Telford & Wrekin Council are supporting addiction recovery and community wellbeing by launching the Recovery Charter
Today, Friday 5 September 2025, marked the official launch of the Telford & Wrekin Recovery Charter, a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening support for individuals recovering from addiction. The event, held in the Council Chambers, brought together civic leaders, representatives from public and voluntary sector organisations, and members of the local business community.
Speakers included Councillor Nathalie Page, Deputy Mayor of the Borough of Telford and Wrekin; Councillor Lee Carter, Leader of Telford & Wrekin Council; Councillor Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health & Healthier Communities; David Sidaway, Chief Executive of Telford & Wrekin Council; and Professor Dame Carol Black, UK Government Independent Advisor on Drug Misuse.
Telford’s Recovery Community—anchored by three peer-led organisations: A Better Tomorrow, Telford Aftercare Team, and Recharge Telford — alongside a network of 12-step mutual aid groups, is one of the borough’s greatest assets. Recovery from addiction benefits the entire community by easing pressure on the NHS, emergency services, and social care. Individuals in recovery contribute significantly to the local economy, demonstrating higher job retention and lower absenteeism, and regularly volunteer hundreds of hours to support others.
The Recovery Charter invites local organisations to pledge practical support—such as education, training, and employment opportunities—to help people in early recovery rebuild their lives. Signatories include Telford & Wrekin Council, Midlands Partnership NHS Foundation Trust, Job Centre Plus, and Telford College, as well as voluntary sector organisations like Telford MIND and KiP Telford. Businesses pledging support include The Clothworkers’ Company, VHM Charity Consultancy, The Business Company, Triangle HR, and McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd.
Professor Dame Carol Black, UK Government Independent Advisor on Drug Misuse said
“I’m very pleased to be here today at the launch of the Telford & Wrekin Council’s Recovery Charter. Recovery is a crucial part of the journey a drug dependent person travels, employers and voluntary sector organisations can make such an important contribution to this journey.”
Councillor Kelly Middleton, Cabinet Member for Public Health & Healthier Communities said “Recovery is not just about abstaining from substances—it’s about rebuilding lives, reconnecting with community, and rediscovering purpose.
“The Charter is a powerful statement that Telford & Wrekin Council stands behind its recovery community, offering real opportunities for growth and inclusion.”
The Recovery Charter is a call to action for all sectors to work together in making recovery visible, valued, and achievable for more people across the borough.