We started the event with speaker David Henstock, who is the Public Health Lead (Substance Misuse) for Derbyshire County Council, who shared the hopes and aspirations of Public Health, moving from harm to hope, and how this project will provide a clear roadmap, built by the Derbyshire County community, on developing and supporting LEROs (Lived-Experience Recovery Organisations).
Mark and Ellie from Recovery Connections shared information about the project, which is available on our website if you'd like to read more about this.
We introduced Dot Smith and Jenny Bryson from Recovery Connections, a LERO who is delivering this project.
Recovery Connections is led by the people they support, deeply rooted in the community and provides a broad range of projects and support
Some of the fantastic team from Recovery Connections were there on the day, having conversations, making sure all felt welcome and building connections.
We then introduced Chris Sylvester from Getting Clean CIC, a rapidly growing LERO based in Leeds. Getting Clean is a Leeds-based lived-experience organisation founded by Chris, that creates 'soap with hope'.
Their product is made by people in recovery, with every bar telling a story of resilience and transformation. All proceeds are channelled back into the community and peer support. His talk was a real highlight, with Chris' message of hope, visible recovery and inspiration.
You can find out more about Getting Clean by visiting their website or by following them on social media channels.
After a break, we asked "What does Lived-Experience Leadership mean to you?" and asked all attendees to write on a bunting triangle which was then displayed around the room.
We've put together an image of the bunting to share the insights from this activity.
Our final workshop of the day was a 'Build a LERO' Activity. The aim of this activity was to imagine and consider the possibilities for starting, growing and sustaining our own Lived-Experience Recovery Organisation. The themes we took were about:
● Challenging stigma
● Holistic support - and truly seeing people
● Breaking down barriers
● Education
● Connection - bringing people together in a safe, inclusive way
● Meeting people where they are - and in particular, going to where they are (and making it easier for people to access support).
Throughout the day the talented Kelly, a Derbyshire based artist, cartoonist and illustrator from 13 Bends Design captured sketch notes (visual and artistic notes which capture key information, moments and discussions from the day).
Mailing list or join LERO Network Meeting: Want to join our mailing list or express your interest in being involved in the LERO Development Network Meeting? Click to register
Have your say about Recovery in Derbyshire County: this short survey is with the aim of understanding the people of Derbyshire County’s opinions about addiction and Recovery in their communities. We want to understand the:
Strengths - what already works well and how is this useful
Challenges - what isn't working as well and how this has an impact
Opportunities - what could improve things, and how could a difference be made
Please take just a couple of minutes to share your voice. Every response helps: Take the Survey
Event Venues and Suggestions: Have an idea or know about a hidden gem, recovery hub or excellent venue that would be valuable for your community and accessible, for our next events in all 8 Derbyshire County Districts and Boroughs? Or is there anything you'd like us to do or include at our next events, creative ideas or insights that would be valuable in your community to build a plan to support lived-experience leadership and organisations? Let us know on this very short form.
LERO Development Network Meeting: this meeting will begin in early June and will be held online - the date will be shared very soon, so if you’d like to register your interest, please do so! The broad aims of this network is:
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
Discussions and learning about local strengths, opportunities or barriers relating to recovery and recovery support
Speakers and Discussions
This meeting and network is not fi xed and will evolve according to what best suits communities, individuals and groups .
All are welcome all to register their interest, but we ask that:
1. You are a resident of, or work in, or have a meaningful relevant connection to Derbyshire County
2. You are supportive of recovery, tackling stigma and celebrating recovery
Places may be limited, and while we don’t accept this to be required, if we exceed capacity participants with lived-experience will be prioritised for attendance.
Next events: More information to be released very soon! We’ll contact you if you’ve signed up for our mailing list - we’re really grateful for your support in promoting the events.
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