On Friday 28th November, Stoke Recovery Service, part of the Community Drug and Alcohol Service (CDAS) in Stoke-on-Trent, brought its community together for its annual Recovery Awards ceremony, hosted at Port Vale Football Club – a warm and powerful evening celebrating people in abstinent recovery from drugs and alcohol. Guests included people in recovery, family members, staff, volunteers and partner organisations from across Stoke-on-Trent.
This year’s event also marked 10 years of Stoke Recovery Service, a dedicated community for people who are in abstinent recovery from drugs and alcohol.
A celebration of strength, hope, and community
The Recovery Awards showed that recovery is much more than stopping drinking or using drugs. For many, it’s about rebuilding lives, reconnecting with family, finding purpose, and feeling part of a community again.
“The Recovery Awards remind us that recovery isn’t just about drugs or alcohol - it’s about rebuilding lives, families and communities. Every person recognised tonight has shown extraordinary courage, and every partner here has played an important role in making that possible.”
Awards were given across several categories, including Resilience, Inspiration, Growth, Giving Back and Volunteering.
The evening also included the first-ever Noreen Oliver Award for Courage and Bravery, named in honour of Noreen Oliver MBE, Hon.DLitt, founder of BAC O’Connor and fierce advocate for drug and alcohol policy reform.
Stories that remind us why connection matters
Guests also heard from several inspirational speakers, who kindly shared their personal experiences of recovery and how local support has helped them take the next step on their journey. Their honesty, strength, and humour were a reminder that recovery is possible with compassion, safety, and the right support around you.
The awards also shone a light on the partnerships that make recovery from drug and alcohol challenges possible every day in Stoke-on-Trent. Attendees included clients, staff, and volunteers from Stoke Recovery Service, as well as key community figures such as the Deputy Lord Mayor of Stoke-on-Trent, Councillor Joan Bell, and Vicki Yates, Public Health Programme Manager for Stoke-on-Trent City Council.
As we look ahead, the message from the evening was clear: recovery is possible, and Stoke’s recovery community will continue to grow with compassion, partnership, and hope at its heart.
