A Movement Built on Community and Lived Experience
What began in Doncaster as a grassroots response to stigma and exclusion has grown into one of the UK's most recognised celebrations of recovery. The Recovery Games continues to evolve as an independent Community Interest Company and Lived Experience Recovery Organisation led by people who understand recovery from the inside out.
Our work focuses on creating spaces where recovery is visible, connection is encouraged, and communities come together to celebrate strength, resilience and progress. By bringing people together through shared experiences and positive events, the Recovery Games help challenge stigma and remind people that recovery is possible.
Our Story
The Recovery Games were founded by Neil Firbank, whose lived experience of addiction and long-term recovery helped shape the original vision for the Games. Having seen first-hand how isolation and stigma can affect people in recovery, Neil believed that recovery thrives when people feel connected, supported and part of a community.
The first Recovery Games event took place in Doncaster and quickly grew into a powerful celebration of recovery. Over the years, participants, families, professionals and community organisations from across the UK have taken part, helping to create an environment where recovery is recognised, valued and celebrated.
Today the Recovery Games has transitioned into an independent Community Interest Company, allowing the organisation to expand its reach and strengthen its impact across communities nationwide.
A Movement Built on Community and Lived Experience
What began in Doncaster as a grassroots response to stigma and exclusion has grown into one of the UK's most recognised celebrations of recovery. The Recovery Games continues to evolve as an independent Community Interest Company and Lived Experience Recovery Organisation led by people who understand recovery from the inside out.
Our work focuses on creating spaces where recovery is visible, connection is encouraged, and communities come together to celebrate strength, resilience and progress. By bringing people together through shared experiences and positive events, the Recovery Games help challenge stigma and remind people that recovery is possible.
Our Core Values
Everything we do is guided by values that reflect the lived experience and community spirit at the heart of the Recovery Games.
Recovery is possible
For every person struggling, there is someone else finding their way forward and inspiring hope through their lived experience.
Every recovery journey is unique
Each person should be supported to discover what works for them, at their own pace and in their own way.
Community creates strength
Connection, compassion and shared experience help people feel supported and less alone.
No one should suffer in silence
The Recovery Games exists to bring people together wherever they are on their recovery journey and remind them that help and hope are always present.
Our Impact
Over the past 13 years the Recovery Games has grown into a national movement that brings thousands of people together to celebrate recovery and community.
Impact Highlights
6,600+ competitors
1,000 volunteers
10,200+ volunteer hours
13,200+ spectators
20,800+ total direct engagements
£147,000+ estimated social value
But the impact of the Recovery Games goes beyond numbers. By celebrating recovery publicly and creating spaces for connection, the Games help reduce stigma, promote wellbeing and strengthen recovery communities across the UK.
