Every September, communities across the UK and around the world come together to mark Recovery Month, an internationally recognised campaign that celebrates recovery from substance use and promotes the message that recovery is possible for everyone.
Recovery Month aims to raise awareness, challenge stigma and recognise the individuals, families, professionals and communities who support people on their recovery journeys. It is an opportunity to celebrate achievements, share stories of hope and encourage people to seek support without fear of judgement.
In Derbyshire, Recovery Month is a chance to celebrate local recovery communities and the organisations that support them. Recovery is about more than addressing substance use. It can involve improving health and wellbeing, rebuilding relationships, developing new skills, gaining confidence and becoming an active part of the community.
Throughout September, a range of events and activities are taking place across Derbyshire, providing opportunities for people in recovery, family members, professionals and local communities to come together, share experiences, build connections and celebrate recovery. Some of the events taking place this year are highlighted below.
🎪Hope Fest 2026
📅 Saturday 5 September 2026 | 🕚 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
📍 Pit Lane, Pleasley, Mansfield, NG19 7PH
A free, family friendly and alcohol free festival celebrating recovery, wellbeing and community. Hosted by The Third Space and Rhubarb Farm, Hope Fest brings together people in recovery, families, professionals and local communities for a day of fun and connection.
🎵 Live music throughout the day
🎭 Family entertainment and magician
🎨 Face painting
🔥 Fire performance
🧘 Yoga and sound bath
👂 Ear acupuncture
🎬 Film screenings
🤝 Community and recovery stalls
🛍 Local makers and small businesses
🍔 Food vendors and ice cream
🎟 Free tickets available
📧 Information: recovery@rhubarbfarm.co.uk
🎪Recoverfest 2026
📅 Sunday 6 September 2026
🕛 12:00pm to 6:00pm
📍 Uttoxeter Racecourse, Wood Lane, Uttoxeter, ST14 8BD
A free event bringing together people in recovery, family members, professionals and supporters for a day of celebration, inspiration and connection.
Further information: www.growingrecoveryinderbyshire.co.uk
🌿 Derby County Community Trust: Wellbeing Wednesdays with Hotpod Yoga
📅 Throughout September 2026
📍 Hotpod Yoga
A series of wellbeing sessions for Active Choices participants, celebrating Recovery Month through movement, mindfulness and relaxation. The programme includes a range of classes designed to support physical and mental wellbeing.
Activities include:
🧘 Hotpod Flow
🌱 Nurturing Flow
⚖️ Foundation Flow
💜 Rest & Restore
🎟 Open to Active Choices participants only. Places have already been arranged.
🌳Derventio Growing Lives: Geocaching and Quiz Day
📅Wednesday 23 September 2026 | 🕤 9:30 AM – 3:00 PM
📍Growing Lives, The Orchard Works, 1 Grenville Drive, Ilkeston, DE7 8HT
Join the Growing Lives team for a day of outdoor activity, connection and recovery. Attendees will take part in a geocaching challenge at Straws Bridge Nature Reserve before returning for an Ilkeston themed quiz hosted by Gideon.
🌲 Outdoor geocaching challenge
❓ Ilkeston facts, figures and trivia quiz
🤝 Opportunity to connect with others in recovery
🍽 Free lunch provided
📧 Booking: growinglives@derventiohousing.com
🎉Kelsey Family CIC: Activity Day
📅Sunday 20 September 2026 | 🕐 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
📍Belper, DE56 2DU
A free community event bringing people together to celebrate Recovery Month through fun activities, connection and support. Open to individuals, families and anyone interested in learning more about recovery and community wellbeing.
🤝 Meet others from the local community
🎯 Take part in a variety of activities
💚 Celebrate recovery in a welcoming environment
📞 Booking: 07733 335797
📧 Email: kffcic@gmail.com
📕Derventio Growing Lives Geocaching and Quiz Day
📅 Wednesday 23 September 2026
🕤 9:30am to 3:00pm
📍 Growing Lives, The Orchard Works, 1 Grenville Drive, Ilkeston, DE7 8HT
A day of outdoor activity, social connection and recovery-focused support.
Email: growinglives@derventiohousing.com
🔊Featured Resource: Your Choices Matter Podcast
One of the most powerful ways to understand recovery is to hear directly from those with lived and living experience.
The Your Choices Matter podcast shares real stories from people affected by alcohol and substance use, alongside insights from professionals working within treatment and recovery services. Produced for people across the Midlands, the podcast explores addiction, recovery, treatment, family experiences and the support available to help people move forward. By sharing honest conversations and personal experiences, the podcast helps challenge stigma and demonstrates that recovery is possible.
