A number of community groups have collaborated to help those recovering from addiction.

Newly launched “Spark” is a collaboration between a number of Blackburn and Darwen services that support those suffering with addiction together to make it easier for service users to turn the tide.

Included in the collaboration is the council, Red Rose Recovery, Calico, Community CVS, Early Break and Inspire, Motive, Overcome.

The service combines specialist drug and alcohol services with health, housing and community groups, with each service helping users in different ways to give them the best chance at recovery.

It aims to provide a joined-up service that supports people of all ages and backgrounds to recover, while their families and the wider community see long lasting and positive change.

Director of public health, Abdul Razaq said: “It’s an absolutely fantastic initiative and programme.

“The Recovery Collaborative will help service users in their recovery and celebrate their achievements.

“We want to provide more services and improve the health and wellbeing of the community.

“We are focusing on our vulnerable community by providing good quality services and this is an example of what we can achieve together.”

One of the groups which is included in the collaboration is Red Rose Recovery. The team is made up of 100 people with around 95 of those having joined the team as service users themselves.

Founder of the group, Peter Yarwood said: “We are helping people to have a stake in society through volunteering, training, access to employment and peer support.

“Red Rose Recovery is a lovely example as about 95 per cent of our workforce came in as service users.

“They are now taking their positive experience to help people and are not only a mentor but an aspiration to those in recovery.”

Tom Woodcock, Director of Treatment and Recovery at The Calico Group, said:

The Spark Recovery Collaborative is an inclusive approach to improving the health of some of the most marginalised people in our communities.’

We are really excited about developing our working relationship and creating innovative services with partner organisations and communities in Blackburn with Darwen.’

Spark is based at St Johns Court, Ainsworth Street, Blackburn, BB1 6AR, and can also be contacted at: (01254) 495014

In Darwen, Spark can be found at Café Hub, Foundry Street, Darwen, BB3 1DJ

Find out more about Spark BWD services here: https://sparkbwd.org.uk/