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Inclusive Recovery City York

Welcome!

Find out here what York being an Inclusive Recovery City means and your place in it.

(please note this page is being developed and therefore some content will be available at a later date)

 York, as an Inclusive Recovery City, wants every individual to have the acceptance and resources to thrive after experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol or other addictions.

A vision for York as an Inclusive Recovery City

York, as an Inclusive Recovery City, wants every individual to have the acceptance and resources to thrive after experiencing problems with drugs and alcohol or other addictions.

We are committed to removing stigma by connecting people, building good relationships and celebrating every recovery journey. Together, we’re building a city where recovery from addiction problems is visible, valued, and accessible for all.

As York’s businesses and major employers, educational institutions, statutory services and community groups, we collaborate to create a city that strengthens and empowers people on their recovery journeys through social networks, safe housing, benefits advice, meaningful activities and pathways to volunteer opportunities and employment. Workplaces and media narratives will encourage people to seek treatment and support with dignity.

We want York to be a place where:

  • Treatment and recovery support services and groups are available and accessible to all across our diverse community.
  • Every family knows where to find help for substance use disorders or other addictions free of charge, both for the person directly affected and for the wider family.
  • Our workplaces, VCFSE* organisations and statutory services raise awareness of and facilitate access to support needed by people with addictions, and are sensitive to the needs of people in recovery.
  • Our hospitality businesses and other local organisations create fun environments and activities for alcohol-free socialising and connection.
  • People in recovery, together with their family, friends and colleagues, proudly present hope to others and celebrate recovery through major city events such as the Dragon Boat Race, Christmas Market, York Pride, Aesthetica etc
  • Our local media ensures that any story touching substance use disorders or other addictions creates understanding of the conditions and the range of treatment and support available so that fear and stigma can be replaced by kindness and support.
  • Our universities and schools help young people know they are not alone, not the cause or cure of their parents’ problems and get the support they need, whether that’s around their own or someone else’s substance use.
  • People with a history of a substance use disorder or other addiction are welcomed into employment and volunteering opportunities based on their individual suitability, as anyone should be.

*VCFSE: voluntary, community, faith and social enterprise organisations

To discuss your organisation’s contribution to making this vision a reality, please contact admin@yorkinrecovery.org.uk.

The Hub is at the heart of York being an Inclusive Recovery City – it’s somewhere where you can meet people who have a story of recovery themselves and find the hope that change is possible, whether that be for yourself, your family member, friend or colleague. Find out more about the wide range of activities going on at The Hub here. (link to follow)

We want York to be a place where every family knows where to find help for substance use disorders or other addictions free of charge, both for the person directly affected and for the wider family.

There’s help available in York at whatever level you might need it, whether that be with your own drinking or drug use or because you are affected by someone else’s substance use. See Help for alcohol and drug use | Live Well York.

Other useful information:

  • Advice on alcohol and wellbeing – you'll find information on help to reduce alcohol there too.
  • The Drink Drug Hub website– a great place to go for information and advice on other drugs as well as alcohol.  The Drink Drug Hub website is currently funded by North Yorkshire Council.

 

We want York to be a place where:

  • workplaces raise awareness of and facilitate access to support needed by people with addictions, and are sensitive to the needs of people in recovery.
  • people with a history of a substance use disorder or other addiction are welcomed into employment and volunteering opportunities based on their individual suitability, as anyone should be.

We’re excited to work with you! If you would like to explore more ideas on how your workplace can do more to promote support to employees than it perhaps already is, please contact:

Name: Tristan Fayers

Mobile: 07860 337252

 

Information to promote to your employees

There’s help available in York at whatever level it might be needed, whether that be with someone’s own drinking or drug use or because they are affected by someone else’s substance use (please see Help in York around and alcohol and drugs).

 

Fully-funded training for your workplace

 

Employment support schemes – partnerships and advice

Fresh Steps

Fresh Steps is a City of York Council service helping people recovering from substance use disorders find and sustain work. Their trained Employment Specialists work closely with both the employee and your team to ensure success from recruitment to retention.

To find out more about partnering with Fresh Steps, please see contact the team:

Telephone: 01904 554277 or 07860337252

Email: ipsreferral@york.gov.uk

 

Chocolate & Co

Chocolate and Co provides employment and training opportunities to overcome barriers to employment for people who are struggling with an addiction and/or have a criminal record. They are always keen to find partner businesses for their staff to move onto when they’re ready, and have a wealth of experience in how to best help employees thrive.

To find out more about partnering with Chocolate & Co, please contact the team:

Telephone: 07598 510917

Mobile: admin@chocolateandco.org

The lovely Chocolate & Co. café on Lowther St is also a wonderful place for everyone to visit; find the opening times and menu at www.chocolateandco.org/visit-us.

We want York to be a place where hospitality businesses and other local organisations create fun environments and activities for alcohol-free socialising and connection.

We’re excited to hear your ideas!

City of York Council has guidance for licensed venues on being more inclusive for people who do not drink alcohol and doing all you can to protect children from the harmful effects of alcohol marketing: COMING SOON. >>> link to Public Health guidance on CYC Licensing website (still to be developed)

If you would like to explore more ideas on how your venue can be even more inclusive than it perhaps already is, please contact:

Name; contact name to follow

Team-members

We recognise that your team-members may also have concerns about their own or a family member’s drinking or drug use, and your business/organisation has a role to play as a supportive employer; see information for employers

 

We want York to be a place where our local media ensures that any story touching substance use disorders or other addictions creates understanding of the conditions and the range of treatment and support available so that fear and stigma can be replaced by kindness and support.

As a journalist or media professional, you’re crucial to York being a truly inclusive recovery city!

City of York Council and North Yorkshire Council partnered with a range of local organisations to develop guidance: COMING SOON. >>> link to alcohol and drugs communications guidance (still to be developed)

If you would like to explore how we can work more closely together on local media that offers hope to people, please contact:

Astrid Hanlon – Lived Insights

: matterslife123@gmail.com

Join or support the Inclusive Recovery City York Steering Group

If you would like to be involved in co-ordinating some of the activity to support York being an Inclusive Recovery City, we would love to hear from you.

We need people to…

  • Keep these webpages up to date
  • Organise events
  • Design and/or write promotional materials
  • Provide admin support to Steering Group meetings
  • Promote events and support services
  • Host events at your organisation’s venue
  • Talk to the public on information stalls
  • Talk with local organisations in small informal meetings
  • Apply for funding
  • … and much more!

If you would like to explore opportunities that fit your skills, interests and availability, please contact:

Name: Dave Barf

Phone: 07548 834602

Email: David.Barf@cgl.org.uk

 

Volunteer at York Drug and Alcohol Service

There are often a wide range of volunteering opportunities at York Drug and Alcohol Service, from gardening to one-to-one support. If you would like to explore opportunities at York Drug and Alcohol Service that fit your skills, interests and availability, please contact:

Name: Dave Barf

Phone: 07548 834602

Email: David.Barf@cgl.org.uk

Volunteer with York in Recovery

York In Recovery is a group run by people in recovery from substance use disorders, supporting and connecting with others in the York community. They welcome volunteers to support their wide range of activities. Please contact admin@yorkinrecovery.org.uk to explore opportunities to volunteer with York in Recovery that fit your skills, interests and availability.

Last updated: 18/06/2025
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