SULE - Service User & Lived Experience Engagement Project

25/01/2026

What is stigma, exactly? 🧠

It’s not just "being mean." It is a process where we take a human being—someone with a family, a job, and a history—and we replace their name with a label based on their struggle with substances.

When we do that, we stop seeing their potential and only see their problem. That "labeling" is what makes people hide their struggle instead of seeking help.

Norfolk Against Stigma — We’re here to peel back the labels.

Norfolk Anti-Stigma Campaign 2026. Watch this space. 🛡️

24/01/2026

Have you ever been affected by both substance use and mental health?

Would you like to share your experiences to support the Norfolk Integrated Care Board?

The Norfolk Recovery Community has been supporting the ICB by ensuring lived experience voice is at the heart of their CoSum strategy & implementation that aims to bring together both sets of support for individuals affected by both substance use & Mental Health

Be part of a lived experience movement where voice matters and is heard.

To join please, self refer to our project and sign up to the Norfolk Recovery Community

24/01/2026

The Norfolk Recovery Community is hosting another fundraising & awareness event at Castle Quarter, Norwich

There will be a children's activity table for ages 5+ with bracelet making & a bran tub.

We have some lovely handcrafted items made by our Recovery Community members

This is also an opportunity to speak with our team and learn more about our project

All funds raised will go into supporting the growth of Norfolk Recovery Community spaces across the county, enabling us to offer more support across the county

Come along and say hi 🤗 or come and grab some lovely craft items

24/01/2026

This year we will be delivering on a lived experience led anti stigma campaign. Our objective is to normalise help seeking, stamp out sociatial stigma, spread awareness of the negative impact of stigma from a lived experience perspective and showcase positive recovery stories.

If you have lived experience of substance use, including as an affected other and have ever been affected by stigma then we would love for you to be part of our campaign working group.

If you are a current community member please contact our project coordinator Jamie Barnes on the details on the flyer.

If you are not a current member please scan the referral QR code on the flyer to self refer.

24/01/2026

Are you looking for a volunteer opportunity? In recovery from substance use? Ever been affected by a loved ones substance use?

Our Recovery Community Champion training is now open to applications. If you are a current member please scan the application QR code to apply.

If you are not currently a recovery community member, don't worry our project is easy to access. Just scan the referral QR code on the image to self refer and complete our survey & Norfolk Recovery Community membership forms.

23/01/2026

When we judge, we build walls. When we listen, we build bridges.

​​In Norfolk, we know that connection is the foundation of wellness. But stigma creates a "silent barrier" that makes people feel they have to hide their struggle rather than seek support.

​We want to make our county a place where every voice is heard and every person feels safe enough to say, "I need help."

​Norfolk Anti-Stigma Campaign 2026 — We are building a movement led by lived experience to change our culture for good.

​Watch this space. 👀

​

29/12/2025

29/12/2025

✨ New Year. New Career. ✨

Thinking about a fresh start next year? There’s no better time to explore new opportunities and hear directly from the people who know best — our staff.

Over the coming days, we’ll be sharing videos on our stories where team members talk about their experiences, career journeys, and what it’s really like to work with us.

Stay tuned, get inspired, and take that first step toward something new.

https://uk.indeed.com/cmp/Norfolk-Integrated-Housing-&-Community-Support-Services-(nihcss)/jobs

19/12/2025

🎉 We Did It! 🎉

On Friday, 12th December, our team hosted a Christmas Craft Stall at Castle Quarter in Norwich — and thanks to your incredible support, we raised £340!

Every penny will go towards creating safe and supportive spaces for our community members, helping us continue to make a positive impact.

A huge thank you to everyone who stopped by, purchased items, and shared words of encouragement. Your support means the world to us and to the people we serve.

✨ Here’s to building stronger, more connected communities together!