The Gray Art Gallery event – which was organised by Recovery Connections, Hartlepool – followed Hartlepool Borough Council’s signing of the Inclusive Recovery City Charter at the town’s new Start £3.2m Drug and Alcohol Treatment Centre.
A spokesperson for the group said: “Our event will bring together people with lived experience of recovery, local organisations, professionals, partners and members of the community to celebrate recovery and show what is possible when people are given the right support and opportunities. For us, becoming an Inclusive Recovery City is about much more than treatment services. It is about creating a town where people can rebuild their lives, reconnect with family and community, volunteer, work, develop new skills and feel like they belong.”
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “The Inclusive Recovery Cities Pledge aims to make recovery visible in the community. Research shows stigma and discrimination can be reduced when people have a greater understanding of recovery and the experiences of those affected by drug and alcohol use. The Recovery Cities Pledge brings together organisations in Hartlepool who organise activities that bring people going through recovery together. Hartlepool Borough Council, Start, and Recovery Connections work together to host a range of informative, supportive, and inspiring events to help people going through recovery on their journey. Events range from art sessions and lived experience workshops, to sports sessions like football and cricket. These sessions are designed to give people going through recovery an outlet and a place where they can be around people in the recovery community.”
Councillor Christine Wiley, chair of the Adult Services and Public Health Committee said: “The Inclusive Recovery Cities Pledge is an important commitment to making Hartlepool a supportive and inclusive place for people in recovery. Recovery can transform lives, families and communities, and it is important that people feel welcomed, valued and able to access opportunities as they move forward. By working together with our partners, we can help reduce stigma, promote understanding and ensure that Hartlepool is a place where recovery is recognised, celebrated and supported.”
Dot Smith, CEO of Recovery Connections said: “We are absolutely delighted to see Hartlepool Borough Council sign the Inclusive Recovery Cities Charter. This is much more than a symbolic commitment. It is a clear statement that recovery matters, that people in recovery provide immense value in our communities, and that everyone has a role to play in creating the conditions where recovery can flourish.”
She added: “Since the partnership began, Hartlepool Borough Council has consistently demonstrated a genuine commitment to supporting recovery, engaging positively with people with lived experience and recognising the value that recovery brings to individuals, families and communities. By joining a growing network of towns and cities across the UK and internationally, Hartlepool is helping to challenge stigma, increase visibility and show that recovery is both possible and achievable. Together, we are creating a Hartlepool where recovery is not only supported, but celebrated.”
Jill Blacket, Head of Service at Start said: “At Start, we see every day the positive impact that recovery can have on people’s lives. The Inclusive Recovery Cities Pledge is an important step in ensuring that people in recovery feel supported, included and able to access the support and opportunities they need to move forward with confidence.”
Start provides free and confidential treatment and support to help individuals regain control of their lives, regardless of the level of support required. If accessing the service is a challenge, individuals are encouraged to reach out, as flexible arrangements can be made to meet in various community settings across Hartlepool.
