The end of June marks the beginning of a brand new approach to how recovery is communicated, measured, and embraced in Middlesbrough. Officially launching, as part of Project Adder, Building Recovery in Middlesbrough (BRIM) is an innovative, town-wide vision featuring world-leading approaches to developing recovery capital.
Already on board, and involved in the ambitious programme of work, are Prof. David Best, Professor of Addiction Recovery, and William White, past-chair of the board of Recovery Communities United. With their combined, vast and proven experience in the field of addiction recovery behind our vision, we’re wonderfully excited to watch this ambitious project take shape.
Delivering life-changing goals
A key aspect of our vision involves matching recovery goals to the world renowned 17 sustainable development goals, as set by the United Nations. This future-proof approach builds into local, national and international approaches to community development, and will put recovery firmly in the minds of local people.
Also gaining a clearer insight into what works within local communities, we hope to simultaneously reduce stigma, and tangibly champion recovery. Bringing together even more genuine champions of recovery, with a greater community focus in place we anticipate more effective prevention, and early intervention support in the city.
Demonstrating community impact
And how will we measure the impact of this project? By continuously developing frameworks of support, including recovery focussed training, and expanding the reach and number of recovery activities. This, in turn, will see more graduates from and ambassadors for local recovery services, as well as an expansion of local recovery networks.
Ultimately, the intention is for this to create a level of cost-saving for local public services, with an increase in footfall at recovery services and organisations. And, with a city-wide approach to addiction in place, the transition to focusing on recovery, and what it can achieve, will become clear in communities across Middlesbrough.
Looking ahead
Launching this huge, positive programme, on June 28th, is only the first step. Bringing together local organisations, public services, and anybody who feels they have a role in improving life, locally, we will then get to work on implementing the strategies that will visibly build recovery in Middlesbrough.
And we want as many people as possible to be part of this conversation – we can’t wait to show you what’s next!
