Walk to celebrate addiction recovery

A walk to celebrate recovery from addiction will start on Pana this Sunday aiming to make recovery visible and challenge stigma.

It’s the first recovery walk in Cork city and is part of International Recovery Month which promises to paint the streets purple in a vibrant celebration of recovery from addiction. It will the successes of individuals and families on their recovery journey.

The walk will begin in on St Patrick’s Street at midday, before arriving at Fitzgerald’s Park. This family-friendly event will culminate in an afternoon of inspiring speeches, entertainment, and community activities, designed to strengthen and highlight the vital work of Recovery Communities.

Other Recovery Month events include a recovery run, health and fitness activities, personal development workshops, pop-up recovery cafes, all promoting recovery options and supporting services across Cork and Kerry.

This inaugural event is a collaborative effort led by the Cork Recovery Academy, alongside agencies including HSE South West, Cork City Council, An Garda Síochána, Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Cork City Partnership, Coolmine, Tabor Group, Cork Simon Community, Cork Alliance, Focus Ireland, and many others.

David Lane, General Manager, HSE South West Social Inclusion, said: “In line with the HSE's aim to reduce health inequalities and improve access to services for vulnerable and excluded groups, this walk is a testament to the power of recovery and the strength of community. It’s an opportunity to walk side by side with those on their remarkable journey and remind them they are not alone.”

Mark Wright, Cork Recovery Academy Coordinator and lead organiser of the event, said: “We are delighted to bring the Recovery Walk to the south this year. It’s a long-overdue display of the positive and inspiring impact recovery has across Cork and Kerry. This walk is truly about building recovery communities, challenging stigma, and celebrating International Recovery Month. It’s a day for everyone in recovery, their families, and our entire community.”

Joe Kirby Manager, HSE General Manager in Cork South and West, added: “This walk is a symbol of the solidarity and resilience of our recovery communities. It’s a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, and it thrives with the support of everyone – from individuals to entire communities.”

The Recovery Academy Ireland comprises of people in recovery, supporters, advocates, researchers and professionals who want to promote and champion the concept of recovery. The Recovery Academy is a forum to:

· Promote recovery

· Provide support for people in recovery and their families

· Organise recovery activities

· Raise awareness about recovery

· Provide workshops and training on recovery

· Conduct research

· Advocate on policy.