Nottinghamshire Hosts its First Inclusive Recovery Cities Event

Double Impact is pleased to share the success of Nottinghamshire’s first Inclusive Recovery Cities event—a day dedicated to celebrating recovery and showcasing the incredible community organisations supporting it across the county.

The Inclusive Recovery Cities initiative is part of a growing international movement led in the UK by Professor David Best, an expert in addiction recovery. Its goal is to reduce stigma and help recovery thrive by empowering local Lived Experience Recovery Organisations (LEROs) to engage key local partners in activities that strengthen recovery and inclusivity. As a LERO with a regional footprint, Double Impact is excited to be involved in three local initiatives in the East Midlands—Nottinghamshire, Nottingham City, and Lincolnshire.

As peer-led organisations, LEROs are uniquely positioned to offer support and guidance to those seeking recovery. Unlike traditional services, which may focus on clinical or therapeutic approaches, LEROs draw on the lived experience of people who have walked the same path, overcome similar challenges, and found their own way to recovery. This firsthand understanding fosters a deep sense of trust, empathy, and connection—key elements for anyone taking their first steps toward change.

The event was organised in collaboration with Hetty’s, a family LERO based in Nottinghamshire, and Change Grow Live Notts (CGL),the local commissioned service - highlighted how crucial community-based and peer-led groups are in building a strong recovery network. 

The event, held at Mansfield Town FC brought together individuals in recovery, family members, diverse community organisations, business sector representatives and civic leaders including the Mayor of Mansfield, Andy Abrahams and Councillor Scott Carlton, for a day of connection, learning, and celebration. With a packed schedule of inspiring speakers and films, interactive workshops, and a feel-good performance by the local branch of Rock Choir, the gathering was an energising and uplifting day. Double Impact’s local recovery project, Recovery Links Nottinghamshire was in attendance, with volunteers sharing information about its peer support groups and volunteering scheme.

The success of this inaugural Inclusive Recovery Cities Event is a promising step toward greater recognition and support for recovery in Nottinghamshire. As plans for the next event in Worksop are already underway, Double Impact, Hetty’s, and CGL remain committed to working together to make recovery accessible, visible, and inclusive for everyone, with support from Nottinghamshire County Council.

“We hope that this is just the beginning of the impact of Inclusive Recovery Cities in Nottinghamshire,” Eleanor Youdell from Double Impact commented.  “Our goal is to build on the momentum from this event, create more opportunities for people and organisations from different sectors to come together, and continue to champion the message that recovery is possible—and worth celebrating.”

For more information about LEROs and the Inclusive Recovery Cities initiative, or to find out how to get involved in either Nottingham, Notts or Lincolnshire, please contact Eleanor Youdell at:

Phone: 07808 036514
Email: eleanor@doubleimpact.org.uk