Building Community Through Recovery Month
Celebrating recovery and reducing stigma across communities
In September 2024, Shetland marked Recovery Month with a series of inclusive, community-led events coordinated by the Shetland Recovery Hub and Community Network. Recovery month follows on from international overdose awareness day on 31st August each year, and the local events aim to raise awareness of addiction recovery, reduce stigma, and foster connection among individuals, families, and support organisations.
Recovery Month embraced a broad definition of recovery—recognising it as a personal and collective journey that includes regaining control over substance use, healing from trauma, and rebuilding relationships. Activities were designed to promote wellbeing and inclusion, including a community barbecue, a Recovery Walk through Lerwick, and a Wellbeing Week featuring yoga, pampering, and social walks.
A sports day at Gilbertson Park, held in memory of volunteer Robert Hannah, brought together participants for traditional games and celebration. Throughout the month, the Recovery Hub remained open for drop-ins, women’s groups, and health check-ins with NHS staff, while continuing to provide harm reduction services such as sterile injecting equipment and drug-checking kits.
Supported by Alcohol and Drugs Partnership funding, the Hub’s impact was amplified by volunteers and local organisations. With five drug-related deaths recorded in Shetland in 2023, Recovery Month served as both a call to action and a celebration of recovery—demonstrating how community-driven approaches can foster resilience, dignity, and hope.
Contribution to the Shetland Partnership
- Participation: Creating opportunities for people with lived experience to lead and take part in community events.
- People: Supporting wellbeing, recovery, and inclusion for individuals and families.
- Place: Using shared spaces across Shetland to strengthen community connection and visibility of recovery.
- Money: Helping reduce the long-term social and health costs of addiction through prevention and support.