I couldn’t just settle for a quick social media post—this past week was a whirlwind of female empowerment that demanded mental and emotional processing before I could put it into words, so here goes…
On Tuesday, I finally met Tracey Mcfall and Nicki, who had travelled from Scotland. This further solidified the bond we had built through one of David’s Best national inclusive recovery city meetings via Teams. The following Wednesday morning was spent with the SWIPE ladies and our Scottish Recovery Consortium sisters, reflecting on the personal trials we have endured, including:
• Domestic, physical, sexual, and emotional abuse
• Child separation, miscarriage, abortion, and the relentless pursuit of being the best mother we can be
• The added complexities of drugs and alcohol are layered upon these challenges
• And, of course, the exhausting cycle of hormonal shifts, followed by the fallout when they finally stop.
Yet, despite the weight of these struggles, when we came together, something truly transformative happened. In this safe space, we realise that we are so much more—more than the gender roles assigned to us at birth, more than the trauma we’ve endured, more than the substances we once turned to in our darkest moments. We are resilient, extraordinary humans with untapped potential waiting to be explored.
Later in the morning the amazing researcher Mulka Nisic, joined us via teams from Bosnia to talk about the European PhotoVoice research project.
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That afternoon, Tracey and Nicki stopped at the Wednesday recovery van before heading to the town hall for our monthly recovery forum meeting.
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On Thursday, Tracey and Nicki got to connect with some more incredible women making a real impact in the community:
Jo from Likewise, Rosie and Mary from SWWOP, Franchesca from Together Women Project and Manja from Project 6
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Each of them dedicates their work to supporting women through recovery, empowerment, and community-building.
Then on Thursday evening thanks to the unwavering support of another incredible woman, Abbie Thompson, the Dean from Sheffield Cathdral who offered to host one of the first in-person Women in Recovery Pathway book in one of Sheffield’s finest buildings. We were privileged to hear from guest speakers, including:
Sheffield City Council Chief Executive Kate Joseph Kate Joseph, the right worshipful Lord Mayor of Sheffield Cllr Jayne Dunn, David Patton, Rifhat Aziz and last but not least Hannah Dinn, who did an amazing job interviewing the women authors
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One of the most rewarding parts of the evening was giving each woman a FREE copy of the book, made possible through the generosity of Likewise, Project 6, 500 Together, SWWOP, and individual recovery allies.
Other Highlights
According to the evaluation feedback, one of the true highlights of the night was the open mic session at the end, where audience participants shared their thoughts and personal journeys. It was a moment of raw honesty, reflection, and connection—a powerful reminder that storytelling is more than just words. It is reclaiming power, fostering healing, and turning pain into purpose, like
Emma, who was one of my first clients, who I key worked when I first started out volunteering at Kickstart who is just five days away from celebrating 23 years free from substances. For her, the most profound moment of the evening was reuniting with a woman she had once supported in Nottingham—a woman she hadn’t seen for years and had feared might not have survived. But instead, she was not only alive but thriving—and standing alongside us as one of our fellow authors.
And Jade, whom I first met at Sheffield’s Christmas markets, has been forging ahead in her recovery—remarkably, without the aid of formal support services. Her journey is a testament to resilience and determination.
Nadine Ashworth, who leads Thrivin Together, an initiative that creates safe spaces for UK women affected by gambling and led by women with lived experience. You can learn more about their work here.
Steph, approaching seven years in recovery, marked a massive milestone by graduating from her Ambassador course—a moment of well-earned celebration.
Having my childhood friend being there, who after a series of previous failed attempts of detox and episodes of recovery, was grinning from ear to ear after not just only being 5 weeks clean, but who was planning to move into a new home this weekend.
And then there was David P’s daughter, who not only embraced the spirit of the evening by jumping in to help sell books but also showed incredible courage in expressing her gratitude to the women present, acknowledging that their stories had reminded her that it is okay to be vulnerable.
Final reflections
I would like to extend a special thank you to Mulka Nisic, who, without the photovoice research project, none of this would have happened and to the women from SWIPE, Rita, H, Rifhat, Alison and Ruth and an extra special thank you to Tracey and Nicki from Scotland who made this week even more inspirational.
The whole week has been a testament to the power of women coming together—not just to share their stories, but to shape the future of recovery, support, and empowerment. What started as a whirlwind of events became something far greater: a reminder that healing is not a solitary pursuit but a collective effort.
In every conversation, in every reunion, in every moment of vulnerability and strength, we saw proof that recovery is about more than just survival. It’s about reclaiming our voices, redefining our identities, and creating spaces where every woman feels seen, heard, and valued.
The work continues—through shared experiences, through networks like SWIPE, through platforms where stories become catalysts for change. And as we step forward into the next chapter, whether it’s the upcoming book conference in Scotland or the launch of Scotland’s first PhotoVoice research project, one thing is sure: women in recovery are not just surviving—we are thriving.
Love Fordy
AKA Unapologeticwriter
Thank you for taking the time to read.
Remember, I don’t write for financial reward or gain; I just want to help share my lived experience with others in the hope that it helps. And I just love to write, so if ya fancy getting the occasional email (NO SPAM) with the most up-to-date blogs from yours truly, please feel free to subscribe at the bottom of the main page.