Over the past year, the Stitch Away the Stigma project has brought people together across Derbyshire to challenge stigma, share experiences and promote positive conversations about substance use, recovery and lived experience. The project has now ended in Derbyshire, leaving behind a powerful legacy that will continue to benefit local communities for years to come.
Kelsey Family CIC led the delivery of the Stitch Away the Stigma project in Derbyshire, coordinating a programme of workshops, awareness events and community activities designed to encourage understanding, compassion and recovery-friendly communities. Derbyshire County Council was pleased to support the project and help bring the nationally recognised quilt to the county.
The Meaning Behind the Quilt
Created by Natalie Needham, the Stitch Away the Stigma Quilt is made up of more than 450 hand-stitched squares, each representing lived experience, personal journeys and stories of hope. The quilt acts as a visual reminder of the power of connection, healing and community.
The Stitch Away the Stigma Quilt was developed by Natalie following the death of her father to help address stigma associated with substance use. Since its creation, the quilt has been showcased in communities across England and came to Derbyshire to help raise awareness, inspire conversations and encourage action to challenge stigma. We would like to thank Natalie for kindly loaning the quilt to support this important work in Derbyshire.
Bringing Communities Together
The Derbyshire roadshow included 12 workshops and awareness events, engaging more than 120 participants from across the county. Through creative activities, people were encouraged to share their stories, reflect on personal experiences and contribute their own creative pieces.
The project resulted in the creation of 78 individual pieces of artwork and craft items, each representing a unique personal story and helping to create safe spaces where conversations about recovery could take place. These pieces will remain in Derbyshire as part of the lasting legacy of the project, continuing to promote conversations about stigma, recovery and lived experience.
Working in Partnership
A key strength of the project was partnership working. In total, 26 organisations became involved, including recovery organisations, community groups and other local partners. Organisations such as Zink, Rhubarb Farm, the University of Derby WorkHealth Hub, Spectrumheads, Next Steps, and Chesterfield FC Aspire all contributed to the project’s success.
The Impact
The project achieved several positive outcomes, including:
- increased awareness of stigma within communities
- stronger connections between participants and their families
- more open discussions about recovery and support options
- 100% of participants reporting that they felt seen, heard and valued through their involvement.
A Lasting Legacy
Although the quilt has now moved on to the York Recovery Hub, its impact continues in Derbyshire.
The project has already led to:
- the creation of a weekly community craft group
- support for participants interested in developing a Lived Experience Recovery Organisation (LERO)
- a free community craft guide, with 20 printed copies distributed and 46 digital downloads recorded
- a community-produced website sharing lived experience stories, with 10 stories already published and more planned in the future.
The Kelsey Family CIC Community Hub provides a welcoming, trauma-informed space for individuals and families affected by substance use, as well as those seeking wider wellbeing support. Through peer support, therapeutic interventions, community activities and practical advice, the Hub helps people build resilience, improve wellbeing and connect with local services.