A powerful community arts project tackling stigma around substance use and recovery will conclude with a special showcase event at Chesterfield FC, celebrating the voices and creativity of communities across Derbyshire.

The Stitch Away the Stigma quilt was originally developed by Natalie Needham, using creative expression to start important conversations about stigma, recovery, and the impact of substance use on individuals, families, and communities.

Through funding from Derbyshire County Council, Kelsey Family CIC was commissioned to bring the project to Derbyshire through a Stitch Away the Stigma Roadshow, delivering creative workshops and community engagement activities across the county.

The project invited people with lived and living experience of substance use, family members, and community allies to take part in craft-based workshops, sharing their stories while crafting new pieces.

Throughout the project, participants came together in safe and supportive spaces to reflect, create, and connect. Each piece represents a personal story — helping to challenge stereotypes and highlight the reality that recovery journeys exist in every community.

Alongside the workshops, the project has also created several lasting legacy resources, including:

• A community craft guide enabling groups to run their own creative anti-stigma workshops
• The collection and documentation of personal recovery and family stories
• The development of a dedicated website capturing the project and its impact

The final showcase event at Chesterfield FC will bring together participants, partner organisations, and community members to celebrate the creativity, courage, and conversations that have emerged through the project.

The event is being delivered in partnership with the A Spire Right recovery programme at the Trust, highlighting the shared commitment to supporting recovery, community connection, and positive well-being through creative, community-led initiatives.

The event will also mark an important transition as the quilt is formally passed on to York Recovery Hub, where the project will continue to grow and inspire new communities.

Andrea Parkinson, head of healthy communities, spoke about hosting the event, saying: “It is a real pleasure to host the Stitch Away the Stigma Final Derbyshire Showcase here at the HUB, bringing people together to help challenge and reduce stigma around substance misuse and recovery.

“We are incredibly proud of our A Spire Right programme, funded by Derbyshire County Council, which continues to provide vital support for individuals on their recovery journey.

“It has also been a pleasure working alongside Steph, Director of Kelsey Family CIC, whose passion and dedication have been instrumental in making this event happen. We are delighted to conclude the event by presenting the incredible quilt to York Recovery Hub, a powerful symbol of hope, resilience, and community.”

Steph Kelsey, Director of Kelsey Family CIC, added: “It has been amazing to bring Stitch Away the Stigma to communities across Derbyshire. The quilt is beautiful, and workshops have created spaces where people have felt safe to share, reflect, and express themselves creatively.

“We know from personal experience that stigma can keep people silent, but projects like this can really help open conversations and remind people they are not alone.

“The legacy resources we’ve created mean that the conversations and creativity sparked through this project will continue long after the roadshow ends. Passing the quilt to York Recovery Hub ensures the project keeps growing and reaching new communities.”

The project highlights the power of creativity, storytelling, and community connection in tackling stigma and supporting recovery.

Community groups, organisations, and recovery projects that would like to run their own creative anti-stigma workshops can get in touch with Kelsey Family CIC to request a free copy of the Stitch Away the Stigma community craft guide.

For more information or to request a free copy of the community craft guide, please contact:
Kelsey Family CIC via kffcic@gmail.com or 07733335797

Event Details
Stitch Away the Stigma – Final Derbyshire Showcase
Location: Chesterfield Football Club

Date – March 18, 2026

Time – 11am – 2pm
Hosted by: Kelsey Family CIC and A Spire Right
Next chapter: Handover to York Recovery Hub