Drug and alcohol addiction is a community problem which needs a community response.

No user can recover alone; they need many differing forms of support to help them fully recover and reintegrate into mainstream society. Education, training, employment, housing, and practical and emotional support are all important, but often have huge barriers for the ex-user.

The Oxfordshire User Team (OUT) works with drug and alcohol users across the county to promote social inclusion, and provides opportunities for people overcoming related issues. The innovative charity is holding a special event in the city centre to celebrate those taking the road to recovery and to ask community members for their support in embracing ex and recovering substance users back from the fringes.

In partnership with Oxfordshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team (DAAT), OUT is holding a Walk for Recovery on Saturday, September 17, to help break down some of the barriers faced by the people they support. The Walk starts at midday outside Simon House, Paradise Street, Oxford city centre, ending at South Parks, where the day’s main event will be held from 12.30–5pm.

Throughout the day there will be information stalls, drug and alcohol advice, complimentary therapies, activities for children, live music, raffle, a talent contest, food and refreshments, awards for service users and workers, and a balloon release to remember those who have lost their lives to addiction. The event is being held as part of the Recovery Week which starts on Monday 12 September.

Event organisers are in urgent need of stewards and volunteers for the day to help out with both the walk and the park event, especially people who are trained in first aid or who have been CRB checked. To volunteer or for more information about the event please visit www.facebook.com/WalkForRecoveryOxford or follow @WFROxford on Twitter. Alternatively telephone Anna Odell on 07726 890 785.

Visit www.oxfordshiredaat.org to find out more about Oxfordshire DAAT, and for more on OUT visit www.oxfordshireuserteam.org.uk or telephone Glenda Daniels on 07986 816955.