Forward Leeds held its largest-ever Recovery Graduation on 2 September, celebrating people who have achieved lasting recovery from alcohol and/or drug use.
The graduates were congratulated by Lord Mayor of Leeds Dan Cohen, world boxing champions Josh Warrington and Maxi Hughes, Leeds Rhinos legend Jamie Jones-Buchanan, World Cup winning cricketer Beth Langston and TV and YouTube sensation Danny Malin.
Handing out certificates, they underscored the message that recovery is something to be recognised and celebrated by all.
“Meeting these incredible graduates reminded me of what true strength looks like,” said Danny Malin . “It’s not just about the challenges they’ve faced, but also the triumphs they’ve earned. This night isn’t just a milestone in their journey; it’s a powerful message of hope for everyone in Leeds.”
Leeds City Council’s Executive Member for Equality, Health and Wellbeing Cllr Fiona Venner attended the event and said: “The Forward Leeds Recovery Graduation was a truly inspiring and uplifting event. Graduates showed courage and generosity of spirit in sharing their stories which were harrowing and moving in equal measures.
“What shone through was their gratitude for being given another chance at life and the utter skill, dedication and compassion of the Forward Leeds staff who had supported their recovery. This my first graduation and it was an absolute privilege to be there. I hope everyone at Forward Leeds is proud of the consistently outstanding and life-changing support they provide”.
Graduate Alex Hamilton commented: “The night was an inspiration for everyone, people who were stuck in the darkness now coming out into the light and shining. There were so many people who are now giving back to help others”.
The Forward Leeds Recovery Graduation was a truly inspiring and uplifting event. Graduates showed courage and generosity of sprit in sharing their stories which were harrowing and moving in equal measures. What shone through was their gratitude for being given another chance at life and the utter skill, dedication and compassion of the Forward Leeds staff who had supported their recovery. This my first graduation and it was an absolute privilege to be there. I hope everyone at Forward Leeds is proud of the consistently outstanding and life changing support they provide.
Operations Director Helen Cook reflected on the continued importance of the event: “Having the Lord Mayor and other local famous faces at our celebration helps dismantle stigma. It tells our graduates, you’ve done something extraordinary, and you deserve all the recognition and pride that comes with it.”
The 2025 Recovery Graduation, which took place in the newly refurbished Leeds Lounge at Elland Road, was the most well-attended to date, showing Forward Leeds’s growing reach and impact in their tenth year.
Taking place in national Recovery Month, the graduation is always a key date in Forward Leeds’s calendar. A moment to publicly honour the dedication of people rebuilding their lives, and to inspire others that recovery is possible.
Photo above is from left to right: Forward Leeds Service Director Helen Cook, Danny Malin, Maxi Hughes, Lord Mayor of Leeds Dan Cohen, Sean O’Hagan, Josh Warrington, Waythrough Charity Executive Director Ted Haughey, Beth Langston and Jamie Jones-Buchanan.