Celebrating recovery, resilience and hope in Barnet
September is Recovery Month, an opportunity to celebrate the achievements of people who have overcome drug and alcohol challenges, and to raise awareness of the support available across Barnet. Recovery looks different for everyone, and every recovery journey matters.
Barnet is hosting a series of free events throughout September to celebrate hope, resilience and recovery from drug and alcohol use in our community. Whether you’re looking for help for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to learn more, everyone is welcome!
Free events celebrating recovery in Barnet this September
CGL's Recovery Month Launch Event – Tuesday 1 September, 10am-2:30pm.
Wellbeing Hub, The Meritage Centre, Church End, NW4 4JT. No need to book, just turn up.
This in-person event marks the beginning of Recovery Month and offers an opportunity to come together in support of recovery initiatives, to recognise the strength, courage and achievements of individuals and communities, while highlighting the hope that recovery brings.
The event will bring together music, art, lived experience stories and recovery-focused organisations to showcase the many pathways to recovery. It is a chance to connect with others, share experiences, discover local support networks and celebrate the positive impact that recovery has on individuals, families and communities.
Whether you are at the beginning of your journey, supporting someone else, working within recovery services, or simply wanting to learn more, we hope the day inspires meaningful conversations, new connections and a renewed sense of hope.
Recovery Street Film Festival – Rewriting the Script
Tuesday 8 September, 2-5pm at Phoenix Cinema, 52 High Road, East Finchley, N2 9PJ. For over 18s only.
Selected short films from the Recovery Street Film Festival 2026, a national celebration of recovery, creativity, and lived experience. The event will showcase inspiring stories of hope, change, and resilience, while also highlighting the work of Change Grow Live's newly formed Barnet Film Club (BFG), whose members have already begun creating their own powerful short films. Book your free ticket here
Join the Walk for Hope
Tuesday 22 September, 2.30 - 6.30pm. Montrose Park, Silkstream Rd, Edgware HA8 0DD. Meet at entrance to UNITAS.
Bringing our community together to support mental health, wellbeing, and the power of connection. Join us in this group walk (suitable for all abilities) and we will also be in the park until 6:30pm for those seeking conversation.
Friendly volunteers in yellow t-shirts will be available in the park for a chat, support, advice and signposting to local services. No need to book, just turn up.
For more information contact: barnet.info@cgl.org.uk
Allotment Walk and Talk
Saturday 26 September, meet at 9:30am at the Mill Hill Park Café, Daws Lane, Barnet, NW7 4SE.
A gentle walk followed by lunch and a chat. Learn how connecting with your local community helps with recovery and wellbeing. No need to book, just turn up.
Sharing inspiring stories of Barnet residents in recovery
Throughout the month we will be sharing inspiring stories of people in Barnet to highlight that recovery is happening here, and it can happen for you too.
Many people across Barnet have rebuilt their lives with support from recovery services, peer groups and local communities.
Natasha describes SMART Recovery as "the most caring and supportive group I've ever been part of", while Martin says recovery helped him realise that "there is so much more to life than alcohol and drugs". Their experiences highlight the power of connection, support and belonging.
Recovery is rarely a straight path.
Roxanne remembers feeling "scared and excited at the same time" before starting detox but later felt proud and hopeful about the future. Similarly, Iulian describes arriving at Change Grow Live (Barnet’s local drug and alcohol service) feeling "absolutely broken", before finding the support, confidence and friendships that helped him build a new life.
Kay's story shows how recovery can create lasting change.
Through detox, Rise & Recover, SMART Recovery, and volunteering, Kate built a strong support network and now describes her life as "unrecognisable" compared with just a few months earlier.
Join the Recovery Month Launch Event on 1 September and follow us on social media to hear more from Natasha, Martin, Roxanne, Kay and many others as they embark on their recovery journey in Barnet.
These experiences reinforce one of Recovery Month's most powerful messages:
"The opposite of addiction is connection."
Families, friends, volunteers, professionals, and peers all play an important role in helping people achieve and sustain recovery.
Whether you are seeking support for yourself, supporting a loved one, or simply want to learn more, our services in Barnet are here to help. Recovery Month is a chance to challenge stigma, celebrate progress and recognise the many people who help make recovery possible.
Join us throughout September as we celebrate recovery, resilience, and hope and share with everyone that recovery is happening in Barnet.
Visit yourhealthbarnet.org/recovery for more information about Recovery Month and what’s going on in Barnet.