Recovery Connections

Recovery Connections is a lived experience-led charity that has been transforming lives through recovery support for over 18 years. Founded in Middlesbrough, we now work across seven local authority areas in the North East, supporting people affected by addiction, stigma and social exclusion while delivering one of the region’s largest Individual Placement & Support (IPS) employment programmes.

Lived experience is at the heart of everything we do, with the majority of our staff bringing personal experience of addiction and many also having experience of the criminal justice system. This creates a culture of trust, hope and understanding, helping people rebuild their lives through peer support, recovery services, employment support and meaningful progression opportunities.

We are recognised nationally for our innovative approach, including launching the UK's first Inclusive Recovery City and pioneering the Recovery Friendly University movement. Alongside this, our social enterprise café, catering van and event space provide work experience and employment opportunities for people facing barriers to work.