Lived Experience Team

31/08/2026

💜 International Overdose Awareness Day 💜

Behind every loss is a person who mattered. A family who loved them. Friends who miss them.

As the Lived Experience Team, we know how important it is to keep remembering the people that have lost their lives to overdoses. We also know the power of sharing our experiences to help others understand the risks, recognise the signs and have conversations that could save a life.

Today, we are sharing a reminder of the reality of overdose and the lasting impact it can have through the words of “Overdose Aware”, a powerful poem written by one of our team members, David Wilson. 💜

26/08/2026

🏆 Blackpool Inclusive Recovery Games 🏆

We’re excited to share that our team will be getting involved in the Blackpool Inclusive Recovery Games this Friday🎉

It’s a brilliant day all about connection, community, fun and celebrating recovery. We’re looking forward to getting stuck in, having a laugh and enjoying a day with our recovery community.

📅 Friday 28th August
📍 Stanley Park Sports Centre, Blackpool
⏰ 10:30am – 4:00pm

There’ll be activities throughout the day, a team rounders competition and plenty of opportunities to get involved.

Come down, cheer us on and join the fun💜

Let’s celebrate what happens when recovery communities come together 💪

25/08/2026

💜 Come together for Overdose Awareness Day💜

This Overdose Awareness Day, our friends at The Salvation Army are creating a space for people to come together, remember those we have lost and share a moment of connection, remembrance and hope.

📅 Wednesday 2 September
🕛 12pm
📍 The Salvation Army, Raikes Parade

We’d love to see our community, partners, friends and anyone who wants to remember together join us there.

By coming together, we can remember those we have lost, stand alongside those affected and continue to build a community where people feel supported and know that help is available. 💜

19/08/2026

💜 INTERNATIONAL OVERDOSE AWARENESS DAY 💜

Our partner agency, Renaissance, is hosting a special event to mark International Overdose Awareness Day, a time to remember those we have lost, support those affected and help prevent future loss.

📅 Tuesday 1 September
🕥 10:30am – 1:00pm
📍 102 Dickson Road
🤝 Hosted by Renaissance

The morning will be a chance to come together, reflect, share food, hear a presentation and, most importantly, find support and connect with others.

Overdose can affect individuals, families, friends and whole communities. Events like this create a safe space to talk, remember and remind people that support is available and no one has to face things alone.

Everyone is welcome. Come along, share, listen and be part of the conversation. 💜

07/08/2026

✨️ Feedback Friday ✨️

Support isn't just about helping people through difficult moments, it's also about creating opportunities to rediscover confidence, connection and enjoyment. This week’s feedback focuses on the positive impacts meaningful activities can have.

For many of the people we support, meaningful activities provide more than just something to do. They offer a chance to try something new, build positive routines, reduce isolation and take a break from the challenges they may be facing.

Whether it's sport, creative sessions or spending time together, meaningful activities can play an important role in recovery and wellbeing. They help people reconnect with themselves, build relationships and take positive steps forward.💜

31/07/2026

✨️ Feedback Friday ✨️
As the Lived Experience Team, we know that everyone's journey is different, which is why we work alongside each person, providing practical support, advocating when it's needed and working in partnership with other services to help people achieve the outcomes that matter most to them.

No challenge is too big or too small. Whether it's navigating services, rebuilding confidence or taking the next step towards recovery, we're committed to walking alongside people every step of the way.

Today's feedback highlights the difference that collaborative, person-centred support can make, helping people move forward with hope and confidence. 💜

If you're looking for help, support or more information, please give us a call on 0300 32 32 100 (option 2).

29/07/2026

Recently our team has been involved in the Right Patient, Right Place, Right Time workshops, sharing their own experiences and insights with NHS colleagues and partner organisations on how we can work together to better support people experiencing multiple disadvantages. ✨️

The workshops explore new ways that services can recognise people as individuals, meet them where they are, and provide compassionate, person-centred support.

Jamie, one of our Peer Navigators, shared a message that really stood out;

Imagine a star ⭐️ trying to fit into a space designed only for squares 🟨. No matter how hard it tries, the star will never fit without losing what makes it unique.

People experiencing multiple disadvantages often face complex challenges, including trauma, homelessness, addiction, mental ill health and social exclusion. These experiences can make getting support more difficult, which is why it's so important to continue learning, adapting and working together to meet people's unique needs.

❓Changing the question from "Why won't they engage?" to "What's happening for them, and how can we do things differently?" can make a real difference.

Sometimes behaviour is communication, and by taking time to understand the experiences behind someone's actions, intervening earlier and working together, we can reduce barriers and help to make it easier for people to find the right support before they reach crisis point.

We're excited to continue our learning in more workshops, and by being alongside NHS colleagues and partner organisations we will help to build services that are inclusive, responsive and centred around the people they support. 💜

For more information about our Lived Experience Team give us a call on 0300 32 32 100 (option 2)

21/07/2026

Join the Lived Experience Team! 🌟

We're looking for a compassionate and motivated Volunteer Co-ordinator to recruit, support, and develop our incredible team of volunteers.

This is an opportunity to empower others, support in building confidence, and help create a welcoming and inclusive volunteering environment where people feel valued, supported, and equipped to make a meaningful impact.

We're looking for someone who:
💜 Has relevant personal lived experience and is in a stable place in their own recovery.
💜 Is passionate about supporting and encouraging others.
💜 Enjoys building positive relationships and helping people reach their potential.
💜 Believes in the value of volunteering and lived experience.

If you've used your own recovery to build a brighter future and now want to help others do the same, we'd love to hear from you.

For any further information or questions, please contact Nicola Plumb at 07900994839.
To apply, please use the link below or get in touch if you’d like a paper copy of the application.

20/07/2026

📢 We're sharing an exciting opportunity!

Change Grow Live, who we work closely with, are recruiting Recovery Coordinators to join their substance use treatment service in Blackpool.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is passionate about supporting people on their recovery journey and could be a great opportunity to make a real difference.

As a Recovery Coordinator, you'll:
💜 Support people throughout their treatment and recovery journey
💜 Deliver person-centred, recovery-focused support
💜 Help people build resilience, improve wellbeing, and achieve positive outcomes
💜 Work alongside local partners to strengthen recovery support across Blackpool

If this sounds like the right role for you, or someone you know, we'd encourage you to apply and be part of shaping the future of recovery support in Blackpool.

Please follow the link below for more information and to apply. 👇

https://careers-changegrowlive.icims.com/jobs/20636/recovery-coordinator/job

Recovery Coordinators Blackpool | Full Time | 37.5 Hours | Permanent Help shape the future of recovery support in Blackpool This is an exciting opportunity to join Change Grow Live as part of a new service in Blackpool, supporting individuals and communities affected by substance use. At Change Grow...

17/07/2026

✨️ Feedback Friday ✨️

This week's feedback perfectly captures the values at the heart of our Lived Experience Team.

Supporting people through some of the most challenging times in their lives isn't about having all the answers, it's about being there. Listening without judgement, treating people with dignity and respect, and never giving up on someone when they need support the most.

This feedback reminds us that kindness, empathy, and believing in people can have a lasting impact. 💜