People in recovery are taking a message of hope out into communities, exchanging free coffee for honest conversations about moving into a life of recovery free from substances.
The new Revival Newcastle coffee bike is being used by organisations and people who have had drug or alcohol issues to talk to the public and offer a visible example of how recovery is possible.
Cllr Wendy Taylor, Newcastle City Council’s Cabinet member for integrated health and adult social care, said: “We know that there can be stigma around issues of drug use and that can lead people to suffer in silence, avoiding or delaying seeking treatment.
“We need to help end that stigma so that everyone - no matter their background, lifestyle or circumstance - can access care and support without judgement, fear, or shame.
“This coffee bike, which the council is proud to provide a base for at the Civic Centre, and the fantastic volunteers that will take it out across the city, are a highly visible illustration of how there is hope, connection and life after struggling with substances.
“And I hope that if you see it, you will stop and talk to them about their experiences and the great positive work being done by the Revival Newcastle partnership to increase access to support services and inspire those who need them to grasp that opportunity for a better life.”
Similar mobile engagement initiatives have seen success elsewhere in the country. And on its first weekend out in July, parked on Ceremonial Way, the Newcastle bike saw almost 1,000 cuppas and 750 biscuits given out to passers-by, members of the street community, wedding guests, people attending at citizenship ceremonies and staff working in nearby businesses.
Its early success builds on the great work of the Revival Newcastle partnership, which sees people in recovery, carers, allies, services and mutual aid groups working together to increase access to services and provide inspiration.
Steve Wood, Chair of Revival Newcastle and addictions and mental health coordinator at the charity ReCoCo, said: “Since we launched two years ago, our network of people who are passionate about supporting anybody with a substance use or addiction issue has trebled in size, with over 40 services and organisations working alongside our lived experience community.
“We strive to make recovery both visible and accessible and provide a platform for important conversations.
“In keeping with that theme, the recovery coffee bike allows for face to face engagement, exchanging a free cup of coffee for a conversation.
“Through raising awareness, signposting or just having a general chat about the possibility of changing our behaviour with substances, the aim is to give people hope and connection.”
September is the national Recovery Month and the bike will be out and about across the city.
If you are organising an event and would like the volunteers to bring the coffee bike along – or would like more information about joining the Revival network - please email steven.wood@recoverycoco.com.
Scheduled events
Wednesday 9 September: Outside Newcastle Cathedral from 10am
Monday 21 September: Hadrian Square, Shields Road, Byker from 10am
More to be announced