Beyond the Day: Co-Production, Collaboration, and Proving the True Ripple Effects of the Doncaster Recovery Games

For the last 12 years, one of the biggest battles I’ve faced is trying to secure funding and get supporters on board. The constant hurdle has been that people on the outside—commissioners, funders, and decision-makers—looked at the Doncaster Recovery Games and just saw a one-day event. They didn't see the point in investing heavily in something they thought wrapped up the second the banners and gazebos came down.

But for those of us on the ground building this from day one, we have always known the real truth: the Games have never been about just one single day. The magic doesn't stop when the event ends. The impact stays with the people who took part. It goes back home with their families, reaches deep into local communities, and completely changes how people view recovery. It is a spark for long-term, systemic change, but proving that to the people holding the purse strings has always been the missing piece of the puzzle.

That is why I am incredibly proud to share a massive milestone. Through true co-production and collaboration, we are officially partnering with the University of Derby on a groundbreaking research project designed to scientifically capture, measure, and prove these very ripple effects.

Moving Beyond Individual Recovery

Often, traditional services look at recovery as a solo journey—something an individual does in a room, on their own. But lived experience tells us otherwise. True, sustainable recovery is social. It happens with others, through relationships, shared spaces, and community.

This new study focuses specifically on how events like the Doncaster Recovery Games create entirely new environments for people to connect, get involved, and completely rebuild their sense of identity.

Dr. David Patton, Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby, notes that the impact of the Games stretches far beyond the sports field:

"What we’re seeing through the Doncaster Recovery Games is that recovery doesn’t happen in isolation—it spreads. It strengthens families, builds community spirit, and shifts how people see themselves and each other. This project is about capturing those ripple effects and showing the real social value of recovery in action.”

Dr Patton speaking at the Recovery games 2024

🎬 See the Impact: "More Than a Day"

To truly understand what David means by recovery "spreading," you have to see it in action. Over the years, we have captured the stories, the smiles, and the profound transformations that start at the Games and continue long after.

Check out our "More Than a Day" playlist below to see the real-life human impact behind this upcoming research:

👉 Watch the "More Than a Day" Playlist on YouTube

(Wix Tip: You can also add a "Video" element in Wix and paste this playlist URL directly into it so the videos play right here on the page!)

12 Years of Driving Change

After 12 years of trying to convince others of our true value, this academic collaboration is the validation we’ve been working toward. Alongside the vital groundwork we have already started with Addicted to Recovery, this partnership with the University of Derby is finally going to allow us to shine a light on our true impact beyond the day itself.

We are finally in a position to back up what we've known all along with hard evidence, showing the world the real social value of what has been built right here in Doncaster.

Looking Forward: The Next Chapter

This research isn't just about looking back at what we’ve achieved; it’s about paving the way for the future of the recovery movement. By proving the systemic, community-wide value of lived-experience events, we hope to inspire similar initiatives nationwide.

I want to extend a massive thank you to Dr. David Patton, the University of Derby, the Addicted to Recovery team, and—most importantly—every single participant, volunteer, and family member who has made the Games what they are today. You are the reason we do this.

We look forward to sharing the findings, data, and stories from this study as the project progresses. Stay tuned to our blog and social media channels for regular updates!

— Neil Firbank, Founder and Director