September 2026 marks Recovery Month, an annual National campaign that celebrates the achievements of people recovering from alcohol and drug dependence, raises awareness of the benefits of recovery and challenges the stigma that can prevent people from seeking support.
Recovery Month reminds us that recovery is not only possible, but that it happens every day.
People in recovery contribute to society in countless ways, including supporting families, volunteering, gaining employment, improving their health and wellbeing, and helping others to begin their own recovery journey.
Cllr Evie Potts-Jones, Somerset Council’s lead member for public health, said:
“Recovery is not just about overcoming challenges, it is about rediscovering hope, rebuilding lives and realising potential.”
Somerset Drug & Alcohol service (SDAS) will be supporting Recovery Month through a range of events and activities designed to raise awareness, reduce stigma, and encourage conversations about recovery.
These activities will provide opportunities for people with lived experience, professionals, partners and local communities to come together and celebrate recovery in all its forms.
Joy Gamlin, Senior Operations Manager at SDAS service provider Turning Point, said:
“We often hear from people who delayed seeking support because they didn’t think they were ‘the type’ to experience problems with drugs or alcohol. But dependence can affect anyone, regardless of their circumstances, background or profession.
“Recovery Month is a chance to challenge those assumptions, raise awareness of the support available, and celebrate the life-changing benefits that recovery can bring for individuals, families and communities.
“Whether you’re looking for support for yourself, concerned about a loved one, or simply want to learn more about what we do, we’d love you to come along and speak to the team.”
Recovery Month Walk 2026, Saturday 10 October 2026
Following on from September’s Recovery Month, individuals in recovery, family members, friends, professionals, and community partners will come together for a celebratory Recovery Walk.
The event aims to recognise the achievements of people in recovery from alcohol and drug dependence, promote hope, raise awareness and show recovery happens all year round that recovery is possible for everyone.
The walk will bring together people from across Somerset to stand in solidarity with those affected by substance use and to celebrate the positive impact of recovery on individuals, families, and communities.
At Sunset on Wednesday 30 September 2026, the Council House will be lit up purple to celebrate Recovery Month 2026.
It is about:
- Celebrating recovery and the achievements of individuals who have overcome addiction or mental health challenges
- Reducing stigma by encouraging open conversations about recovery and wellbeing
- Raising awareness of treatment, support services, peer support and recovery resources
- Recognising families, communities and professionals who help people on their recovery journeys
Rachel, who recently graduated as a Peer Mentor with SDAS, said:
“I’m 52 now and I have never felt this good about myself, I feel like I have wasted 30 years under the grip of alcohol. I feel free, I can make my own choices and I’m using my brain again.
“If you think you have a problem, call up the professionals before it gets any worse – and it does get worse. If you need the help, the help is there.”
Anyone who is concerned about their own drug or alcohol use, or that of someone they know, is encouraged to seek advice and support. Help is available, and reaching out can be the first step towards positive change.
For more info and support
- Visit Healthy Somerset’s Alcohol and substance use page
- Visit turning-point.co.uk/services/sdas
- Call 0300 303 8788
- Residents of Somerset can talk to SDAS for support and advice
- The service is free and confidential
