A CELEBRATION of Recovery was held by Inclusion IW.

What started as an adults, young persons, family and carers' service has adapted to encompass a mental health service, criminal justice service, housing service, Hep CU Later worker, mobile needle exchange service and a drug and alcohol liaison service.

The collaborative approach has proved successful, particularly the No Wrong Door pilot in collaboration with partner IW Specialist Services, to enable access to mental health services.

It is also the only Inclusion hub in the country to incorporate the homelessness navigator mental health nurse and recovery worker roles as part of the Rough Sleeper Initiative.

Inclusion also established a thriving volunteer programme, which offers training and opportunities, and has offered paid work to people who may not have achieved it elsewhere due to the stigma associated with addiction.

Already, 14 people have progressed through this route and there are more to follow.

Tony Burkitt, of Inclusion, said of the Celebration of Recovery day: "It was a real success in smashing the stigma that society has around substance misuse and it was a great day for bringing communities together.

"It was really well attended and there were lots of partner agencies."

High Sheriff Kay Marriott presented certificates to team members who have excelled, there were holistic therapies available to try, and testimonials were heard from those who have lived experience in areas impacted by substance issues.

Inclusion is at inclusioniow.org