ORGANISATIONS across the city, county and Rutland are marking this year’s Recovery Week by streaming live and recorded content online every day, starting from today (7 September).
Recovery Week is an annual event that celebrates the achievements of those who have overcome addictions and highlights the benefits of treatment and a drug-free lifestyle.
This year’s event is being billed as ‘Virtual Recovery Week’ and will consist of daily broadcasts featuring arts and educational content as well as messages from recovery service users, representatives of local organisations, and others who want to support and promote the services on offer.
It’s being co-ordinated by local social enterprise Dear Albert, who will post the content on You Tube via its newly created DATV (Dear Albert TV).
The week is being backed by a range of services funded by the city council to support people with drug and alcohol addictions, including Turning Point, Inclusion Healthcare, Framework Housing Association and Homegroup Housing Association.
It’s also being supported by Leicestershire Police, and Leicestershire and Rutland county councils.
Cllr Vi Dempster, assistant city mayor for health, said: “Drugs and alcohol don’t discriminate. They don’t recognise age, gender, ethnicity or religious beliefs. Substance use affects all of our communities.
“And addiction doesn’t just affect the person who is using; friends and families will also suffer as a result, and the longer it goes on, the greater the impact on the wider community.
“By raising awareness in this way and encouraging people to tell their stories, we can start to understand the initial drivers of this use, and support those using to engage with services and realise that recovery is a viable option which is open to them."
Jon Roberts, director of Dear Albert, said: “It’s estimated that around one in 10 adults locally have used an illegal drug in the last year, and that number rises to one in five in the 11-18 year-old bracket. Closer to 9 in 10 people will regularly consume alcohol.
“Everyone’s reasons for using a substance will be unique to them, but one thing they all have in common is the fact that no one uses a substance with the intention of becoming dependent upon it.
“Recovery Week is an opportunity to raise awareness of addiction, show that recovery is possible to people who currently may not think it is achievable, and highlight the local treatments available.”
It’s estimated that investment in local treatment reduces crime by 23% among those supported with drug misuse, and by 48% amongst those supported with alcohol misuse. This reduces the cost to social care by £1.3m.
More information about how to post and view content to be shared during the week is available at the Stairway Project website
Anyone needing support or advice on cutting back on drugs or alcohol can contact Turning Point on 0330 303 6000.