting its Recovery Charter, by launching its Recovery Charter website where local organisations can pledge practical support to support Telford and Wrekin residents in early recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. The charter was launched during International Recovery Month last year and is going to be featured on the Local Government Association website as an example of a pioneering and innovative approach to supporting people in early recovery.
A range of local organisations will be hosting activities throughout September. Recovery Community Organisation A Better Tomorrow began the celebrations with its annual recovery football tournament and will close the month with a poetry walk for people in recovery, their families and friends.
Recharge, Telford's young people's Recovery Community Organisation, will officially open its new premises in Wellington on Friday 18 September. The opening ceremony will be led by the Lord Lieutenant of Shropshire, Anna Turner.
Volunteers from Telford STaRS, the borough's alcohol and drug treatment service, will produce a recovery podcast in partnership with the Probation Service and will also speak at the Aquarius regional Recovery Conference on 25 September.
Willowdene Farm residential rehabilitation service will host a graduation event on Thursday 17 September, featuring presentations from the High Sheriff of Shropshire.
The annual Telford Recovery Conference, which brings together treatment providers and Recovery Community Organisations from across the borough, will take place on Thursday 24 September at The Anstice, Madeley, the 13 consecutive conference that’s taken place in Telford. The event with this year’s theme of Community and Connection celebrates the achievements of local people in recovery and showcases the positive impact of recovery support services.
Members of the local recovery community will also join people from Wolverhampton Recovery Community to attend the UK Recovery Walk in Bradford on Saturday 12 September. The walk is the largest recovery event of its kind in Europe and attracts thousands of participants from across the country.
Councillor Kelly Middleton Cabinet Member for Public Health and Unlocking Opportunities for All, said:
"International Recovery Month is an opportunity to celebrate the courage and determination of people in recovery, recognise the outstanding work of our Recovery Community Organisations and treatment services, and challenge the stigma that can still surround addiction.
“For 13 years, the Telford Recovery Conference has brought people together to celebrate recovery, share experiences and inspire hope. Its continued success is a testament to the strength of our local recovery community and the dedication of the organisations that support people every day.
"Recovery changes lives, strengthens families and helps people reconnect with their communities. We are proud of the support available in Telford and Wrekin and of the many local people who use their lived experience to help others take that important first step towards recovery.
"Our Recovery Charter is a fantastic example of how organisations across the borough can work together to create opportunities for people in recovery and help them build positive, fulfilling futures."
Recovery is a personal journey, and support is available all year round for anyone seeking help with alcohol or drug related issues. Telford & Wrekin Council funds a range of organisations that provide treatment, harm reduction and recovery support services for residents.
To find out more about local support services and the Recovery Charter, visit the Telford & Wrekin Council drugs and alcohol webpages.