Lemons to Lemonade LLP

Recovery Connections is a peer-led, substance use recovery organisation based in Middlesbrough. Originally Hope North East, we were founded in 2008 by members of the local recovery community.

In addition to having a presence in Middlesbrough, we also have teams in Gateshead, Stockton and Sunderland, working in partnership contracts. Our Middlesbrough-based rehab is rated CQC Outstanding. 

In 2016, we made the decision to rebrand in recognition of the successful tender for the Abstinence and Recovery Service within Middlesbrough Recovering Together. Following a stakeholder consultation the name Recovery Connections.

In late 2019 we took over Middlesbrough based eatery, The Fork In The Road marking the beginning of our group of companies offering social enterprise opportunities; there are now four businesses within Recovery Connections Enterprises: The Fork in the Road, Bloom Florists, The Fork in the Road – Stage One and 131 The Venue. To find out more about this element of our work, visit the Social Enterprise tab. 

We offer a range of opportunities that can help build recovery capital and achieve lasting positive change.  We focus on individual strengths and have a ‘do with’ rather than a ‘do for’ approach to support. We believe in and support all pathways of recovery.

Raising the profile of recovery and challenging stigma is a key aim of everything we do. We endeavour to network and speak to organisations, groups and communities about recovery wherever possible. In 2019/20 we worked in collaboration with Road to Recovery Trust on a research project around stigma which formed a consultation report that will inform us and lead onto further work in the field. 

We collaborate with Recovery Organisations worldwide including:

David Collins, CEO of The Foundation Clinic in Johannesburg, South Africa, specialising in Recovery to Wellness Coaching.

John Elford, Author of the “Integrated Step Course (WISC)” – a methodology to teach the 12 steps in a rehab setting.

John is the designer of the Integrated Step Course, the staff induction and other key elements of the service delivery that we offer. He spent a year delivering staff supervision as the programme became established – we still use John’s programme and resources today. 

Awards & Accreditations

2021 North East Charity Leader of the Year (Dot Smith)

2021 Investors in People (silver)

2020 Investors in Volunteers Award

2020 Middlesbrough Civic Community Award (silver) – Helping people improve their educational and vocational capability (business)

2020 Middlesbrough Civic Community Award (silver) – Improving Employment opportunities for residents (business)

2019 Middlesbrough Civic Community Award – Improving the Health and Wellbeing of Residents (business)

2016 Equality North East Organisations under 50 staff – Finalist

2015 Equality North East Groups that make a difference – Finalist

2012 North East Better Health at Work – Gold Award

2012 Large Community Project Commendation Award – One Planet Living – Middlesbrough Environment City

2011 North East Better Health at Work – Silver Award

Finalist 2011 Centre for Social Justice Award

2011 LGBT Inclusion Award

2010 North East Better Health at Work – Bronze Award

2010 SMP Care Plan Oscars (care planning, diversity and innovation)

2008 Community Business Award (Evening Gazette)

What can we offer?

• 24 week residential rehabilitation using WISC Integrated Step Course & Recovery to Wellness Coaching

• A range of therapeutic recovery support groups and activities. Support to access local groups and facilities

• Recovery to Wellness Coaching

• Facilitated access to mutual aid (12 Step Fellowship, SMART, Act Peer Recovery)

• Ambassador Programme (Peer Mentoring)

• Volunteering opportunities

• Accredited training delivery

• CQC Registered Residential Supported Accommodation

• Support to secure decent accommodation and tenancy support

• Employment support services (Work-club)