Action on Addiction played host to the Merseyside Recovery Awards 2014 at the charity’s flagship social enterprise and the UK’s first dry bar, The Brink Café CIC.

Members of the recovery community and the general public alike, gathered at the Parr Street venue tocelebrate the outstanding figures in the recovery community in Merseyside.

Gail Johnstone won the Sue Mercer Lifetime Achievement Award and received £500 to donate to a recovery project of her choice.

Other winners

• Brenda Law (Unsung Hero Award)
• Gary Parker (Social Impact Award)
• Sandra Harrison (Extraordinary Achievement Award – Woman)
• Reg Walker (Extraordinary Achievement Award – Man)
• Nancy Mooney (Worker Supporting Recovery Award)
• The Whitechapel Volunteer Team (Team Recovery Award)
• Annie Lynne (Creative Recovery Award) and John Kinsella (Volunteer of the Year Award).

Karen Hemmings, Head of Service at Action on Addiction Merseyside said:

“The event was a great success and it gets better and better each year.

“In the past, the North West has been given a bad reputation when it comes to alcohol and drugs. However, as a result of the initiatives put in place for members of the recovery community – we are constantly witnessing a steady progression of encouraging outcomes.

“The Merseyside Recovery Awards is a fantastic way of recognising and honoring the individuals that have overcome their addiction, as well as praising recovery organisation workers who have guided people in transforming their lives.”

As chosen by a panel of judges, the awards were given to those inspiring individuals from Liverpool, Wirral, Knowsley and Sefton, who have made an outstanding contribution to the recovery movement in the local area – via the work they carry out or through volunteering.

Sponsors

The awards were sponsored by Intuitive Recovery, Nonverba, Liverpool Mutual Homes, Big Lottery, One Park West, Lakeland, Herbalife, Plus Dane Group and Pearson Fielding Solicitors.