Stories of Courage and Hope Mark Launch of Key Publication
- Courageous stories of drug and alcohol recovery mark publication of Public Health annual report
- Stories from Reading's recovery ambassadors highlight how they turned their lives around
A series of powerful stories from Reading’s recovery ambassadors have been produced to mark the publication of Reading Borough Council’s Director of Public Health 2026 annual report.
The annual report theme this year is ‘preventing drug and related harm in Reading – supporting recovery and saving lives’.
In line with this theme, the report features stories from recovery ambassadors. They offer insights into their past struggles with addiction and their own individual paths to recovery.
In the case study videos, we hear from:
- Ali, who turned to drugs to escape from a difficult childhood, but later found hope in a community which has supported his recovery
- Marta, who talks about how admitting her alcohol problem was the hardest step on her recovery journey, and
- Balazs, who developed alcohol and drug addictions following a troubled childhood but has now found support from counsellors and friends.
Dr Matthew Pearce, Director of Public Health for Reading Borough Council, said:
“Drug and alcohol harm affects individuals, families and communities across Reading. Throughout the report, we hear from Reading’s recovery ambassadors who have rebuilt their lives after addiction.
“Recovery ambassadors are helping shape our services and strengthen the recovery community in Reading. From their stories we all have much to learn about our own personal resilience, they remind us that recovery is possible, that people can and do recover from whatever life throws our way. My hope is that this report challenges us to see the person behind the drug and/or alcohol use, reject stigma and recognise that preventing drug and alcohol harm is everyone's responsibility.”
Rachel Eden, Lead Councillor for Education and Public Health at Reading Borough Council, said:
“We know that many people in Reading have been harmed by their relationship with drugs and alcohol, but the stories of our recovery ambassadors show that there is hope. Their bravery in speaking out about their recovery and sharing how they have rebuilt their lives is a powerful demonstration of what can be achieved when people receive the right support at the right time. I am very grateful to them for sharing their experiences and I am sure their stories will inspire others to begin their own journey of recovery.”
The video case studies are available to view on the Reading Borough Council YouTube channel.
The annual report states that it is a mixed picture when considering the levels of alcohol and drug harm in Reading, with some indicators improving while others give more cause for concern. Alcohol-related harm alone costs Reading approximately £98 million each year, equivalent to £567 per resident, according to analysis from the Institute of Alcohol Studies, quoted in the report.
Dr Pearce adds:
“Evidence shows that early intervention, compassionate support, strong partnerships and recovery-focused services save lives. But services alone cannot create a recovery-friendly community. Reducing drug and alcohol harm requires action across health, housing, education, criminal justice, employers, community organisations and local communities.
“Recovery is possible, but it is rarely achieved alone. Together, we can create a borough where fewer lives are lost, fewer families experience harm and more people have the opportunity to recover, rebuild and thrive.”
The publication of a Director of Public Health 2026 annual report is a requirement set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012. In 2025, Dr Pearce focused the report on ‘setting the foundations for lifelong health’ in Reading, highlighting how early experiences shape lifelong health and wellbeing.
The Director of Public Health 2026 annual report is available to view on the Reading Borough Council website at https://democracy.reading.gov.uk/ieListDocuments.aspx?MId=6247&x=1 (item 5)
For anyone seeking support with drug and/or alcohol issues, this year’s annual report provides details of a number of support services and organisations.
Drug and alcohol treatment services in Reading:
Source, young people’s drug and alcohol service
Change, Grow, Live – adults’ drug and alcohol service
Mutual aid support services:
National Association for Children of Alcoholics
Media contact
Alenka Daniel: Alenka@bluelozenge.co.uk