Out of Darkness – A Recovery Village Reflection

On the day of the UK Recovery Walk, I had the joy of running a drop-in tote bag workshop at the Recovery Village—a creative space nestled within a day of celebration, solidarity, and strength.

The workshop was originally designed with children and families in mind. I prepared a range of animal stencils and invited participants to explore the theme of recovery through colour and design. But as the day unfolded, it was the adults who gravitated toward the activity—drawn in by the chance to make something meaningful with their hands.

The star of the workshop was a stencil bearing Wolverhampton’s city motto: “Out of Darkness Cometh Light.” A phrase that holds deep resonance in the recovery community. Tote bags bearing those words were printed, painted, and carried home by people from across the UK—each one a quiet banner of hope, resilience, and renewal.

The Recovery Walk itself, organised by FAVOR (Faces and Voices of Recovery), was a milestone moment for Wolverhampton. Thanks to the tireless work of SUIT, The Good Shepherd, and other key partners, our city became the first in the Black Country to host this national event.

The day was filled with love, courage, and connection. It’s one I’ll never forget—a reminder of the strength that lives in community, and the power of creativity to hold space for healing.

To read more about The Recovery Walk, and access to photos from the day, take a look at Wolverhampton City Council’s press release here: https://www.wolverhampton.gov.uk/news/thousands-walk-show-and-celebration-recovery