The Hartlepool Recovery Festival returns this year, organised by Start, Hartlepool Borough Council’s drug and alcohol support service, and Recovery Connections. The festival will see a range of exciting, supportive and stigma focused events take place across the borough.
The festival is designed to tackle stigma and raise awareness of the drug and alcohol support service in Hartlepool. The Hartlepool Recovery Festival gives a platform for people to speak about their recovery stories and inform the public about the personal and wider impacts of drug and alcohol use, as well as remind everyone why it’s so important to make recovery visible.
Councillor Christine Wiley, chair of the Adult Services and Public Health Committee said: “The Hartlepool Recovery Festival gives us all the opportunity to connect and listen to one another. We have all heard stories of family members, friends or people in the community who have suffered. Yet despite this, when addiction touches people in a directly personal way, they often find it difficult, almost impossible at times, to find ways to talk about their experiences of recovery and treatment.”
She added: “Start and its partners want to help them find a way forward, so that they are able to cope with and manage their experiences. The festival is a fantastic initiative that aims to bring people together to chat, open up dialogue and provide them with support in a friendly environment. I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”
Events taking place as part of Hartlepool Recovery Festival include:
- Recovery Roadshow #2 taking place at Community Hub South on Tuesday, 15 September 10am – 2pm. Members of the Start team will be there to talk about all things National Recovery Month and recovery. People are welcome to pop along and speak to the team.
- On Friday, 18 September, between 7pm-10.30pm, at The Studio, there is a “recovery gig” where people can pop along and celebrate National Recovery Month by listening to inspiring speakers talk about recovery followed by a celebration with a live band and DJ.
- Community Garden Day, a day dedicated to friends, families and children at the Waverley Community Garden, taking place on Saturday, 26 September. Join us for a picnic, games, activities and a celebration of recovery in the community.
These events are open to anyone in recovery, those affected by drug or alcohol use, and anyone who wants to support and celebrate recovery in Hartlepool.
Anyone wishing to find out more about the events taking place during National Recovery Month should contact Billy Knight from Start by calling (01429) 285000 or by emailing [email protected]
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.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (01429) 285000
Website: www.starthartlepool.co.uk
Author: Hartlepool Life
Next article: Business school returns to launch next entrepreneurs