News
Carving out hope - Recovery Sculpture unveiled in Newcastle January 2026
Photos from Newcastle City Council website
A meaningful new addition to Newcastle has been unveiled at Ouseburn Farm: the Recovery Sculpture, an 8ft hand-carved wooden installation has been created by around 40 people from the local recovery community. Developed over four months through weekly woodwork sessions, residents supported by Tyne Housing and Changing Lives carved their own words, symbols and stories into the piece, making it a powerful symbol of hope, encouragement and visible recovery.
The project was led by Tyne Housing in partnership with Revival Newcastle and Newcastle City Council, combining creative arts with trauma-informed wellbeing support. Now on display in the orchard at Ouseburn Farm in Byker, the sculpture challenges stigma, celebrates positive recovery stories and invites reflection on the question: what does recovery mean to you?
Thanks to all who took part in this project, attended on the day and to Tyne Housing and Newcastle City Council for supporting such and important project.
To find out more about this project click on the links below
Newcastle City Council article
https://www.bdaily.co.uk/articles/2026/02/02/carving-hope-into-recovery
Balance – Reducing Alcohol Harm (Susan Taylor)
At the November Revival meeting, Sarah introduced Balance, an organisation that works across the North East of England to reduce the harm caused by alcohol. Balance works with councils, health services and community groups to help people understand the risks of drinking and to push for rules that better protect communities.
Alcohol harm is a big issue in the North East. Many people drink more than is safe, often without realising the risks. This leads to serious health problems, more hospital visits, more crime, and extra pressure on families and communities. Liver disease has risen by 400% since the 1970s, and alcohol is now about 90% cheaper in real terms than it was 40 years ago. Alcohol is also everywhere in everyday life, which makes it feel normal and harmless – for example in cards and gifts aimed at women for birthdays or Mother’s Day.
Balance explained that alcohol companies make their money when people drink a lot, so things like price, advertising and how easy alcohol is to buy really matter. At the moment, alcohol does not have clear calorie or health information on labels. There is also concern that new licensing changes, described as helping “economic growth”, could actually make alcohol harm worse. The Department of Health was not included in recent talks about licensing reform, which is worrying given the impact on health.
There are good examples of what works. In Scotland, minimum unit pricing has helped reduce alcohol harm and drink-driving. The strong action taken on tobacco also shows that clear rules and public health leadership can make a real difference.
Revival is now working with Balance to challenge the proposed changes to alcohol licensing laws. We believe these changes could make it harder to tackle alcohol harm and health inequalities in the North East, and we want to make sure people’s voices are heard.
Some Revival members have now shared their personal stories of alcohol harm through the Balance website, helping to show the real human impact behind the statistics. Dom: From Daily Drinking To A life I Enjoy. - Reduce My Risk
These are some of the panels, photos and artwork from the exhibition. Thank you to all who came along and took part.
Thanks also to Newcastle Cathedral for this opportunity to celebrate Recovery month
Recovery Month September 2025
Revival Newcastle Exhibition: Celebrating Recovery Through Creativity
This September, Newcastle Cathedral became a beacon of hope, healing, and artistic expression as it hosted a powerful exhibition curated by Revival Newcastle—a dynamic network of people, services, and organisations united in support of those affected by drug, alcohol, and other addiction issues.
Running from 10–30 September 2025, the exhibition formed part of Recovery Month 2025 and was shaped by a simple yet profound question posed to Revival’s partners and participants: “What does recovery mean to you?” The responses—raw, heartfelt, and deeply personal were transformed into a vibrant showcase of creative work showing the resilience and diversity of recovery journeys.
A Tapestry of Expression
Visitors to the Cathedral were greeted by an eclectic and moving collection of artworks, including:
Expressive paintings and sculptures
Hand-painted pebbles and custom-designed t-shirts
Poems, written reflections, and audio recordings of spoken word
Each piece offered a glimpse into the lived experience of recovery—its challenges, triumphs, and the communities that make it possible.
Connection and Conversation
Timed to coincide with World Suicide Prevention Day, the exhibition also served as a space for reflection on the broader impact of addiction and substance misuse. Through storytelling and shared creativity, the event highlighted the importance of compassion, connection, and community-led support.
The launch event featured an overview of Revival’s work and heartfelt reflections from contributors, many of whom shared their personal journeys of recovery. Attendees had the opportunity to meet the artists, engage in creative activities, and join in a warm evening of networking over light refreshments.
A Community United
Revival Newcastle’s exhibition was more than an art show—it was a celebration of recovery as a collective effort. It reminded us that recovery is not just an individual path, but a shared commitment to hope, dignity, and belonging.
As the final pieces are packed away, the messages remain: recovery is possible, creativity is powerful, and together, we can build communities where everyone has the chance to heal and thrive.
Step in to the Light
‘STEP INTO THE LIGHT’ is a recovery anthology that has recently been launched and rightly celebrated. A creative process undertaken by the recovery community, we are truly proud to showcase the words and reflections of those with lived experience.
For information about how to receive a copy, please get in touch!
Stigma: a call to action
This short animation raises awareness of stigma and its impact on people.
To join the National Anti Stigma Alliance, or find out more about how you can be a part of the solution, please visit: www.antistigmanetwork.org.uk
Understanding Treatment
Issues with alcohol and drugs can creep up on people and become a major problem to them and their families.
In Newcastle, there are many free confidential support services available, without a waiting list, for all kinds of people and all kinds of substances.
Whatever the level of support you need, having the courage and bravery to reach out is an important first step towards changing your life for the better.
If you're worried about yourself or anyone get the help you need today. Find the support you need at https://www.newcastle.gov.uk/services...