Growing Lives participants enjoy 5-mile walk to mark Recovery Month

Growing Lives participants marked Recovery Month 2025 with a 5-mile community walk around Ilkeston. The group walked along Erewash and Nottingham Canals, taking in views of the historic Bennerley Viaduct along the way.

Fourteen people took part in the walk, which offered people in recovery the chance to enjoy a positive, healthy activity while spending time together, building connections and sharing experiences.

They were joined by members of Stand To and Recovery Connectors, highlighting the importance of partnership working and community support in the recovery journey.

After the walk, everyone returned to Growing Lives to enjoy lunch – with homemade carrot and chocolate cakes, specially prepared by one of the participants, proving a particular highlight.

Growing Lives is a safe, supportive space where people in recovery or facing other challenges can build skills, improve wellbeing and feel part of a community. It’s a welcoming and inclusive place to socialise, eat healthily, stay active and receive support and mentoring along the way.

The project is a key part of Derventio Housing Trust, which provides a vital stepping stone between homelessness and independent living through accommodation, personalised support and meaningful opportunities to develop skills and confidence.

Through creative workshops, gardening, cooking, IT, peer-led groups and one-to one support, Growing Lives helps people reduce isolation, improve their mental and physical health and move closer to training, education or work.