The addiction recovery journeys of five Sheffield women are told in a new book launching this Thursday.

Women in Recovery: Capital Pathways was edited by University of Derby criminology professor and recovery advocate David Patton and brings together the stories of 14 women, elevating their lived experiences alongside the research.

Helena “H” Lovell, a lived experience volunteer with Sheffield Recovery Community and contributor to the book, said:  “For me this book, and the launch, and all the stuff that has built up to it, is really to reach into those women that are still struggling with dependency and to say ‘we get that, and there is another option, and we will support you in getting through.’”

The book was originally launched at a United Nations conference in Vienna on March 10 by Sheffield Women’s Individual Personal Experience Recovery Network founding member Rifhat Aziz.

Thursday’s launch will take place at the Sheffield Cathedral to highlight the five local contributors, with guest speakers including Patton, Aziz and the Lord Mayor of Sheffield, Councillor Jayne Dunn.

Ms Lovell moved to Sheffield from the East Riding of Yorkshire in 2016 to receive treatment, and said the gender-based support she received from the local recovery community lead her to stay in the city.

Alison Thornhill, a Hospital Peer Mentor and SMART facilitator with Project 6 also contributed a chapter and described the additional barriers women face in accessing treatment, particularly when they fear their children being taken away.

She said: “It’s far more challenging for women because we’re known as the homemakers, keeping the family together. Then we become known as the home-breakers.”

According to Tracey Ford, Chair of Sheffield Recovery Community, the aim of the book is to raise awareness of the lessons that can be learned from women in recovery, and to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction.  

She said: “It’s about raising awareness that people in recovery are pretty tough and have learned a lot, and they’re pretty resilient. There’s a lot to be learned from people at this stage in recovery.

“What we’re trying to do is empower women in recovery, but also empower communities.”

Alongside the book, the Sheffield Recovery Community have launched a pledge that anyone can sign to commit to helping Sheffield become an inclusive recovery city by limiting barriers to treatment, reducing stigma, and promoting understanding for those affected by addiction.  

The Sheffield Inclusive Recovery Cities pledge can be signed here: https://sheffieldrecoverydirectory.co.uk/sheffield-inclusive-recovery-cities/