Underpinned by the Scottish Government’s Road to Recovery Strategy and brought to life by its participants, the community-based, North West Recovery Communities (NWRC) has played a major part in helping to transform Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Services across Glasgow over the last five years.This year, on 5 July at Woodside Halls, NWRC celebrated the achievements of the past five years by showcasing the highlights and setting the scene for taking forward a Recovery Orientated System of Care within North West Locality.

Woodside Halls were decorated to the highest standard, with all hands on deck from early in the morning to get the room looking ship shape. Irene, one of the volunteers, said: “the place needed to look amazing, it shows others that they are respected and that we want to invest in the partnerships we have with them. It also helps to build confidence amongst us as volunteers. It makes a big difference when you are included as part of the team who will make the day a success rather than just turning up to take part!”

A major focus of the day was the launch of NWRC website containing all of the programme information about the recovery programmes available locally as well as plenty of recovery stories, illustrating that recovery is possible and that it happens day in and day out on our doorsteps.

Another part of the website is dedicated to the development of a Recovery Orientated System of Care, providing a seamless, engaging and relevant pathway for all members of the community to contribute to improving lives, enhancing their well-being and ultimately changing the culture that has kept communities in the clutches of addiction for many years. The message is all about promoting recovery, building on our assets, leaning towards what is working and what is making the most difference to people’s lives, rather than being caught up in the what isn’t working.

Jackie Kerr, Head of Operations for North West Locality, Glasgow City Health and Social Care Partnership, spoke at the event and endorsed the role of Recovery Communities.

She said: “A shift in how resources are utilised and a more asset based way of thinking

and operating have allowed services to attune themselves more readily to the needs of communities. Valuing the contribution of those with lived experience of alcohol and drugs

as well as being inclusive of their families will help take forward a model of recovery that is second to none. I’m very inspired by the work of North West Recovery Communities, so much so, we need to begin to look at how we embed this approach in all aspects of our work within a health and social care context.”

Christine Laverty, Head of Addiction Services for North West Locality summed up the day. She said: “Recovery Communities are a critical part of the Alcohol and Drugs Recovery Services model going forward. The redesign of services ensured that Recovery Communities had been written in as a vital part of the menu of opportunities available to support people achieve and maintain recovery. Care and Treatment Services will always be a vital part of recovery however the role of those with lived experience has proved to accelerate and help sustain recovery in a way we had not experienced before.”