DerbyshireLivedExperienceRecoveryDevelopment

Why are you doing these events?

These events are part of a county-wide consultation to co-create a development plan for in Derbyshire for Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs), which are recovery-led groups shaped and run by people with lived and living experience of addiction and recovery.

The Events are connection and learning, consultation and co-creation. Together, we’re exploring how lived experience can lead to change, shaping service and systems design, and support stronger recovery outcomes across the county.

The aim? To understand what communities need to start, grow and sustain LEROs in order to build a practical, community-led roadmap that can be acted on to provide the support to grow recovery through lived experience and lived-experience leadership.

Whether you're in recovery, support someone who is, or care about building stronger, more inclusive communities, your voice matters and we want to hear from you.

What will I get from attending?

These events are designed to be interactive, inclusive, and inspiring. Whether you’re already part of recovery communities, a member of the local community or you're working in the sector, you’ll have the chance to:

Learn about LEROs - what they are, how they work, and the theory and evidence behind them
Hear real-world examples of how LEROs have transformed people’s recovery journey
Explore the power of lived experience leadership and why it matters
Join creative workshops to share your own experiences, ideas, and priorities, and explore the potential and opportunities for LEROs in your area
Connect with others to grow local recovery networks and share best practice
Help shape a county-wide plan to support and grow LEROs in every part of Derbyshire

Each event will feature storytelling, practical discussion, peer insight, and is an open space for exchange.

Who can attend?

Anyone can attend!

We welcome everyone - all we ask is that you join us with curiosity and openness. This event is for...

- People in recovery or with lived or living experience of addiction
- Family members or loved ones of peolple with lived-experience of addiction or recovery
- Peer mentors, community connectors, and volunteers
- People who an involved in a LERO or are interested in starting or joining a LERO
- Workers in treatment, housing, health, criminal justice, and other sectors
- Funders, commissioners, policy partners
- Community and faith leaders
- Community members in the local area

This event is for anyone who is interested or invested in building recovery-led community action. Whether you’re already deeply involved or you are just curious, this is a welcoming space to contribute and grow.

What will happen after the events?

The insights, ideas and feedback gathered from every event will directly shape the Derbyshire LERO Development Plan, which will inform, through a holistic and community-built roadmap, how to support, fund, and grow lived experience-led recovery activity.

If you'd like to continue to stay involved, why don't you register your interest to join us in our upcoming monthly Derbyshire County LERO Development Network meetings online.

About Derbyshire County LERO Development Network meeting

This meeting will be held online once per month, and will be an informal network with the broad aims of:

Creating connections, network and exploring opportunities to develop Lived-Experience
Consultation and community-led co-production about the LERO Development Plan, future events and activities of this project
Dicussions and learning about local strengths, opportunities or barriers relating to recovery and recovery support

This meeting and network will evolve according to what best suits communities, individuals and groups .

All are welcome all to register their interest, but we ask that:

You are a resident of, or work in, or have a meaningful, relevant connection to Derbyshire County
You are supportive of recovery, tackling stigma and celebrating recovery

If you have any questions, please get in touch with us contact@recoverycommunityderbyshire.co.uk, or you can register your interest by completing the form at the link above.

Do I have to stay for the whole thing?

No absolutely not!

Three and a half hours is a long time, and we know its not always possible to spend that long somewhere. You can leave whenever you need, or join whenever you can get here - we're a friendly bunch and our events are relaxed and informal with people coming and going all the time.

Do I have to register to be able to attend?

No, not at all! The only reason we ask for people to register in advance is so we can have an idea for catering - but we'd much rather it was as easy as possible for you to join us. You're welcome to drop us a facebook message, or email us on contact@recoverycommunityderbyshire.co.uk if you'd like.

But, if it's easier, please just turn up - you don't need to let us know ahead of time.

Is there food and refreshments?

Yes! We will be providing *all free* teas, coffees and soft drinks. The food will be served at the beginning as people are arriving, and we use local caterers. This is usually a cold buffet style - such as sandwiches, pastries, cakes and crisps, and we cater for dietary requirements (do let us know ahead of time if you have a specific catering need so we can accommodate these for you!).

Where do I go when I arrive?

Each of our events are in different places so the buildings themselves are different - but we'll make sure this information is on our social media pages and you can ask us questions on Facebook or email about the venue if you have questions. Just get in touch!

Between 2nd - 14th July 2025, we hosted four events in Bakewell, Bolsover, Belper, and Buxton. Here’s what attendees told us:

Overwhelmingly positive experiences - 98% of all attendees at the four events were satisfied or very satisfied with the event.
A welcoming space for everyone - 99% of all the four events agreed the events were inclusive and friendly.
Nearly two-thirds of participants had personal or family experience of addiction and recovery.
Attendees came from every district in Derbyshire, with strong representation from Amber Valley, Chesterfield, High Peak, and Derbyshire Dales.
Inspiring and impactful - people said the most memorable moments were the powerful lived-experience talks, open discussions, and the energy of ideas for new recovery initiatives.

What attendees said about the events

“It made me realise how anything is possible… I really want a career in this role – I LOVED it!”

“Emma’s personal story was so open and honest… it made such an impact on the need for us to give everyone hope.”

“You could feel the passion of the organisers and speakers – it was uplifting.”

“Listening to people’s recovery stories… it was non-judgemental and inspiring.”

“Wonderful listening to you all… it hit home how much our local group fits the brief of a LERO.”

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