Work well underway to host one of UK’s largest celebration of people in recovery
Work is now well underway to host one of the biggest celebrations of people in recovery in the UK.
The UK Recovery Walk 2018 will be held in Shrewsbury from 12pm (midday) on Saturday 8 September 2018 and more than 5,000 individuals and families are expected to walk through the centre of the town to celebrate the event. The walk, organised by Faces and Voices of Recovery (FAVOR UK), is held every September as part of International Recovery Month.
Shrewsbury’s FAVOR UK Recovery Walk steering group
Shrewsbury’s Recovery Walk Steering group was successful in winning the bid to host the 10th anniversary of the annual event which celebrates the achievements of individuals in recovery.
The Quarry, Shrewsbury. Photo: Paul Hutchinson, Virtual Shropshire.
The walking route will start and finish at The Quarry town park, and thousands of individuals and families will walk through the town centre accompanied by entertainment along the way.
From The Quarry the walk will proceed along Victoria Avenue, Victoria Quay, Mardol Quay, Smithfield Road, Castle Gates, Castle Street, St Marys Street, Dogpole, Wyle Cop, High Street, Mardol Head, Shoplatch, St John’s Hill, St Chad’s Terrace and back into The Quarry.
The total route is 1.7 miles and takes around 45 minutes to an hour and half to complete from start to finish. There will also be a host of activities and entertainment in The Quarry, including music, circus acts and performances. There will also be a marquee with a range of organisations offering advice and information.
Anne-Marie Ward, CEO at FAVOR UK, said:
“Throughout September, as part of International Recovery Month, thousands of people in the UK and around the world will be organising local events celebrating the fact that recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs is a lived reality in their lives.
“We look forward to seeing you at the 10th UK Recovery Walk in Shrewsbury on 8 September, to celebrate the achievements of individuals in recovery and acknowledge the work of prevention, treatment, and recovery support services.”
Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for health, adult social care and housing, added:
“We are delighted to support the FAVOR UK Recovery Walk 2018. The inspirational event, will show a hugely positive face of recovery and will demonstrate the benefits recovery from substance use disorder brings to the community as a whole.
“Many people don’t think that someone they know or love, or even themselves, can become addicted to substances; however, becoming dependent on drugs and alcohol can happen to anyone. It’s important to keep in mind that we can all do a better job of decreasing stigma around drug use.
“This event is for everyone and we encourage as many people Shropshire to come and join in the celebrations in Shrewsbury on 8 September.”
You can either register online or turn up on the day.
To find out more about FAVOR UK Recovery Walk 2018 and to join the walk visit http://www.facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk.org/event/shrewsbury/
You can also listen to Anne-Marie (on Radio 5 Live’s breakfast show) at https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b09z5tvf#play=01h04m55s
Further information
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:
- FAVOR UK
- Mayor of Shrewsbury
- Public Health England
- Service User Representative
- Shrewsbury Bid
- Shrewsbury Street Pastors
- Shrewsbury Town Council
- Shropshire Community Leisure Trust
- Shropshire Council
- Shropshire Recovery Partnership
- Team Shrewsbury
- University Centre Shrewsbury/University of Chester
- West Mercia Police
Each year FAVOR UK members guided by the bidding process choose one UK city or town to host the National Recovery Walk event.
About Shrewsbury
- Shrewsbury is the county town of Shropshire and one of England’s finest medieval towns with its historical black and white buildings and picturesque cobbled alleys and squares.
- Shrewsbury is the birthplace and childhood home of Charles Darwin who grew up here, and the town is full of memories of this. There is a Charles Darwin trail through the town, not to be missed.
- Known as the town of flowers, Shrewsbury regularly wins the Britain in Bloom title with its beautiful Quarry Park, Dingle and riverside walks beside the Severn.
- Shrewsbury is the perfect place to explore the 660 listed buildings, and exceptional number of fascinating, independent shops that makes Shrewsbury’s shopping so special.
- University Centre Shrewsbury has brought an energy and vibrancy to the town which is reflected in our cafe culture, thriving live music scene and growing number of restaurants and creative venues.
- Shrewsbury is full of secret places to be discovered. Explore by foot, or enjoy a boat trip on the Sabrina riverboat. Enjoy the castle and the churches that dominate Shrewsbury’s famous skyline.
- To find out more about one of England’s finest towns visit http://www.originalshrewsbury.co.uk/
