Forward Leeds and 5 WAYS Recovery Academy joined hundreds of people in Bradford to celebrate recovery, hope and the positive changes people can make in their lives.
The Bradford Recovery Walk brought together people with lived experience, families, friends, recovery organisations and services from across the UK, all united by a simple message: ‘recovery is possible’.
5 WAYS members, staff and people connected to Forward Leeds were among those taking part in the walk, showing their support for everyone on a recovery journey and helping to celebrate the many different paths recovery can take.
5 WAYS-based Building Recovery in Communities Worker Carla Carr said: “It was fantastic to be part of the Recovery Walk and to stand alongside so many people celebrating recovery. Days like this remind us that recovery isn’t something you do alone. Seeing people come together from across Yorkshire to share their stories, support one another and celebrate what’s possible gave me a real sense of hope and pride. It was a brilliant day and a powerful reminder that recovery changes lives.”
The event was organised by Faces & Voices of Recovery UK and Create Strength Group Bradford, with Bradford Council hosting the event.
As well as the walk itself, the Recovery Village provided a full programme of entertainment and activities, creating a lively and welcoming space for people to come together, meet others and celebrate recovery.
Entertainment throughout the afternoon included singers Cheryl Holland and Joseph Braithwaite, Punjabi Roots drummers with Sheffield School of Bollywood, Sweet K&T Steel Pan Band, fire performer Gemma Cain and DJs.
There were also stilt walkers, balloon fairies, face painters, circus workshops and other performers along the route and in the Recovery Village.
For Forward Leeds and 5 WAYS, events like the Bradford Recovery Walk are an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people in recovery and to highlight the importance of connection, community and having opportunities to discover new interests and build a fulfilling life.
The day was also a chance to meet people from recovery communities across the region, share experiences and show that people do not have to face recovery alone.
A huge thank you to everyone who took part and helped make the day such a positive and inspiring celebration of recovery, and especially to Faces & Voices of Recovery UK and Create Strength Group Bradford for organising the event, and Bradford Council for hosting it.
