Throughout September, more than 100 vibrant activities took place across the country for Recovery Month
Elly Sanchez recaptures the fun and inclusivity of RDaSH’s Recovery Carnival
Inspired by the success of last year’s recovery games, the Rotherham Doncaster and South Humber NHS Foundation Trust (RDaSH) drug and alcohol services team in Doncaster held a recovery carnival in Doncaster.
Visitors braved the dreary September drizzle to join in the fun and games at the all-day event at Sandall Park, which celebrated mutual aid and recovery, while helping to reduce stigma.
The day increased knowledge about access to treatment, and helped sustain addiction-free recovery and what works beyond medical treatment. Organisers reached out to those who are still suffering with addiction who may fear accessing treatment, by demonstrating it is possible to recover and contribute to society.
Designed to be family friendly and fun, the event included activities and attractions like human table football, a space hopper relay and a ‘lob a welly’ competition, as well as street entertainment (magic and fire eating), music from local bands and a recovery walk.
‘The event brought together local communities, families, carers and friends to raise awareness of mutual aid and peer-led support networks,’ said service manager, Stuart Green.
‘No one sets out to have a drug or alcohol problem. Recovery is beyond prescription; this is as much a healing of the community as the individual, and we demonstrated that not only is there is a life after drugs, but also that recovery is infectious and motivating.’
Elly Sanchez is medical secretary at RDaSH. Anyone seeking help or advice can contact www.drughub.co.uk
The Recovery Street Film Festival showed ten shortlisted films at events up and down the county
WIth ‘Deserving a future’ as its the theme, the Recovery Street Film Festival’s aim was to highlight the challenges that those living in recovery – and their family and friends – face when trying to find their place back in society. A joint project between the major treatment agencies, it was open to anyone, regardless of their film-making ability, who could show the determination and courage of individuals overcoming addiction.
Mitch Winehouse opened the festival at the official launch in Borough Market, London, on 10 September before the festival toured to other major cities including Birmingham and Glasgow.
‘This film festival is another great example of Britain’s recovery community giving something back to society and reaching out to share their stories, and hopefully in turn save lives. In doing so they humbly shine a light on themselves and expose the incredible people they are today,’ he said.
The judges will select one lucky winner from the ten shortlisted films, also to be announced by Mitch Winehouse, to receive £1,000 worth of film-related prizes.
To find out more and view the films, visit www.recoverystreetfilmfestival.co.uk