Galway has been designated as Ireland’s first Inclusive Recovery City, marking a significant milestone in the city's approach to alcohol and drug recovery, mental health, and community support.
This initiative aims to foster a city-wide culture of inclusion, reduce stigma, and ensure that recovery is visible, celebrated, and supported as an integral part of the city’s social fabric.
Led by the Western Region Drug and Alcohol Task Force, in collaboration with a range of local organisations, people in recovery, and their supporters, this initiative is built on the belief that recovery is a collective effort, and not just an individual journey.
The model is inspired by the pioneering work of British academic David Best, whose Inclusive Recovery City model recognises that promoting and supporting recovery from addiction benefits everyone living and working in a community.
Galway’s designation as an Inclusive Recovery City means commitment to provide safe spaces, positive opportunities, and essential resources for people in recovery from alcohol and drug use, as well as mental health challenges.
This translates as encouraging businesses, organisations, and policymakers to integrate recovery-friendly policies and practices, and shift the narrative from stigma to strength. The model stresses positively increasing visibility and promoting awareness of recovery across Galway, while recognising the resilience and creativity of people in recovery, and their contributions to society.
“Recovery is not just about giving something up; it’s about having access to supports and structures that enable people to rebuild meaningful lives with connection, purpose, and belonging,” says Mags Dillon, Regional Recovery Coordinator with the Drug and Alcohol Task Force. “ Everybody in the city should have access to a range of opportunities when they are ready to create positive change in their lives, ” she said, adding that Galway can become a blueprint for other towns and cities across Ireland.
The initiative is designed to align with national health strategies, recommendations from the Citizens' Assembly, and Sláintecare, by emphasising community engagement, connection, peer leadership, and person-centred approaches.
