Rainbow Recovery is evolving, with new ways to get involved through the café, film club and upcoming workshops in Harlow and Chelmsford.

Phil is 15 months sober and part of our recovery community. In this blog, he reflects on the gifts sobriety has brought into his life - from clarity and gratitude to rebuilding relationships and rediscovering purpose.

More than 100 people came together at the sold-out Community Voice event at Colchester Arts Centre, where members of the Essex Recovery Foundation recovery community shared research, lived experiences, and ideas to help shape the future of drug and alcohol support services across Essex. Find out what was discussed!

We’re excited to announce that Community Voice, our groundbreaking forum amplifying the lived experience of addiction, is coming to Colchester on Thursday 5th March 2026.

Written by Jo Horgan, Workforce Development & Training Lead at Essex Recovery Foundation

Mike shares an honest reflection on living in recovery: from accepting alcoholism without shame to finding strength, purpose, and connection through community.

Stigma remains one of the biggest barriers facing people affected by drug and alcohol addiction. It silences voices, fuels shame and prevents people from seeking help or feeling accepted. At Essex Recovery Foundation, we believe recovery is not something to hide… it is something to be heard, understood and celebrated.

We have carefully reviewed and brought together the ideas, suggestions and concerns that were raised by the community at or Community Voice event in October. Here is a summary of what you told us… and how we are responding.

We are proud to share that the first-ever UK clinical guidelines for the treatment of alcohol dependence have now been published by the Department for Health & Social Care - and the voices of people from Essex played an important part in shaping them.

Written by Sarah Tinker, Radical Change Lead at Essex Recovery Foundation

At Essex Recovery Foundation, we’re always inspired when our community members take initiative to create spaces that support recovery and wellbeing. One such inspiring example comes from Liz, who has recently set up a Neurodiverse Peer Support Group within the recovery service.

Ben Hughes' professorship bridges academia and community, transforming addiction recovery in Essex. Emphasising lived experience, it fosters integrated, person-centred support, challenging stigma and enhancing recovery pathways.

Earlier this month, we visited Boys and Men UK CIC in Colchester – a community-led project empowering boys and men through sport, education, and open conversations. Supported by the Essex Recovery Fund, their work is helping to build confidence, reduce isolation, and create lasting change for the recovery community.

We heard you! After an incredible 2024 festival, we’re making 2025 even better based on your feedback. This year, you can upgrade to glamping for a cozy, stylish stay in fully furnished tipis. Plus, for those coming solo, our new Meet & Mingle events will help you connect with others in a fun, relaxed way.

We asked two of our volunteers to talk about what ‘The Tides of Change’ meant to them. Here’s what Debbie and Kath had to say.

Placing the voices of those with lived experience of addiction at the heart of transformative change, Essex Recovery Foundation announces the outcomes of the commissioning process for the Community Rehabilitation and PAIRS contracts in Essex.

Lucy, a runner-up in the 2024 Art & Poetry Showcase, shares the deeply personal story behind her submission. Written during a difficult time, her piece reflects on love, addiction, and the hope of finding strength through connection.

Meet Steve, the winner of the 2024 Art & Poetry Showcase art category. Discover how painting became his mindfulness practice, a reflection of his recovery journey, and a message of hope for others seeking light in the darkness.