People from across Greater Manchester came together on 27 March to take part in a community-led event celebrating recovery from addiction, as the Greater Manchester Recovery Network (GMRN) officially launched at the Birch Community Centre in Fallowfield.
The event welcomed around 150 people from different community groups and local recovery services. Alongside creative performances, open mic contributions and interactive stalls, attendees also took part in a community clean up at Birch Park, linking recovery with pride in local neighbourhoods.
An hour of intense effort by four teams representing different areas generated 350kg of bagged litter and a little bit of prize money for the winners. It was not only a benefit to the environment but also a positive demonstration of civic action by people who have quite often been stigmatised by their local communities.
The winning group, Rehab Fitness, provide daily physical activities for people in Manchester who have suffered from addiction to drugs and alcohol. The runners up, Project FREE, operate in Bury and Oldham and support people who are involved in the criminal justice system by providing positive peer-led activities.
Other groups like Mums in Recovery, Portraits of Recovery, Emerging Futures, and BAC O’Connor also contributed to the event which was an opportunity for people to connect and share skills and knowledge around community support for people affected by substance misuse.
The GMRN is being coordinated by Acorn Recovery Projects, which was founded in Stockport in 1997, to bring people and organisations together across Greater Manchester, creating space for connection, learning and mutual support around recovery from addiction.
Stephanie Ash, who led the meeting, said: “This was always meant to be about community, not just organisations. Seeing so many people and grassroots groups come together on the day really showed the appetite for connection and collaboration.
“Recovery works best when people feel part of something bigger, and that’s exactly what we’re trying to build.”
Dr Lisa Ogilvie, from Acorn Recovery Projects, added: “Recovery is about more than stopping harmful behaviours, it’s about connection, belonging and healthier lives.
“Community led networks like the GMRN create the conditions where people can support each other, challenge stigma and build something positive together.”
Bernard Shaw from Project FREE is one of the leaders of the Network and was really pleased with how the event unfolded with many people finding an opportunity to speak publicly for the first time about the challenges they have faced and their ambition for the future.
He said: “We want the GMRN to be a safe space for people to connect and grow in their recovery journeys.”
The Greater Manchester Recovery Network is open to anyone with an interest in recovery, especially people with lived experience, community organisations and professionals.
Find out more at gmrn.org.uk.
