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. Watch the video below:
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.