Shropshire and West Midlands residents urged to vote for Shrewsbury to host 2018 UK Recovery Walk
Residents across Shropshire and the West Midlands are being encouraged to vote for Shrewsbury to host the 10th anniversary of the annual UK Recovery Walk.
Shrewsbury is just one of two places in the UK who are bidding to be the host town for the walk in 2018 and will be competing against the City of Bradford.
a past UK Recovery Walk
UK Recovery Walk is organised by Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR) UK and takes place each September, in line with ‘recovery month’, to raise awareness of substance use disorders and recovery from addiction.
The event celebrates the achievements of individuals in recovery, while acknowledging the work of prevention, treatment and recovery services. At the events individuals, their families and friends are encouraged to share their stories as a demonstration that long-term recovery is a reality in their lives, and together confirming and upholding that recovery from addiction is not only possible but a reality.
Shrewsbury’s Bid for the UK Recovery Walk 2018 has been supported by the Shrewsbury Recovery Walk Steering Group, a partnership made up of representatives from:
- Shropshire Recovery Partnership
- Team Shrewsbury
- Shropshire Council
- Shrewsbury Town Council
- Public Health England
- Shrewsbury Business Improvement District.
- Shrewsbury Street Pastors
- West Mercia Police
- Shropshire Community Leisure Trust
- University Centre Shrewsbury.
Hosting the UK Recovery Walk in Shrewsbury would provide an opportunity to highlight the achievements of the Shropshire recovery community, alongside the valuable, lifesaving work of our drug and alcohol treatment services.
It would also put the county town, and Shropshire as a whole, into the national focus throughout Recovery Month 2018.
Additionally, hosting the walk would bring economic benefits to Shrewsbury through attracting around 5,000 participants to the town. Other opportunities include strengthening community engagement to develop community resilience, and promoting the quality of the recovery services.
Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, adult social care and housing, said:-
“Substance misuse and addiction has a huge impact on individuals and families.
“The UK Recovery Walk allows people recovering from addiction, alongside friends, families and carers from all over the country to take part and provide inspiration to others who are struggling to overcome addiction or dependence. If we win, not only will this be a first for Shrewsbury and Shropshire, it will be the first time in four years that the West Midlands will have hosted the event.
“I passionately believe we should support this important event, and urge everyone in Shropshire and our neighbouring counties to vote for Shrewsbury to become 2018’s host town.”
Tam Mosey, Service Manager, Shropshire Recovery Partnership, added:
“Recovery is growing and developing month on month in Shropshire, however, we recognise that this is a start and a more needs to be done to engage with public and partners.
“The UK Recovery Walk would provide a fantastic opportunity for our recovery communities and professionals to come together and, not only run a great event, but to produce a legacy that will be built on and will continue to benefit the people of Shropshire for years to come.
“Your support is needed to bring the Recovery Walk to Shropshire so please vote for Shrewsbury.”
Professor Rod Thomson, Shropshire Council’s director of public health, said:
“The UK Recovery Walk sees thousands of people in recovery from addiction joining together to celebrate recovery and reduce the stigma associated with those affected by substance misuse.
“This event will raise awareness of drug and alcohol dependency, and challenge stigma linked with substance misuse. We will continue to build on this momentum, to grow and develop our recovery network, bringing disparate communities together in order to build resilience and support.
“Hosting the Recovery Walk will act as a catalyst to bring individuals, groups, services, and organisations together to continue to establish and grow recovery in Shropshire.”
Voting closes at 12pm on Friday 28 July 2017, and the result is announced on Saturday 29 July at this year’s host winners party in Blackpool.
Voting is really easy and literally takes just a few seconds. To cast your vote, all you have to do is use your own personal mobile device, laptop or computer and go to https://s.surveytown.com/survey/?c=200216&id=1. You can also vote on the Healthy Shropshire website at www.healthyshropshire.co.uk.
To view Shrewsbury’s Bid for the UK Recovery Walk 2018 go to http://www.facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk.org/vote-2018/
You can also view a film about the experience of those who have or going through recovery here https://vimeo.com/220287475
If you or someone you know is affected by or worried about alcohol and or drug use, call Shropshire Recovery Partnership on 01743 294700 or visit www.shropshirerecovery.com.
Further information
Each year FAVOR UK members guided by the bidding process choose one UK city or town to host the UK Recovery Walk event.
Shropshire Council’s Cabinet agreed to back Shropshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team in bidding to host the UK Recovery Walk, in June this year.
The focus of the UK Recovery Walk is a public education and outreach campaign that communicates by offering living proof of the reality of long-term addiction recovery. It also highlight the many pathways and styles of such recovery to the public, policymakers, the media and communities.
The good news now is that you no longer need to be a member of FAVOR UK to cast a vote – it’s open to everyone.
