SULE - Service User & Lived Experience Engagement Project

21/05/2026

Creative sessions are well under way at the Norfolk Recovery Community.

Today we made some of our craft items that will be on sale at Norfolk RecoveryFest

Another day of peer connection and community which is always amazing to see ❤️

19/05/2026

Reflecting on an incredible two days...

Today we concluded the final training session for our 2nd cohort of Recovery Community Champions.

Over the last 48 hours, we have witnessed the true power of peer connection. What started as a group of individuals who mostly didn't know each other has transformed into a supportive network built on kindness, mutual respect, and shared lived experiences.

A heartfelt thank you to our volunteers for stepping up to make a difference.

18/05/2026

Our 2nd cohort of Volunteer Recovery Community Champions attended our Peer Support training day 1

It was inspiring to see a room full of people who for the majority had never met each other before just talking and connecting. The power of shared experiences shone through today and I want to thank all 5 volunteers and the 2 Peer Community Facilitators for their openness, kindness, respect and willingness to learn

We look forward to our 2nd days training tomorrow for some more learning, laughter and connection 😊

14/05/2026

This morning was the 2nd Evolving Canvases creative session.

Handcrafted and decorated envelopes, with hidden letters of hope and inspiration. It was amazing to see everyone participating & connecting with each other showing just how powerful peer support can be 🫂

These creative pieces will be showcased at our upcoming Norfolk RecoveryFest

One of our community members shared with us today what the recovery community means to him.

"I met a peer researcher from SULE at the hostel I was living in, in Cromer last year. Coming to the Recovery Community Space helps me get out, because otherwise I feel really lonely.

Here, I don’t have to pretend — I can just be me. I love it.”

“This kind of peer group works for me people are honest and everyone is trying to get through life. They’re brave people.”

A massive thank you to the community member for sharing this with us some powerful and kind words ❤️

12/05/2026

It was a lovely sunny day🌞at Dereham Day on Saturday 9th May and we managed to get a lovely picture with Betty The Shark thanks to Dereham Leisure Centre for allowing us to borrow Betty from your stall 🙂

We also managed to raise £60 through sales of our community members handcrafted items, a big thank you to everyone who purchased an item from our stall. The money raised will go into supporting the continued growth of the Norfolk Recovery Community.

Come and visit us Norfolk RecoveryFest on Saturday 22nd August at The Forum, Norwich to learn more about our project, browse our fundraising stall, speak to the many local organisations or simply have fun by visiting the varied entertainment that will be on offer.

09/05/2026

We are here at Dereham Day come along and have a chat to learn more about the Norfolk Recovery Community and Norfolk RecoveryFest

We also have some lovely handmade craft items for sale all lovingly created by our community members. All money raised supports the growth of our community.

03/05/2026

Festival season kicked off at our Norwich Hub on the 23rd April. Everyone got involved in creating individual Canvases related to Connection, art works will contribute to our lived experience art exhibition at Norfolk RecoveryFest on Saturday 22nd August.

There are plenty of sessions between now and the festival so if you have ever been affected by drug or alcohol use please self refer to our project by following the link in our pinned post.

Alternatively contact our project coordinator by email [email protected]

We hope to see you soon 👀 ❤️

02/05/2026

Over the next few months the Norfolk Recovery Communities activities are linked to our upcoming Norfolk RecoveryFest

Our creative art sessions will shape the festival's lived experience art gallery, launch of our Anti Stigma Campaign and our fundraising craft items.

Be part of our community and join safe peer led space in Norwich or we offer online sessions for people who are unable to access our Norwich Hub.

If you have ever been affected by substance use either directly through your own use or as a family, friend or carer of someone who has been affected by drug/alcohol use.

If you are already a member of our community contact our project coordinator by email [email protected]

Or if you are not a member please scan the QR code on the picture or click the link in our pinned post.

We hope to see you soon 😊

30/04/2026

The Norfolk Recovery Community is bringing something big to The Forum! 📢

​Built entirely on the feedback and lived experience of our members, we are thrilled to launch Norfolk RecoveryFest

​The festival is the NRC’s response to the need for a more connected, visible, and stigma free recovery system in our county.

It’s a space to connect, find support and most importantly celebrate the power of recovery together.

​🎨 Art | 🎸 Music | 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family Fun | 🌳 The Recovery Tree

​See you there on 22nd August!

​

We are thrilled to officially announce the launch of Norfolk RecoveryFest 2026! 🌳

Led by lived experience and shaped by the Service User & Lived Experience (SULE) Project - Norfolk Recovery Community, this festival is designed to open up vital conversations around mental health and substance use challenges. Our goal is simple but powerful to challenge stigma, foster connection and celebrate hope within our community.

​What to expect:

​🎨 Lived experience art exhibition and performances.

​👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Family-friendly activities and children’s entertainment.

​🤝 Direct access to local support organisations and guidance.

​💜 The Recovery Tree—a space for reflection and remembrance.

​Join us at The Forum for a day of celebration and community.

​📍 Where: The Forum, Millennium Plain, Norwich
📅 When: 22nd August 2026 | 10am – 4pm
🎟️ Cost: Completely FREE and open to all.

​Let’s work together to make recovery visible.

​

23/04/2026

We're here at St Augustine's Hall, Norwich creating creative art pieces for our upcoming lives experience led Recovery Festival in August.

If you have ever been affected by drug and or alcohol use and would like to join our peer support sessions then please self refer by clicking the link in our pinned post or by contacting our project coordinator Jamie Barnes on 07521 430272 or email [email protected]

Follow our socials for more updates 👀