Spotlight on Kickback Recovery
Your Community, Your Power
"Recovery is connection, and connection is recovery." – Kickback Recovery Motto
Tonight, it was a true privilege to visit the Kickback Recovery community in Sheffield, a group that is not just supporting individuals through addiction recovery but creating a lasting, transformative connection. I spent time with my good friend Mick Hartley and the incredible people in recovery who are redefining what it means to support each other through some of life’s most difficult struggles.
What Makes Kickback Recovery Special?
From the moment I entered, it was clear that this was not just a space for recovery, but a thriving community built on mutual respect, shared experiences, and collective healing. The energy in the room was palpable - there is an undeniable warmth that permeates the space, where every individual is seen for who they truly are, without judgment or shame.
Kickback Recovery’s approach is deeply rooted in connection, which is why their impact is so powerful. Their members aren’t just ‘recovering’; they’re rediscovering who they are, building self-worth, and forging bonds that will last a lifetime. Through group therapy, peer support, and a non-judgmental environment, they embody everything that Project Ignite stands for.
Challenging Stigma, One Step at a Time
One of the standout themes in my visit was the discussion around stigma - the harmful, isolating effects of society’s misconceptions around addiction and mental health. Kickback Recovery isn’t afraid to confront stigma head-on. They have created a community where members feel safe to share their stories of struggle and triumph, helping to break down the walls of shame that so often accompany these journeys.
Mick and others shared openly about how stigma has shaped their lives, but also how, through their collective strength, they are challenging it and making recovery visible. As Mick put it, “We’re not anonymous here. We show up, we show recovery, and we show that change is possible.”
A Safe Space for Healing and Transformation
During my time there, I had a meaningful conversation with a member who shared how volunteering has been a key part of their recovery journey. They spoke with great pride about helping a newcomer to Sheffield, someone who was struggling to find their place in the city. This member took the time to listen, offer guidance, and introduce them to the support network they needed.
The story reminded me of the power of community and shared purpose. It’s not just about receiving help; it’s about giving back, sharing what you’ve learned, and creating a ripple effect of kindness. This member’s story is a perfect example of how connection is a two-way street - by helping others, we often find the healing we need ourselves.
Their experience perfectly aligns with the asset-based approach that Project Ignite promotes. It’s about recognising that everyone has something valuable to contribute, and that by working together, we can create stronger, more resilient communities.
Uniting Hearts, Igniting Change: A Powerful Tool in Eradicating Stigma
Both "Uniting Hearts, Igniting Change" and Project Ignite offer something deeply transformative for the battle against stigma in Sheffield. The principles of connection, authenticity, and shared purpose at the heart of both initiatives directly challenge the isolation and discrimination that stigma thrives upon.
"Uniting Hearts, Igniting Change" positions connection as the vital life force that can break down barriers. As the book explains, when individuals feel seen, heard, and valued, the invisible walls that keep us apart begin to crumble. This is the foundation of Project Ignite - fostering connection not just as a social nicety but as the energy that sustains human life and community. When people connect authentically, they begin to see each other not as their problems but as their strengths - as full, complex human beings worthy of compassion and respect.
This process reverses the damage done by stigma. It invites people to be real, to show up as they are, without fear of being judged. This openness doesn’t just make people more approachable - it makes them human, reminding us that we all struggle and we all grow. It shifts the narrative from one of deficiency to one of strength and shared experience. By focusing on our commonalities rather than our differences, we strip stigma of its power to divide and isolate.
Furthermore, Project Ignite offers a proactive framework for how this connection and asset-based approach can heal communities. By encouraging people to see what is strong and already working within their communities, rather than focusing on deficits, it provides a refreshing alternative to the typical narratives that often surround addiction, mental health, and other stigmatized issues. Communities that understand their own worth and see each individual as a vital contributor are communities that can eradicate the negative impacts of stigma and move towards collective healing.
Through Project Ignite, we are not just challenging stigma in individual spaces like Kickback Recovery, but creating a city-wide shift - one that invites people to see themselves and each other as active participants in their own recovery and transformation. This is the kind of deep, systemic change that is needed to fully eradicate stigma: not just changing minds but changing the way we all engage with and support each other.
What’s Next for Kickback and Project Ignite?
As I left the meeting, I felt inspired by the possibilities. Kickback Recovery is a shining example of what happens when we create spaces that value connection, compassion, and creativity. They are proving that by showing up for each other and embracing vulnerability, we can make real change in our communities.
This aligns directly with Project Ignite’s mission to foster self-sufficient communities by focusing on existing strengths, building organic growth, and empowering local people to lead change. The stories shared at Kickback remind us all that no one is ever too far gone to recover or to make a difference.
I’m excited about the next steps. Together, Love Sheffield and Project Ignite will continue to support grassroots initiatives like Kickback Recovery, amplifying their reach and ensuring that the message of connection and recovery spreads far and wide.
How Can You Get Involved?
This is your invitation to connect, to share your story, and to be part of something bigger. Whether you’re seeking support, volunteering your time, or simply spreading the word, every action helps build the momentum for positive change. Let's continue to break down the stigma, foster connections, and create communities where everyone thrives.
Stay connected, stay compassionate, and let’s ignite change across Sheffield.
Kind regards,
Brian Mosley
Founder, Love Sheffield & Project Ignite
Author of "Uniting Hearts, Igniting Change"