On Saturday, 15th September Roundhay Park rocked to the sound of music and cheers as Recoverfest got underway. This was a festival with a difference, the UK's first ever event exclusively for people recovering from drug or alcohol problems.

A spokesman for the Yorkshire and Humberside Recovery Forum, which, together with the National Treatment Agency for Yorkshire and the Humber, organised the event said:  "Recoverfest is all about coming together to celebrate recovery and transformation. Today we've seen over 1,200 people who have turned their lives around partying and enjoying themselves drug and alcohol free. Their message is simple, people can and do recover."

"We hope this event will raise the profile of the recovery work that's going on in the region including a number of self-help groups, local services and national specialist treatment providers. 

"There's still a lot of stigma in society around substance misuse issues which can prevent individuals and families asking for help. But more and more people are being open about their past and saying if I can do it so can you, you've just got to reach out and ask for help."

More information

The Yorkshire and East Midlands team is led by regional manager Corinne Harvey and is supported by deputy regional managers, ITDS development managers, co-ordinators and administrators. Contact the Yorkshire and East Midlands team.