Sheffield Inclusive Recovery City

What is Inclusive Recovery Cities? 

Inclusive Recovery Cities (IRC) started out as a UK movement that aims to create communities where recovery from addiction is visible, celebrated, and supported and Sheffield is one of several UK cities who are actively involved, including Middlesbrough, Leeds, and Nottingham you can keep updated with the national work –Latest National And Local Inclusive Recovery Cities News. Since last year IRC model has gained international attention, with cities in Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand expressing interest in adopting the framework. This global movement demonstrates the potential of the IRC approach to create positive change in communities worldwide Click HERE for more information

Key aspects of the Inclusive Recovery Cities model:

  • Visible Recovery: Making recovery achievements and events prominent to challenge negative perceptions and foster a sense of hope and possibility.
  • Challenging Stigma: Actively working to dismantle negative attitudes and stereotypes surrounding addiction and recovery through public awareness campaigns and community engagement.
  • Multiple Pathways: –Recognising that individuals recover in different ways and supporting diverse approaches to recovery, including peer support, professional treatment, and community-based initiatives.
  • Collaborative Approach: Encouraging partnerships between city councils, recovery organisations, healthcare providers, employers, and community members to create a supportive ecosystem for recovery.
  • Public Events: Hosting regular public-facing events to celebrate recovery, promote positive narratives, and foster a sense of community

Progress In Sheffield

During 2023 National Recovery Month, Dr. David Patton Associate Professor in Criminology conducted an  Audit of Strengths, Barriers and Aspirations for Sheffield to Attain Inclusive Recovery Status (click here to access), then in consultation with Sheffield Recovery Forum/Community we co-produced our Vision and Mission Statement (click here to access) 

You can read more about the progress and annual progress reports from 2023-2024 clicking here and here for the 2025-2026 2025.2026 IRC report_FINAL

Big Recovery Conversation Report

In 2025, Sheffield held its first BIG Recovery Conversation, bringing together voices from across the city to share experiences, concerns and ideas about drug and alcohol use, addiction, recovery and stigma. The findings from that conversation have helped shape local priorities and actions as part of Sheffield Inclusive Recovery Cities.

A summary of the key themes, insights and outcomes from last year’s conversation is available to view here >> Sheffield BIG Conversation Report 2026 << and provides important context for this year’s discussion.

HELP US BUILD AN INCLUSIVE RECOVERY CITY

We can’t make Sheffield an Inclusive Recovery City without you. Whether you’ve been impacted directly by addiction or believe that people have the right to get help when they need it.

If you believe that communities have the power to make real change join our campaign today. Make a pledge of how you will help make Sheffield an Inclusive Recovery City, it might be something you want to change at your workplace, to volunteer your time, or make a commitment to learn more about the impact of addiction.