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A free event in Liverpool will highlight inspiring stories of survival, resilience, and hope as part of the city’s recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day. Scheduled for Monday, 31 August 2026, Voices of Recovery will take place at the Museum of Liverpool, bringing together individuals with lived experience, local support services, and community members. The event will run from 11am until 4pm and aims to provide a platform for people in recovery from drug and alcohol use to share their journeys, raise awareness about available support, and address the stigma linked to addiction and overdose.
International Overdose Awareness Day is observed worldwide as an opportunity to remember those who have died due to overdose, support bereaved families and friends, and promote the message that overdose deaths are preventable. Liverpool’s event will create space for attendees to listen to firsthand accounts, meet organizations engaged in recovery efforts across the city, and learn where to find advice, treatment, and support. It also offers a chance to connect with others affected by substance use and foster a wider conversation about recovery and hope.
The event is open to all residents free of charge and requires no prior booking. In a related gesture, Liverpool Town Hall will be lit up in purple—the internationally recognized color symbolizing overdose awareness—to honor those lost and show solidarity with those affected. This illumination will also serve as a beacon of hope, reinforcing the message that recovery is achievable when proper support is available.
Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, emphasized the importance of listening to voices of lived experience: “The most powerful way to challenge stigma is to listen to people who have experienced addiction and recovery. Their stories show enormous courage and remind us that recovery is possible. Whether you have lost someone, are worried about yourself or somebody close to you, are in recovery or simply want to listen and learn, you will be warmly welcomed. Nobody should ever feel ashamed to ask for help.” Similarly, Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, underscored the tragic impact of overdose and the event’s role in fostering understanding and support: “Every life lost to overdose is a tragedy, with a lasting impact on families, friends and communities. Voices of Recovery will help residents better understand the realities of addiction, hear directly from people with lived experience and connect with services offering compassionate, practical support. By listening and working together, we can reduce harm, prevent overdoses and give more people hope.”
For individuals concerned about drug or alcohol use in themselves or others, RIVER offers confidential assistance throughout Liverpool. Their services include one-to-one support, group sessions, treatment options, and aid for families and carers. Residents can contact RIVER via phone at 0151 706 7888, email at liverpool.info@cgl.org.uk, or visit any RIVER hub without an appointment for an initial meeting
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