Portsmouth is set to become an ‘Inclusive Recovery City’

The council have signed a charter this week, which will further strengthen their existing commitment to supporting people to recover from drug and alcohol addiction.

Yesterday, Portsmouth Guildhall hosted a celebratory launch event, which included an awards ceremony to recognise those who have made a difference in the recovery community.

An Inclusive Recovery City is a place which visibly promotes recovery from addiction, challenges stigma and champions pathways to recovery. The concept was developed by David Best, Professor of Addiction Recovery at Leeds Trinity University, as an idea of what could be done at a local level to help start and sustain people’s recovery from addiction.

Professor Best, who will be a special guest at the launch event, said:

“We are attempting to link cities engaged in innovative recovery activities to benefit the whole community and improve social cohesion and connections by active community participation and citizenship. People in recovery from drug and alcohol addiction become part of a supportive community and they also give back, so it’s envisioned the whole city will benefit.”

In Portsmouth, there are existing initiatives which support recovery and help to forge connections between those in recovery and the wider community. This includes the council’s Re:work programme which supports people in recovery into employment based on their skills, experience and aspirations.

Part of becoming an Inclusive Recovery City will involve hosting events and activities which celebrate and promote recovery from addiction. Examples of such activities already taking place in Portsmouth include the annual recovery film festival and a pop-up in Guildhall Square where passersby can sit and have a chat with people in recovery while enjoying a free coffee.

The B.More group has been set up to lead the Inclusive Recovery City programme. The group is primarily led by people with a lived experience of addiction but is looking to include staff and members of the wider community.

Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care, at Portsmouth City Council, said:

“I am proud that we’re taking this positive step, and we will embrace the opportunity to further promote recovery in the city and help to tackle stigma around addiction and recovery.

“Our existing recovery-inclusive activities show how recovery can be a visible part of our city, and the benefits can be mutually felt for those in recovery and other residents.”

Portsmouth will be the first city in the South of England to sign the charter. Existing Recovery Cities in the UK include Middlesbrough, Sheffield, Leeds, York, Nottingham, Newcastle, Mansfield, Blackpool and Birmingham.

Following the launch and awards event, Portsmouth Film Society will kick off their 2024 Recovery Festival in The Studio at the Guildhall. Running until Saturday 16 November, the four-day festival programme includes a range of events, workshops, film premieres, and celebrations, showcasing the power of creativity and community in the recovery journey. Find out more: www.portsmouthfilmsociety.org.uk/recoveryfestival

If you are concerned about your or a loved one’s use of drugs or alcohol, then find out about free and confidential support at www.portsmouthrecovery.org