Carving hope into recovery

An “inspirational” new community sculpture in Newcastle is helping support addiction recovery by combining creativity, wellbeing and lived experience.

A new eight-foot wooden ‘Recovery Sculpture’ has been unveiled in Byker, created by members of the local recovery community to inspire and support people overcoming alcohol and substance addiction. 

The project was led by Tyne Housing in partnership with Revival Newcastle and Newcastle City Council, with around 40 participants involved over four months.

Residents of Tyne Housing and service users from Oaktrees community rehab centre worked together during weekly woodwork sessions, carving personal messages and symbols into the sculpture to reflect their recovery journeys. 

The programme blended creative activity with trauma-informed health and wellbeing support.

Now installed at Ouseburn Farm, the sculpture is designed to challenge stigma, encourage reflection and offer hope to others taking steps towards recovery. 

Steve Wood, chair of Revival Newcastle, who has lived experienced having previously overcome addiction, said: “We want to change public perceptions and challenge the stigma and stereotypes attached to people who are experiencing or overcoming substance issues – we are not defined by our past problems, we move forward to become better people.

“This installation is a perfect example of visible recovery – the arch is not just a message of hope and recovery, but of storytelling, insight and reflection. 

“The participants involved have shown tremendous bravery in overcoming their issues and we want to share this with our community. 

“We hope people will use this space for a period of reflection and take away messages of hope and achievement which we’re trying to convey.”

Lord Mayor of Newcastle, councillor Henry Gallagher, added: “It’s been a privilege to officially unveil the Recovery Sculpture as it’s a reminder that our communities have such positive stories to tell. 

“Celebrating visible recovery is a testament to what can be achieved and those who have created the sculpture can now share their accomplishments with others in the city. 

“Newcastle is making great strides forward to make recovery accessible so the significance of this sculpture cannot be underestimated. 

“Congratulations to all involved.”

Monica Burns, Tyne Housing’s chair, added: “Everyone has a different story and background, so every person has different challenges to overcome when starting out on their recovery journey. 

“Tyne Housing has been committed to supporting vulnerable adults in our society for over 50 years, and by putting the right opportunities and support programmes in place, all underpinned by professional expertise and dedicated support services, we can see just how beneficial this can be.

“The Recovery Sculpture Project is just one example of this, and those taking part have shown amazing progress. 

“The outcome speaks for itself, and we now have an inspirational, new community art installation for everyone to enjoy.

“If we can help just one person take positive steps forward and be inspired by those who have been there before, it’s worthwhile.”

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