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As the world begins to shine a light on the strength of individuals overcoming substance misuse and mental health challenges, a Christian charity, The Matthew Project, is gearing up to mark Recovery Month in late September with a series of hope-filled community events. Recovery Month is a national observance that celebrates the courage and resilience of individuals who are working towards recovery, and The Matthew Project is proud to be a part of it. With a range of events planned in Norwich, the charity invites the public to join them in celebrating the power of community support and the importance of lived experience. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply want to stand in solidarity with your community, these events are open to everyone.
One of the highlight events of the month is the Stories of Hope Community Day, taking place on Saturday, September 20, from 12-4 pm at The Matthew Project’s premises on Oak Street, Norwich. This vibrant, family-friendly celebration features live music, storytelling, creative workshops, and games, showcasing the stories of those in recovery and the positive difference The Matthew Project has made in the community. Performers include poet Stuart Webb and storyteller and puppeteer Sam Webber, who will be doing live performances, unique puppet making, and writing workshops. There will also be music from a range of talented performers, including Pedro Danger, TMP Singers, Cara Knox, Larry Rouse, Rackheath Youth Theatre, The Last Sentinel, and Matty Shindig. Matty, one of the featured performers, shares his powerful story of recovery, which is a testament to the impact of The Matthew Project’s work. For over 30 years, addiction had shaped every corner of Matty’s life, leading to destruction, loss, and a sense of hopelessness. However, with the support of The Matthew Project, he was able to find the strength and courage to turn his life around and is now celebrating nearly a year of sobriety.
Matty’s story is a powerful reminder of the importance of community support and the impact that organizations like The Matthew Project can have on individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health struggles. The charity’s Recovery Support Programme provides a safe and non-judgmental space for individuals to share their experiences, receive support, and work towards recovery. The programme is built on the principles of compassion, empathy, and understanding, and is staffed by experienced and trained professionals who have a deep understanding of the complexities of addiction and mental health. By providing a supportive and encouraging environment, The Matthew Project helps individuals to rebuild their lives, restore their relationships, and rediscover their sense of purpose. As Matty so eloquently puts it, “Recovery hasn’t been easy. It’s taken honesty, vulnerability, and strength I didn’t know I had. But today, I stand as a recovering addict with nearly a full year of sobriety – October 16th will mark that milestone! I’m rebuilding my life day by day – with gratitude, clarity, and a deep sense of purpose.”
In addition to the Stories of Hope Community Day, The Matthew Project is also hosting a Soirée of Stories on the same evening, from 6:30-9:30 pm. This intimate evening of spoken word, poetry, and personal testimony is co-hosted by Toast Poetry and features performances from Jody Lee the skinny poet, poet Sarah Brassington, and live acoustic music from Not a Horse. The Soirée of Stories offers a reflective space to hear powerful narratives from individuals whose recovery journeys have shaped their lives and communities. This event is a unique opportunity to connect with others who have experienced similar struggles and to be inspired by their stories of hope and resilience. As Rachel Chapman, CEO at The Matthew Project, notes, “Recovery Month is a time to celebrate courage, connection, and our remarkable ability to change. These events are open to everyone – whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply want to stand in solidarity with your community.” With a ticket price of just £15 per person, all of which goes towards The Matthew Project’s vital work, this event is an affordable and impactful way to show your support for the charity and its mission.
The final event of the month is the Finding Hope Together: Remembrance Service, taking place on Thursday, September 25, at 7:30 pm at Norwich Cathedral, South Transept. This gentle and moving service is a space to honour those lost to addiction and mental health struggles, and to provide a collective opportunity for remembrance, reflection, and healing. The service is open to all, and is a powerful way to acknowledge the impact of addiction and mental health on individuals, families, and communities. As Rachel Chapman notes, “Hope can be found even in grief, and this service is a reminder that we are not alone in our struggles. By coming together, we can find strength, support, and a sense of community that can help us navigate even the darkest of times.” The service is a fitting conclusion to Recovery Month, and a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion, empathy, and understanding in the face of adversity.
In conclusion, The Matthew Project’s Recovery Month events are a testament to the power of community support and the impact that organizations like this can have on individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health struggles. Through their Stories of Hope Community Day, Soirée of Stories, and Finding Hope Together: Remembrance Service, the charity is providing a range of opportunities for people to come together, share their experiences, and find support and inspiration. Whether you’re in recovery, supporting someone who is, or simply want to stand in solidarity with your community, these events are open to everyone, and offer a unique opportunity to connect with others, hear powerful stories of hope and resilience, and be inspired by the courage and determination of those who are working towards recovery. As Matty so eloquently puts it, “The Matthew Project helped me step out of a dark, lonely place I had come to accept as normal. They helped me believe I was worth saving.” With their Recovery Month events, the charity is offering a beacon of hope to those who are struggling, and a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, and that with the right support, anyone can turn their life around and find a brighter future.
