Two new projects explore addiction and recovery in Sheffield
By Education & Training, , , , ,

Two new projects which will focus on how people can recover from addiction, especially after returning from careers in the Armed Forces, have been launched in Sheffield.

Sheffield Hallam University will spearhead a new Sheffield Addiction and Recovery Research Group (SARRG), a peer-led group which aims to support user-focused groups in their efforts to promote activities that enhance recovery rates.

Partners for the group include And Albert and The Amy Winehouse Foundation.

The group includes individuals and groups representing differing pathways to recovery, and actively supports the recovery community, promoting events and providing help and expert advice to groups asking for support.

Meanwhile, the veteran-tailored programme Right Turn, run by Addaction and set to be evaluated by Sheffield Hallam University, is currently successfully working with veterans who need treatment for substance misuse in the North of England and Scotland.

It will also support a detailed evaluation of the project produced by the Helena Kennedy Centre for International Justice at Sheffield Hallam University. By capturing the true scope and scale of the problem, the project aims to influence policy makers and improve the way services are delivered to veterans right across the country.

Both events were launched this week as part of Sheffield Hallam University’s Social Justice Week.

Professor David Best (pictured), who will lead the Right Turn evaluation and be a part of the SAARG panel, said: “People return from service often with no homes or no jobs. It’s about developing connectedness to other parts of the community to aid recovery and empower them.

“Veterans are a major area of concern because of the failure to sometimes achieve social connectedness upon their return. People come back without homes, jobs or relationships. We want services and partnerships to give people the sense of connection, pride, self-esteem and confidence by providing mechanisms that connect them with other people.”