Following a sell-out session in the Diversity Festival 2020 and building on the recent Recovery Ally Training, this workshop explores the lived-experience of students and staff in recovery from addictions. It asks how the University might better support them, and how it might contribute to wider efforts to confront stigma.

The event will be chaired by Dr Wendy Dossett who researches spirituality in addiction recovery and advocates for visible recovery. She recently contributed her expertise to the ground-breaking BBC2 documentary “I’m an Alcoholic Inside Recovery”

Luke Trainor, Director of the University of Birmingham’s pioneering programme, ‘Better than Well’, which celebrates and supports University of Birmingham students in recovery; Dot Smith, CEO of Middlesbrough-based charity, Recovery Connections and North East Charity Leader of the Year and Adam Petson, Recovery Capital Development Lead also at Recovery Connections will join Wendy to consider what Universities need to do in order to support staff and students in recovery more effectively.

Hear from inspirational speakers Wendy, Luke, Dot and Adam as they update on the progress nationally and locally towards making universities more aware and responsive to people in recovery. Contribute your views and experiences to the university discussion.

This is an event for anyone who is interested in retention and progression of students with addiction related mental health issues, widening participation, and the pastoral support of students and staff. It is also for anyone interested in addiction recovery, mental health and stigma.