“In July 2019 Newcastle were successful in their bid to partner with Faces and Voices of Recovery UK (@FAVORUK) to host the 2020 UK Recovery Walk event and conference.
However, due to the current national situation with Covid-19 and the Government lock down restrictions that are in place the decision has been made by FAVOR UK and Newcastle City Council to postpone the planned 2020 walk to September 2021.
In making this decision we have considered all the amazing hard work that has already been done by the planning group of volunteers, FAVOR UK and supporting organisations. However, the priority has had to be to keep everyone safe in these unusual times.
We also feel that under the circumstances a message of celebration and recovery is needed now more than ever; so, we will be having a 2-day virtual/online celebration as well as an online conference on the 18th & 19th of September which we will want you all to take part in via social media.
In addition to these events in 2020 it has been agreed that Newcastle will be able to host the UK Recovery Walk 2021. This will give us the chance to not only celebrate people’s recovery journey from drug and alcohol issues but also a chance to show a true recovery city.
We will share updates and news on what you can expect to see in September 2020 but also our plans for 2021 on the FAVOR UK website & social media channels. And how you can get involved and celebrate with us”.
Annemarie Ward CEO of FAVOR UK said:
“Whilst this will be the first interruption to our 12th annual UK wide celebration of recovery it wont stop us from having a great time. We hope you will all respect our decision to postpone our hugs in real life with #virtualhugs till we can see each other again safely in Newcastle 2021. Please join us online via our facebook page over the the 18th & 19th of September to help us have fun with wonderful interactive activities to celebrate & advocate for #recoverymonth.”
Cllr John-Paul Stephenson, Newcastle City Council cabinet member for Public Health and Neighbourhoods, said:
“Helping people through their recoveries is one of our key public health priorities and we are saddened to have to put on hold our plans to celebrate the many success stories people have to share.
“However, people’s health and safety must be our number one concern and in light of the ongoing pandemic, we have agreed all parties are better suited to postponing this event.
“We look forward to holding a digital recovery celebration this September which will allow us to champion so much of the good work which takes place in our city before welcoming the UK Recovery Walk to Newcastle next year.”
For media enquiries please contact [annemarie@facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk.org]
Notes to editor:
About Faces & Voices of Recovery UK
Faces & Voices of Recovery UK are a national charity, made up of individuals in recovery, their friends and families and Community Recovery Organisations.
We are a policy advocacy movement that is taking on issues of discrimination, social justice and service access. A public and professional education movement, intent on challenging stigma.
Faces & Voices of Recovery UK is dedicated to organising and mobilising:
- the recovery community in recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs
- our families, friends and allies into recovery community organisations and networks.
For further information about Faces& Voices of Recovery UK’s work or to find out how to support the charity, please email info@facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk.org or visit www.facesandvoicesofrecoveryuk.org. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.