Cork and Kerry recovery walk day will include wobbly circus and more

The first Cork and Kerry Recovery Walk is due to take place in Cork city on Sunday September 29, as part of Recovery Month.

All are welcome at the walk, with participants wearing the colour purple to mark recovery from addiction.

This event builds on the remarkable success of the Recovery Walk which has been held annually in Dublin for the past 11 years.

The ‘Cork and Kerry Recovery Walk’ will begin in Cork city centre at noon, traversing Patrick St, before arriving at Fitzgerald’s Park, where a family-friendly event will be held at 1pm.

At Fitzgerald’s Park, TV producer, journalist, and podcast host of ‘Left on Read’, Brenda Dennehy will share her powerful story of recovery.

The afternoon will be packed with music, face-painting, the ‘Wobbly Circus’ and a very special performance by the High Hopes Choir Cork, featuring individuals affected by homelessness.

This inaugural event is a collaborative effort led by the Cork Recovery Academy, alongside multiple agencies including: the HSE, Cork City Council, An Garda Síochána, Cork Local Drug and Alcohol Task Force, Southern Regional Drug and Alcohol Taskforce, Cork City Partnership, Coolmine, Tabor Group, Cork Simon Community, Cork Alliance and Focus Ireland.

“It is a great privilege to join together with the people of Cork and Kerry for the very first ‘Cork and Kerry Recovery Walk’,” the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Dan Boyle said.

“By joining together in solidarity, we will highlight the importance of lending our support to people who have been impacted by addiction and who are now on their journey to recovery. With support, education, and treatment a pathway to recovery is open to everyone.”

Minister of State at the Department of Health with Responsibility for the National Drugs Strategy, Cork TD Colm Burke said: “I recognise that the concept of ‘recovery’ involves more than just control over substance use.

“It requires better mental and physical health, but just as importantly it involves the development of a meaningful life. Recovery is a process that often takes time to achieve and effort to maintain.

“Through this walk we give our support to those who have gone through or are going through this journey.”

Mark Wright, Cork Recovery Academy Coordinator added: “We are delighted to bring the Recovery Walk to the south this year. It’s a long-overdue display of the positive and inspiring impact recovery has across Cork and Kerry.

“This walk is truly about building recovery communities, challenging stigma, and celebrating International Recovery Month.

“It’s a day for everyone in recovery, their families, and our entire community.”

David Lane, General Manager of Social Inclusion, HSE Cork Kerry Community Healthcare commented: “In line with the HSE’s aim to reduce health inequalities and improve access to services for vulnerable and excluded groups, this walk is a testament to the power of recovery and the strength of community.

“It’s an opportunity to walk side by side with those on their remarkable journey and remind them they are not alone.”

Joe Kirby, Manager of the Cork Local Drug and Alcohol task force added: “This walk is a symbol of the solidarity and resilience of our recovery communities.

“It’s a powerful reminder that recovery is possible, and it thrives with the support of everyone – from individuals to entire communities.”

To register for the ‘Cork and Kerry Recovery Walk’, visit https://tinyurl.com/yemthze5.