Published Wednesday, 29 April 2026
Over 150 businesses, public, voluntary and community sectors gathered at the LNER Community Stadium today for a landmark briefing on York’s ambition to become an Inclusive Recovery City (IRC).
The event marked a significant milestone in York’s commitment to tackling stigma around substance use and recovery, and to creating a city where people in recovery are welcomed, supported and valued.
The briefing introduced the Inclusive Recovery City movement, a growing national initiative that encourages cities to champion recovery as a positive, achievable and socially valuable outcome.
Inclusive Recovery Cities work to remove barriers faced by people in recovery – particularly in employment, housing, education, culture and community participation – while encouraging organisations to adopt recovery‑inclusive policies and practices.
The event welcomed employers from across York alongside community organisations, public sector partners and national figures, including Dame Carol Black, reflecting the importance of recovery as a shared public health, social and economic priority.
A key moment of the event was the formal signing of the Inclusive Recovery City Charter, signalling York’s commitment to embedding recovery‑inclusive principles across the city.
The Charter was signed by Peter Roderick, Director of Public Health and Cllr Lucy Steels‑Walshaw, on behalf of York’s civic and partnership leadership, demonstrating shared commitment to reducing stigma, promoting recovery‑inclusive workplaces and ensuring lived experience voices help shape policy and practice.
Signing the Charter commits organisations and leaders to reviewing policies, promoting recovery‑friendly environments, and supporting fair access to employment and community opportunities for people in recovery.
Cllr Lucy Steels‑Walshaw, City of York Council Executive Member for Health, Adult Social Care and Public Health, said:
“York’s strength has always come from partnership working, and our ambition to become an Inclusive Recovery City builds on that foundation.
“Having previously worked in drug and alcohol support services, I know how vital it is that people in recovery are met with understanding rather than stigma. Recovery is not simply a clinical process, it is about restoring dignity, creating opportunity and ensuring people know they belong in their community.
“Dan’s and John’s willingness to share their stories is incredibly powerful. Their experiences reflect the challenges faced by many individuals and families, and they highlight the essential role York in Recovery plays in rebuilding confidence and opening up pathways to employment, connection with people and hope.
“Their story reinforces a core principle of the Inclusive Recovery City approach: addiction is a health issue, and recovery must be supported, understood and valued across the whole system.”
A central feature of the event was the sharing of lived experience, including Dan and John’s story – a powerful video that forms part of York’s Inclusive Recovery City journey.
In the film, Dan and his father John speak openly about addiction, recovery and the impact on families. Dan describes the barriers he faced – particularly stigma and difficulties accessing employment – while John reflects on the judgement and challenges experienced by families. Together, they highlight the role of York in Recovery in rebuilding confidence, providing support and opening doors that had previously been closed.
Their story reinforces a cornerstone of the IRC approach: addiction is a health condition, not a moral failing, and recovery should be supported, understood and valued.
Watch Dan and John’s story – Inclusive Recovery City (IRC)
The city‑wide briefing included details on:
the vision of an Inclusive Recovery City and what it means in practice
evidence and lived‑experience insight into what supports long‑term recovery
the benefits of recovery‑inclusive employment and workplace cultures
and finally, inviting organisations to commit to the IRC Charter and next steps
The event was organised by York’s Recovery Hub, working in partnership with City of York Council, York in Recovery and local employers.
Bernadette Francies, Recovery Engagement Officer and organiser of the event, at City of York Council, said:
“This event showed just how much momentum there is in York to do things differently. Employers want to understand recovery better, to break down myths, and to be part of positive change. Bringing people together – alongside lived experience – is how we build understanding, confidence and commitment to inclusive practice.”
Mark Green, director of York in Recovery and manager of the York Community Hub, added:
“Recovery doesn’t happen in isolation. It happens in communities, workplaces, families and systems that choose compassion over judgement. Today’s event was about opening doors, sharing responsibility and showing that recovery‑inclusive approaches make our city stronger for everyone.”
York’s ambition to become an Inclusive Recovery City is a city‑wide endeavour. Employers, organisations and individuals are encouraged to learn more about alcohol and drug support, recovery‑inclusive practices, and how to get involved.
Support is available for individuals, families and carers – whether you are seeking help for yourself or someone else.
York’s Inclusive Recovery City journey aims to shift the narrative around addiction and recovery, challenge stigma, and celebrate recovery as a vital source of strength, contribution and community connection.
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