More than 300 people came together to learn more about recovery from substance use and to celebrate recovery successes at SHP and the Integrated Camden Drug Services’ (iCADS) Discover Recovery event at Arlington House in Camden on Friday 27 January. 

The event, which was opened by the Deputy Mayor of Camden Richard Cotton, included stands from dozens of organisations providing substance recovery services in the borough as well as drop-in recovery taster sessions, art therapy and mindfulness workshops, music and drama performances and inspirational recovery stories from people who have already overcome their substance use addictions.

Joe Mitchell, Service Manager at SHP’s Camden Recovery Service, said: “We were blown away by the number of people who came along to what was a fantastic, vibrant afternoon and it was great to see so many people taking part in some of the sessions.”

The Camden Recovery and Islington Aftercare Services offer individually-tailored support to empower people who are in recovery from substance use in Islington and Camden to access education, training, employment and volunteering opportunities. Clients of the service have regular one-to-one key-working sessions for up to 12 weeks, as well as access to a range of confidence-boosting and skill-building day programmes, group sessions, mutual aid and peer support, IT and employability workshops and Peer Mentoring volunteering opportunities. In 2015, the Camden Recovery and Islington Aftercare services supported over 200 people into employment. 

Joe added: “We really hope that the event will show people who want to overcome their substance addictions that recovery is possible and that there is plenty of flexible support out there. We were very lucky to have lots of our Peer Mentors, people who have literally been there, done that and got the t-shirt, at the event to speak to and inspire people who are at the beginning of their recovery journeys. The event was also the perfect opportunity to give special recognition to the many staff and service users who have gone above and beyond for recovery.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who made the event possible and – most importantly – all those who came along to find out more about recovery options in Camden.”