Making the most of a sun-drenched day, a team of clients and colleagues from Spark and Red Rose Recovery took part in a five mile walk to raise awareness for National Recovery Month.
Starting at Café Hub on Foundry Street in Darwen at 11am, the group headed off on their venture to Spark in Blackburn Town Centre – taking a quick pit stop in Ewood along the way.
The walk aims to honour the journey of recovery, challenge the stigma surrounding addiction and highlight the positive impact of the recovery community on individuals, families and the wider community.
As well as raising awareness for recovery with colourful banners, the group armed themselves with litter pickers in their ongoing crusade against rubbish. Throughout the day, over four bin bags of litter were collected.
The team was made up of colleagues and customers from Spark and Red Rose Recovery, who both provide vital alcohol and drugs services and support within Blackburn with Darwen.
Karen Marsden, who learned about Spark through an employability event, headed out on the venture to show support for her recovery community.
Although not in recovery herself, she expressed the importance of services like Spark in understanding others dealing with addiction.
Karen shared: “My son is in recovery; when he was struggling with addiction, I never understood and thought it was a choice”.
She continued: “These events are great for the community and for family and friends of people going through recovery. Everyone is so friendly and hearing their stories makes me understand and empathise so much more”.
Through National Recovery Month, Spark have been hosting a range of fun activities across the borough, including an Olympics inspired fitness event and an employability celebration.
To find out more about Spark, please visit sparkbwd.org.uk or call 01254 495014.
