I've raised £500 to help a community project in Middlesbrough continue to provide vital support to people with addiction/mental health issues and homelessness.

Organised by Cara Donnelly

Story

Recipe is a local community project that provides front level support for vulnerable people who are homeless, have addiction/substance misuse issues and mental health problems through free hot meals, clothing and toiletries where possible, a friendly face and advice.

It is ran by two people who are in long term recovery themselves, and a small team of volunteers who give up their own time and resources to help people in any way they can.

In Middlesbrough there is high unemployment, poverty, homeless and substance abuse rates.

Middlesbrough is Britain’s suicide capital - with rates over 70% higher than the national average. In two thirds of cases the person had been drinking before taking their own life, and are most likely to be single, unemployed men.

Middlesbrough has among the highest rates of drug related deaths in the country, and alcohol specific mortality rates are significantly higher than the rest of England.

Middlesbrough has the highest rate of homelessness per head of population (1 in every 1,064 people) in the North East, although this may be even higher due to ‘hidden homelessness’ i.e. sofa surfing.

We all know someone affected by atleast one of these issues and anyone can find themselves in a position they never thought they would be in.

Let’s support people using their own recovery to give others in need a helping hand.

Any donations to this cause will be really appreciated.

Recipe’s Mission Statement:

To empower individuals seeking recovery to achieve sustainable change in their lives by providing opportunities to participate in and contribute to positive experiences that will develop confidence, self worth, peer friendships and social networks.