An inspiring event which celebrates the achievements of people in recovery from drug and alcohol issues has taken place in Gloucestershire.
More than 220 people attended the Abbeycare Recovery Gathering at the Hatherley Manor hotel near Twigworth, the highest number on record.
The annual event was organised and hosted by Abbeycare Gloucester, which runs a residential recovery clinic in nearby Minsterworth. Many of its staff are in recovery themselves.
All previous and existing clients of Abbeycare were invited to take part, giving them a chance to share their experiences of their ongoing recovery journeys, reconnect with those who supported them at their lowest points, and celebrate their own achievements.
Held at the end of National Recovery Month, this year’s event also marked Abbeycare’s 20th anniversary, bringing together staff members and other industry professionals.
The key idea behind the Recovery Gathering is to bring together Abbeycare’s growing community of existing and former clients and their families, making the process of recovery more visible.
Highlights included a keynote speech from Tracy Blackmore, a specialist trauma therapist, on her experiences of transforming lives affected by addiction. There were also moving contributions from former Abbeycare clients, insights from family members, and recognition of staff milestones.