Sponsors line-up to support UK Recovery Walk

With six weeks to go, organisers of this year’s UK Recovery Walk, which takes place in Cardiff on 10th September, have announced their first set of sponsors, namely Crime Reduction Initiative (CRI), Western Power Distribution, M&D Care Ltd and Princes Gate Water.

Over 1,500 people are expected to take part in an organised procession through Cardiff city centre to show that people do overcome their addictions and can regain control over their lives. The walk is about celebrating success and promoting the benefits of effective treatment for substance use disorders and mental health problems to society.

The UK Recovery Walk is also supported by the UK Recovery Foundation, UK Recovery Academy, the Welsh Assembly Government, Cardiff Council and the Lord Mayor of Cardiff.

Wynford Ellis Owen, chair of the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff and chief executive of the Welsh Council on Alcohol and Other Drugs, said, “It’s a real pleasure to have the support of CRI, Western Power Distribution and Princes Gate Water for Wales’ first ever Recovery Walk. We want to give people hope - to show that individuals can find light at the end of the tunnel. Recovery is a reality and we want as many people as possible who are suffering because of their addictions to realise that treatment is available and is effective.”

On behalf of CRI, Mike Pattinson, director, commented, “We are delighted to sponsor the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff. As an organisation we work with individuals, families and communities across England and Wales that are affected by drugs, alcohol, crime, homelessness, domestic abuse, and antisocial behaviour. Our projects, delivered in both communities and prisons, encourage and empower people to take control of their lives and motivate them to find solutions to their problems.”

Karen Welch, sponsorship manager, Western Power Distribution, said, “Western Power is an active supporter of community events and is delighted to lend its support to the children’s activities taking place in front of Cardiff City Hall as part of the UK Recovery Walk Cardiff. We want children and young people to have a future which isn’t marred by addiction and over-dependency on alcohol, drugs and gambling. We are proud to be a part of the walk’s message of hope.”

Michele Martin, director of M&D Care Ltd, providers of care for young adults with mental health issues in Skewen, near Swansea, added, “It’s a privilege to be supporting this first ever Welsh Recovery Walk because it will go a long way towards countering the considerable amount of prejudice, discrimination and stigmatization of people with addiction and mental health problems that still exists in society.”

Glyn Jones of Princes Gate Water said, “We’re pleased to provide the walkers in this year’s UK Recovery Walk with the key ingredient to a healthy lifestyle. Water is the source of life and Pembrokeshire water is best of all!”