Liverpool Recovery Month celebrates families, connection and community 

Liverpool Recovery Month celebrates families, connection and community 

The focus of the third week of Liverpool Recovery Month will be on families, carers, children, and young people. This week aims to emphasize the ways in which recovery can reinforce family bonds and nurture meaningful relationships. It will also celebrate the significant contributions that close family members, peer support networks, and local communities make during the recovery process.

Throughout Liverpool and Merseyside, a variety of events are planned to foster connection and support. These include coffee mornings, creative workshops, recovery-themed walks, and community gatherings. Such activities are designed to encourage residents to engage with local services and meet others who share similar experiences, providing an environment of understanding and solidarity.

Special attention will be given to the importance of providing early and accessible information to children and young people. Having honest, age-appropriate discussions about the potential risks linked to alcohol, drugs, gambling, and smoking helps build their resilience and empowers them to seek help if they or someone they know is struggling. It is recognized that recovery impacts entire families, so support is also aimed at parents, carers, and loved ones to help maintain their wellbeing throughout the journey.

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, shared his thoughts: “Recovery can have a positive impact on entire families, helping people rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and look towards the future with hope. Families and carers often provide vital encouragement, but they need care and understanding too. This week is about making sure everyone affected knows that support is available. It is also a chance to celebrate the community groups, volunteers and people with lived experience who help create welcoming places where Liverpool residents can connect and feel that they belong.” Similarly, Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, emphasized the critical role of early support: “Giving children and young people clear information, trusted support and opportunities to build resilience can help prevent harm and protect their wellbeing. Early support matters, but people should never feel it is too late to ask for help. Services across Liverpool work with individuals, families and carers at every stage of recovery. By strengthening connections between families, communities and local organisations, we can reduce stigma and make it easier for people to reach out.”

Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team leads Recovery Month, collaborating with individuals who have lived experience, healthcare providers, charities, and community groups from across the city and wider Merseyside. Those seeking support or more information about recovery and wellbeing services throughout the region are encouraged to visit the Liverpool Public Health linktree for resources.

Additionally, specialized support services are available for families and young people. The RIVER Young People Support Service offers confidential assistance to those under 25 affected by their own or another person’s substance use, also providing guidance to parents, carers, and professionals. For families and kinship carers impacted by alcohol or drug use, Sanctuary Family Support delivers free, confidential help. Contact details and service websites are available for both organizations to facilitate access to these vital resources

Read the full article on Liverpool Express here: Read More