Wolverhampton wins bid to host next National Recovery Walk

The city has been chosen as the venue for the 2025 UK Recovery Walk after residents and local organisations came out in force to back its bid to host the free celebratory event.

The annual walk celebrates recovery from drug or alcohol addiction, and includes a public parade and a celebration gathering of people in recovery and their families and friends in a ‘Recovery Village’.

Interested parties, including Wolverhampton, were invited to submit bids to host next year's event by the trustees of Faces and Voices of Recovery UK (FAVOR UK). 

Thousands of people backed Wolverhampton's application in a public vote, with the city being announced as host at FAVOR UK's AGM on Friday afternoon.

Wolverhampton's successful bid was driven by The Good Shepherd and Wolverhampton Voluntary and Community Action’s Service User Involvement Team (SUIT) in partnership with Wolverhampton Council and Recovery Near You.

Annemarie Ward, CEO of FAVOR UK, said: "We are thrilled to announce that Wolverhampton has won the bid to host the UK Recovery Walk 2025. 

"This is an incredible opportunity to showcase the strength, resilience, and unity of the recovery community in Wolverhampton and beyond.

"The passion and dedication demonstrated in Wolverhampton’s bid reflect the city’s deep commitment to supporting recovery and breaking down the stigma surrounding addiction.

"With its vibrant community, rich diversity, and inspiring plans for the Recovery Walk and Recovery Village, Wolverhampton will provide a powerful platform to celebrate the journey of recovery and highlight the transformative power it brings to individuals, families, and communities.

"The UK Recovery Walk is more than just an event, it’s a movement that makes recovery visible, fosters hope, and unites us in a shared mission of compassion and change. 

"We cannot wait to see Wolverhampton come alive with the energy and celebration of recovery in 2025.”

The event will take place in West Park on September 13.

Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, cabinet member for adults and wellbeing, said: "Hosting the UK Recovery Walk will be a great opportunity to highlight the importance of recovery and demonstrate our city's commitment to supporting those on their recovery journey.

"As a council, we are dedicated to promoting health and wellbeing, and we see this event as a vital step in our ongoing efforts to support recovery and resilience in our communities.

"We will work closely with all partners over the coming months to make sure that the UK Recovery Walk 2025 is a significant and memorable event for everyone involved."