“It’s a really positive event that gives us the chance to promote our recovery support work across Sheffield – whether that’s through Life Houses or through the Core Recovery Church which we run with our partners. of the Church Army and the Methodist Church.If we are to end homelessness, we know that addressing the issues that lead people to become homeless, including substance abuse, is essential. Part of it is reducing the stigma around addiction by hosting events like this, telling stories, and making recovery more visible.
Paul Huggins, chaplain at Sheffield Lifehouses, who is also part of the Salvation Army‘s Core Recovery team, which is part of the church’s missionary service and charity to help people in recovery explore their spiritual relationship with God, said, “Working in recovery, I see there is potential in everyone. Seeing people come out of addiction, recover, and continue to walk that path of recovery, you see how much hope that gives to others. I believe we are all masterpieces, made in the image of God, a unique work of art and you can see that with people in recovery, who they are and not addiction.
Representatives from Shelter, Sheffield City Council, Chocolate Box (Christian community for vulnerable women), Project 6 (alcohol recovery community), street pastors and many more attended the event at the Sheffield Citadel Church of the Salvation Army. Guests included the High Sheriff of South Yorkshire, the Deputy Chief Executive of Sheffield City Council and the Lord Mayor of Sheffield.
