MORE than 100 people came together in Bury for a special event to celebrate their successful recovery from drug or alcohol problems.

The “Recovery Fair”, at the Humphrey House building in Angouleme Way,’ was opened by Police and Crime Commissioner for Greater Manchester Tony Lloyd and was attended by the Mayor of Bury, Cllr Sharon Briggs.

Host for the event was the service user-led group Time 4 Change, which is based at Bury Drug and Alcohol Service, run by Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust and Bury Council.

The aim was to mark the hard work and commitment of service users who have successfully overcome drug and alcohol problems. Guests included representatives from several agencies that have supported them to achieve the goal.

During the event, service users shared their successful recovery journeys and enjoyed some “hands on” activities, including alternative therapies such as acupuncture.

Service users, staff and partner agencies provided information and support, including peer mentoring and peer support; volunteering; support groups; training and education; employment and other interventions to support and promote recovery. Musicians from support group Choices entertained guests during lunch.

Service lead Pam Lievesley said: “It was fantastic to see our service users come together and share their success stories.

“Each and every person’s recovery journey is unique, but what they do have in common is the commitment that is required to succeed.

“It is the role of our service, along with many others across the borough, to support people to achieve their aspirations.”

Mr Lloyd said: “Drug and alcohol abuse ruins the lives of those crippled by addiction and is a blight on our communities.

“These problems are also drivers of crime and we need to get to the root cause if we are ever to totally tackle the cycle of addiction.

“That’s where services like this are so important and today’s event showcases the work of the Bury Drug and Alcohol Service and how they are working with people to help them recover.

““Most importantly, it’s about real people and hearing how they’ve been empowered to turn their lives around and this is something to be celebrated.”

Bury Mayor Cllr Briggs added: “It’s rewarding and uplifting to hear the stories of people who have achieved this, many of whom have successfully gone on to become volunteers themselves.

“I hope to see these local support services grow from strength to strength and wish each and every service user the very best for the future.”

n People aged over 19 years, who require help or support with drug and/or alcohol problems, can contact Bury Drug and Alcohol Service by calling 0161 253 6488.