A variety of events are taking place this month in Hartlepool to help tackle stigma associated with addiction and celebrate recovery.

The Hartlepool Recovery Festival, organised by Hartlepool Borough Council's drug and alcohol support service Start, and Recovery Connections, sees a range of exciting and supportive events happening across the borough.

The festival, linked to National Recovery Month in September, is designed to tackle stigma and raise awareness of services in Hartlepool.

It also gives a platform for people to speak about their recovery stories and inform the public about the personal and wider impacts of drug and alcohol use, as well as remind everyone why it’s so important to make recovery visible.

Cllr Christine Wiley (inset) is backing the initiative involving Hartlepool's Start recovery centre.

placeholder image — Cllr Christine Wiley (inset) is backing the initiative involving Hartlepool's Start recovery centre.

Events taking place throughout the month include recovery roadshows attended by the Start team, art exhibitions, a cricket match and music gig.

Councillor Christine Wiley, chair of the Adult Services and Public Health Committee, said: “We have all heard stories of family members, friends or people in the community who have suffered.

“Yet despite this, when addiction touches people in a directly personal way, they often find it difficult, almost impossible at times, to find ways to talk about their experiences of recovery and treatment.

“The festival is a fantastic initiative that aims to bring people together to chat, open up dialogue and provide them with support in a friendly environment. I would encourage as many people as possible to get involved.”

Highlights of recovery month so far have included an Art in Recovery exhibition at Hartlepool Art Gallery led by artist Sam Williams who volunteers for Recovery Connections and leads weekly art sessions.

A Recovery Roadshow takes place at Community Hub South, in Wynyard Road, on Tuesday, September 15 at 10am-2pm.

And a recovery gig at The Studio, in Tower Street, from 7pm on Friday, September 18, will feature inspiring speakers followed by a live band and DJ.

People are also invited to a Community Garden Day, at the Waverley Community Garden, on Saturday, September 26, for a picnic, games, activities and a celebration of recovery in the community.

These events are open to anyone in recovery, those affected by drug or alcohol use, and anyone who wants to support and celebrate recovery in Hartlepool.

For more details contact Billy Knight from Start on (01429) 285000 or by emailing [email protected]