Liverpool Recovery Month celebrates families, connection and community 

Families, carers, children and young people will be at the heart of the third week of Liverpool Recovery Month. 

The week will recognise how recovery can strengthen families and relationships, while celebrating the important role that loved ones, peer networks and local communities can play. 

Events across Liverpool and Merseyside will bring people together through coffee mornings, creative activities, recovery walks and community celebrations. Residents will also be able to meet local services and connect with people who understand what they may be experiencing. 

The week will highlight the importance of early information and support for children and young people. Open, age-appropriate conversations can help them understand the risks associated with alcohol, drugs, gambling and smoking, build resilience and know where to turn if they are worried about themselves or someone close to them. 

Recovery affects the whole family, and parents, carers and loved ones may need support for their own wellbeing too. By listening without judgement, keeping an eye out for one another and asking for help early, families can feel less isolated and better able to move forward together. 

Councillor Harry Doyle, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Culture, said: 
“Recovery can have a positive impact on entire families, helping people rebuild trust, strengthen relationships and look towards the future with hope. 

“Families and carers often provide vital encouragement, but they need care and understanding too. This week is about making sure everyone affected knows that support is available. 

“It is also a chance to celebrate the community groups, volunteers and people with lived experience who help create welcoming places where Liverpool residents can connect and feel that they belong.” 

Professor Matthew Ashton, Director of Public Health for Liverpool City Council, said: 
“Giving children and young people clear information, trusted support and opportunities to build resilience can help prevent harm and protect their wellbeing. 

“Early support matters, but people should never feel it is too late to ask for help. Services across Liverpool work with individuals, families and carers at every stage of recovery. 

“By strengthening connections between families, communities and local organisations, we can reduce stigma and make it easier for people to reach out.” 

Led by Liverpool City Council’s Public Health team, Recovery Month brings together people with lived experience, health services, charities and community organisations from across Liverpool and Merseyside. 

Residents can find recovery and wellbeing support across Liverpool and Merseyside at https://linktr.ee/lpool.publichealth. 

Support for families and young people 

RIVER Young People Support Service offers free, confidential support to children and young people under 25 in Liverpool who are affected by their own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use. It also provides advice to parents, carers and professionals. 

Call 0151 706 9747 or visit the RIVER Young People Support Service website. 

Sanctuary Family Support provides free, confidential help for families affected by alcohol or drug use, as well as people who use substances and kinship carers. 

Call 0151 735 0747 or visit the Sanctuary Family Support website. 

Week three events: families, young people and celebration 

Residents should check with the provider before attending, as some activities may require booking or be limited to existing service users.