On Saturday, September 12, BCARA was proud to be a participant in Recovery Day New Westminster.
Recovery Day is a powerful reminder of what recovery looks like in real life. It is not one story or one pathway. It is people, families, professionals, and communities coming together to celebrate hope, share experiences, and remind one another that recovery is possible.
Throughout the day, BCARA connected with professionals working across the substance use and recovery sector, people with lived and living experience, and individuals searching for help for someone they love. Every conversation was unique, yet many shared a common theme: people want to know where they can turn, what supports are available, and how they can help someone take the next step toward recovery.
Some visitors stopped by to learn more about BCARA and the work being done by our members across British Columbia. Others simply needed a safe place to talk and be heard. These conversations served as a meaningful reminder that reaching out for help, whether for yourself or someone you care about, is not always easy. Sometimes the first step begins with a simple conversation.
The day also highlighted the incredible knowledge and strength within the recovery community. People with lived and living experience bring insights that cannot be learned from a textbook. Professionals contribute skills, resources, and a commitment to helping people navigate often complex systems. Families and loved ones bring determination, compassion, and their own need for information and support.
As BCARA Board member Stacey Petersen shared, “In a challenging landscape, we are so much better together!”
Building a recovery system that truly works for people requires all of these voices, along with opportunities to come together, strengthen relationships, and learn from one another.
For BCARA Board member Kirsty Peterson, the day was also a meaningful opportunity to reconnect with people from across the province.
“This was my first Recovery Day, and it was really special to reconnect with people from different parts of my life, from all over BC, coming together to celebrate recovery.”
Recovery does not end when treatment or a program ends. It continues in communities through peer support, recovery community centres, mutual aid groups, supportive housing, employment, healthy relationships, cultural connection, and opportunities to belong. These community-based supports help people build stability, purpose, and meaningful lives in recovery.
BCARA is grateful to everyone who took the time to share part of their story with us. We were especially moved by those seeking help for a loved one. Their questions, concern, and hope reinforced why clear information, accessible resources, and strong connections between services matter so much.
Thank you to the organizers, volunteers, participating organizations, and everyone who attended Recovery Day New Westminster. It was an honour for BCARA to be part of a day centred on listening, learning, connection, celebrating recovery, and showing that recovery is possible.
Recovery is possible, and no one should have to find their way alone.
