Action on Addiction played host to the Merseyside Recovery Awards 2015 at its flagship social enterprise – The Brink Café CIC.

Throughout the celebratory evening, members of the recovery community together with the general public alike gathered at the Parr Street venue to recognise and applaud individuals who have overcome drug and alcohol addictions – while commending the outstanding figures who have helped to aid recovery for others.

Paula Gunn won the Lifetime Achievement Award and received £500 to donate to a recovery-orientated project of her choice.

Other winners included Tricia Donavan (Unsung Hero Award), Transit (Social Impact Award), Jeanette Hunter (Extraordinary Achievement Award – Woman), Colin Dobie (Extraordinary Achievement Award – Man), Melissa Scarlett (Worker Supporting Recovery Award), Liverpool YMCA Dutch Farm (Group/Project/Team Recovery Award), Jay Wheeler (Creative Recovery Award) and Penny Watterson (Volunteer of the Year Award). The Brink also presented a special award for Light of Inspiration to Jane Brennan for her efforts in delivering positive life transformation.

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

“Year on year, the event celebrates the individuals who are working so hard across the North West – both those who have overcome their addictions and the recovery organisations, workers and volunteers who offer on-going support, wellness and positivity.

“Now in its fourth year, the awards offer a unique platform to showcase how far Merseyside’s recovery movement has come over the past years and most importantly highlight the ever growing support network that is currently available.”

As chosen by a panel of judges, the Big Lottery Funded awards were given to those inspiring individuals from across 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.

The awards were sponsored by Action on Addiction Trustees, Arbonne, Intuitive Thinking Skills, Matta’s Ltd, Jerome Doyle, The Big Lottery, Dutch Brothers and CRI.

Karen added:

“We hope that this year’s Merseyside Recovery Awards has inspired people to take action either on their own personal road to recovery or help others to move forward. By taking a fresh approach to issues surrounding alcohol and drugs, the new social initiatives that are in place aim to challenge existing preconceptions about addiction and help ensure long-term recovery and support.

“We would like to once again offer our sincere congratulations to both the winners and runners-up, as they certainly are an inspiration to all.”

Recently crowned Bar of the Year at the Liverpool City Region Tourism Awards 2015, The Brink’s dry-bar uniqueness and revolutionary approach continues to receive high acclaim across the North West. Recognised for its efforts in delivering forward thinking health initiatives, the venue has also been shortlisted in this year’s National Lottery Awards in the Best Health Project category. The public vote is open until Wednesday, July 29. To vote visit www.lotterygoodcauses.org.uk/project/brink or call 0844 836 9700.

For more information about The Brink visit www.thebrinkliverpool.com or call 0151 703 0582.