The city of Wolverhampton came alive this weekend as thousands gathered at West Park to take part in the annual UK Recovery Walk, a powerful show of solidarity and celebration of recovery from addiction.
Hosted for the first time in the Black Country, the event drew participants from across the UK. The walk, endorsed by national charity Faces and Voices of Recovery UK (FAVOR UK), featured a vibrant two-mile parade through Wolverhampton centre taking in some of the city’s iconic landmarks. Followed by a festival-style Recovery Village filled with live music, community stalls, and family-friendly and activities.
Annemarie Ward, CEO of FAVOR UK, praised the city’s commitment:
“Every year, our Recovery Walk reminds the world that recovery is not only possible but thriving. We come together as individuals in recovery, families, allies, and professionals to celebrate lives reclaimed from addiction and to honour the memory of those we have lost.”
“Wolverhampton, with its rich culture and strong recovery community has been a perfect backdrop for this year’s walk. We can’t wait to do it all again next year in Bradford!”
Mayor of Wolverhampton City Council, Craig Collingswood added:
“It was an absolute privilege to open the UK Recovery Walk 2025 right here in Wolverhampton, and be part of such a fantastic celebration.”
“We believe in recovery, and we are committed to supporting every individual as they take positive steps in their recovery journey.”
The event was coordinated by a coalition of local partners known as the Wolverhampton Recovery Walk Partnership which included Good Shepherd and Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action’s Service User Involvement Team (SUIT), the City of Wolverhampton Council and Recovery Near You. With support from local events company Dangerous Sheep Events Ltd who coordinated the Recovery Village at no cost in celebration of the event.
Tom Hayden, CEO of the Good Shepherd on behalf of the Wolverhampton Recovery Walk Partnership said:
“It was an absolutely incredible experience walking together through the streets of Wolverhampton. I can’t put into words what it means to me and the rest of the partnership to have such a fantastic turnout and celebration for those in recovery in our home city.”
The walk also served as a platform to challenge stigma, raise awareness, and celebrate the achievements of those in recovery, with placards and banners featuring heartfelt messages. It also included a floating exhibition with artwork from Recovery Art Workshops which took place during the summer.
Highlights from the recovery village included live performances from musicians and artists in recovery, drummers and interpretive dance, creative arts workshops including drawing, crafts, spoken word and more.