The first Portsmouth Recovery Walk will take place this Friday, 12 September, on Southsea Seafront, going from South Parade Pier to Eastney.
The walk has been organised by the B.More group, which is made up of people in recovery who want to highlight that recovery from dependence is possible in the city, with the right support, and that people in recovery do contribute and give back to their local community.
It also celebrates Recovery month, which is observed every September, an international initiative aimed at promoting awareness and celebrating the achievements of individuals recovering from drug and alcohol dependence.
Everyone is welcome to come and join the walk, meet and find out about recovery, and hear about the support available. The walk is being guided by Portsmouth City Council’s Independence and Wellbeing team, who run weekly Wellbeing Walks.
The meet time is 4pm at Canoe Lake, with the walk starting around 5pm and lasting approximately an hour. After the walk, light refreshments will be available at Canoe Lake, followed by some activities such as pebble painting.
The Pier to Peer walk, is part of Portsmouth’s activities as an ‘Inclusive Recovery City,’ a programme led by the B.More group. In November 2024, Portsmouth signed a charter to become an Inclusive Recovery City – a place that visibly promotes recovery from addiction, challenges stigma, and champions pathways to recovery.
Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care, at Portsmouth City Council, said:
“Portsmouth is proud to be an Inclusive Recovery City, and events such as this are important to help tackle stigma around dependence and recovery, and to build a supportive and inclusive community.”
For more information on the drug and alcohol dependence treatment services available in Portsmouth, visit:
For over 18s: www.portsmouthrecovery.org
For under 18s: www.portsmouth.gov.uk/DASS