Sunderland college leads the way as it signs recovery pledge
An institution in Sunderland is the first college in the UK to sign a pledge supporting students in recovery or in need of guidance around substance use.
On Thursday, September 24 at Sunderland College’s Bede Campus, in Durham Road, Sunderland College and Recovery Connections signed a pledge forming a partnership to support students in recovery and in need of advice and guidance around substance use.
The pledge outlines how the college will raise awareness around recovery, support students and their families, provide safe and welcoming spaces on campus, and remove barriers to students pursuing higher education and seeking support.
Recovery Connections also helps students who may have grown up around addiction and could benefit from a safe space to talk.
Sunderland College is the first college in the UK to sign this pledge alongside the University of Sunderland, which was the first university in the country to sign back in 2022.
A spokesperson for Sunderland College said: "We are the first college in the country to sign which is a really big statement.”
The college added: “It is really important to be working and collaborating with the local community in this partnership.
"We are really looking forward to working to reduce the barriers for young people and provide more support so they can thrive.”
Recovery connections is a lived experience organisation operating in Sunderland, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Darlington, Redcar, Hartlepool and Gateshead, providing support to those struggling with drug or alcohol use.
The pledge signed by Sunderland College and Recovery Connections creates a confidential and safe space for students to talk openly and freely about substance use without judgement or stigma.
Sunderland College hope this pledge will help raise awareness and educate its students so they know where support is available.
Poppy Beall, regional manager at Recovery Connections, said: “It is much more than a support service. It is a conversation.
"It is having people around you who understand and who have lived experiences.
"It is creating positive relationships and conservations.”
For more information about Recovery Connections and to get help and support, see https://recoveryconnections.org.uk/ or contact them on social media.