Independent. Peer-led. Recovery-focused.
The Greater Manchester Recovery Network (GMRN) is a new, independent, grassroots alliance of lived experience recovery groups.
We are a community of people who promote and support recovery from substance misuse.
We’re and built on the belief that recovery is a journey best walked together.
To us ‘recovery’ is an inclusive term which means making improvements in your quality of life whether achieved by small steps or long strides forward.
Who we are
Born from a series of workshops and meetings held since April 2025, the GMRN reflects a shared vision shaped by people from across all ten boroughs of Greater Manchester’s recovery communities and service providers.
Together, we aim to:
- Host events and workshops that bring people together
- Share skills, stories, and support across communities
- Champion recovery as a positive social force
- Challenge stigma and stereotypes around substance misuse
- Support new groups to grow and thrive
Our Charter
We’ve created a shared charter to guide how we work together. It sets out our values, goals, and commitments, and reflects the inclusive, empowering spirit of recovery.
Who’s Involved
The following people, in various roles from different organisations, have been central to the development of the Greater Manchester Recovery Network by attending meetings and contributing to discussions:
- Bernard and Karen from Project FREE
- Kate and Cathy from SHINE
- Tracy and Jade from Emerging Futures
- Pauly and Paul from Wellsprings
- Robert and Clare from Turning Point
- Sam from CGL
- Verity and Bernadette from the Trafford Collective
- Matt from Creative Inclusion
- Tom from Calico
- Lisa, Liz, Darren and Louise from Acorn
- S-J, Mandy, and Pelo from GMMH
- Dan from Bolton Council
- Mark and Robert from Intuitive Thinking Skills
- Sue and Katie from Acorn Mcr
- Diane and Alicia from Acorn Stockport
- Chelsea from Brightstart Homes
- Pete from Red Rose Recovery
- Mark from GMCA
- Diane from the Gaddum
How We’re Supported
To help us stay connected and organised, Acorn Recovery is supporting the GMRN by coordinating planning meetings and hosting this website.
Acorn is Greater Manchester’s longest-established lived experience recovery group, founded in Stockport in 1997. It’s a registered charity and part of the Calico Group—a not-for-profit group of companies based in Lancashire and operating across the North West.
Open Meetings and Collaboration
We believe the best ideas come from working together. The GMRN holds regular open meetings where anyone involved in recovery—whether as a peer, volunteer, or professional—can join the conversation, share ideas, and help shape the network’s future.
Want to get involved? Keep an eye out for upcoming meeting dates, or contact us to find out how you can take part.
Contact Us
Are you part of a recovery group, peer network, or service in Greater Manchester?
Get in touch to add your group to our network, share your work, or help us build a directory of support across the region.
Together, we can make sure no one is left out.