Reflections from Wolverhampton Recovery Walk: Celebrating Recovery

Introduction

“I rarely get through a service visit without shedding a tear. That’s been true since my very first role in support work 14 years ago. I vividly remember my first ever assessment in a youth offending team, coming out in tears and wondering how a young person could show such resilience and hope in the face of so much adversity. I thought then — and I still think now — that if I had been in his shoes, I might not have made it through.

That feeling hasn’t left me. Every time I visit a service, I come away struck by the remarkable strength of the people we work with. They’ve often been dealt a very difficult hand, but their resilience and determination are what get me out of bed every morning. And over two days in Wolverhampton, that feeling was stronger than ever.”

Day One: The Conference

“Each year, a different city hosts the National Recovery Walk. Wolverhampton won the bid for 2025, and the celebrations began with a recovery conference at Molineux Stadium, home of Wolverhampton Wanderers. The event was organised by organised by FAVOR UK, The Good Shepherd, SUIT, Recovery Near You and our local authority commissioning team.”

“The day brought together professionals, commissioners, and people in recovery from across the country. We explored how recovery is rooted in community, why partnerships matter, and how relationships are at the heart of change. But the most powerful moments came from those with lived experience, people who stood up and shared their journeys with honesty and courage.

I lost count of the number of times I sat in tears, overwhelmed with pride. Pride in the work of Recovery Near You, pride in my colleagues, and above all pride in the people telling their stories. Their courage, resilience, and daily commitment to recovery are nothing short of remarkable.

The day ended with a moving service at St Peter’s Church to remember those we have lost, and to celebrate how faith can support recovery. It was a reminder that life is precious, everyone deserves second chances, and that together we can create the conditions for people to succeed.”

Day Two: The Walk

“Thousands of people – those in recovery, their families, friends, professionals, and communities came together on the second day of celebration to walk through the city in solidarity. The streets were filled with colour, music, banners, and above all, hope. For me, it was a vivid reminder that recovery is not something hidden away; it’s something to be proud of, to celebrate, and to share with others.”

“What struck me most was the sense of belonging. People from every background, every stage of recovery, and every corner of the country walked side by side. Each step was both symbolic and real: a step forward into a life of possibility, supported by community.

In the morning, I met a couple who were visibly moved as they told me they were heading to the walk to watch their son perform later in the day. It was only afterwards, that I learned the depth of their story. Their son, once supported by our W360 children’s team as an affected other, has grown up with recovery as part of his family’s journey.”

“And the celebrations didn’t stop there. After the walk, the recovery village and festival transformed West Park into a hub of connection and creativity. Services from across the country showcased the support available, while art exhibitions, theatre productions, dance classes, bhangra drumming, and even silent discos filled the park with energy and joy.

It wasn’t just about entertainment though there was plenty of that. The arts, culture, faith, and community all play a vital role in recovery. For many, creative expression offers purpose, belonging, and focus in the same way that family or faith can. To see this celebrated so openly, with local people joining in alongside those in recovery, was inspiring. Wolverhampton didn’t just host the walk, it embraced recovery.

Final Reflections

Over two days, I felt privileged to be surrounded by passionate colleagues, supportive commissioners, and people whose courage and resilience are changing their own lives and inspiring others to do the same. Recovery is not just about treatment. It’s about people, families, communities, relationships, and hope. Wolverhampton’s Recovery Walk was a reminder of why we do what we do — and why it matters.

Together, we can help create communities where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.”