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Meet The Team

Our team work tirelessly throughout the year to put on a fantastic festival for the community. Most of people on the committee are either in recovery themselves or work in the field. Allow them to introduce themselves.

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Clare
Chair

Hi, I'm Clare. I've been coming to the Recovery Festival since it began in 2013 and have been on the committee for the past 5 years. The Recovery Festival changed the way I engaged with my work and with the world around me and within me. I am inspired by being with people so full of hope, compassion, creative energy and openness to change.

I am a retired doctor; I previously worked as a GP with the Homeless Health Service and Bristol Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service. I was involved in pioneering the Bristol Wet Clinics, which offer medical care, advice and support to street drinkers and others whose complex needs cannot be met by more conventional services.

Meg

Megan 
Arts & creative

Hi, I’m Megan and I am a Peer Coordinator at DHI Bristol.

I first attended the Recovery Festival in 2019 and last year I was a volunteer there. I loved being part of such an amazing day, so I decided to join the committee to help organise this year’s festival.

It has been great to watch the festival grow each year and I am excited for Recovery Festival 2024

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Heather
Event manager

My name is Heather and I work at The Nelson Trust as senior key worker for the Criminal Justice Substance Misuse Team.

I am new to the committee and am excited to be a part of this amazing event that celebrates recovery. I have previously attended the Recovery Festival in its various venues in different capacities and have loved seeing how this community has evolved to continued  to celebrate the power of connection. 

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Joe
Mutual aid

Hi, I’m Joe. I’m a nurse, new to Bristol Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service (BSDAS). My background is in adult nursing.

It’s also my first year on the committee and I’ve been facilitating the involvement of mutual aid groups at the festival. 

I’ve heard great things about the festival and the message of hope it brings. I’m excited to be involved and look forward to attending! See ya there.

Claire Hoggans

Claire
Mutual Aid 

My name is Claire and I am an NHS nurse team manager at Bristol Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service.

This is my second recovery festival and after last years fantastic event I was keen to be involved again.

The recovery festival brings together the recovery community to celebrate and offer hope and inspiration to all.

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Rob
Volunteer coordinator 

Hi, I'm Rob and I am a Peer Coordinator with DHI Bristol. 

This year will be my third recovery festival and my first as a committee member. I'm thrilled to be coordinating the amazing team of volunteers who help make the event run so smoothly. The festival embodies everything that makes the recovery community so inspiring and it's a pleasure watching it go from strength to strength each year.

Jason McBurnie

Jason
Secretary

Hello, my name is Jason and I am an Assistant Psychologist at the Bristol Specialist Drug and Alcohol Service. My research interests are focused on individuals who are making positive life changes in recovery.

I have recently joined the committee as this year's Secretary. It's a real privilege for me to be a part of this space and I am excited to bring the Recovery Festival into fruition!

Hayley

Hayley
Treasurer

I'm Hayley and I am a retired Financial Controller. I previously worked for a number of large businesses before starting and running my own niche consultancy firm in Bristol.

 Now I enjoy giving back by volunteering. 

I chose the Recovery Festival because it is resourced solely via volunteers and the idea of celebrating success from addiction is a great advert for those thinking of going into recovery. 

2022 is my first year as Treasurer. I am excited to be part of this vibrant and dedicated committee, ensuring the festival grows bigger and better each year.

Sophie Wilsdon

Sophie
Entertainment

Hi, my name’s Sophie and I work with volunteers and creative arts groups at Bristol Drugs Project.

I’ve been involved in the Recovery Festival since 2015, having brought Rising Voices Recovery Choir, Bristol Recovery Orchestra and Stepladder Drama to perform each year.

I joined the committee in 2021 and am excited about getting more people in to perform at next year’s festival and to fly the flag of creativity in recovery!

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Tom
Website 

Hi, I'm Tom. I'm a freelance IT consultant and developer for the Bristol non-profit sector. 

This is my first year volunteering for the Recovery Festival and I'm delighted to be contributing to a great event at a great venue!

© 2023 by TheRecoveryFestival

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