A mobile coffee hub with a difference is taking to the streets of Hartlepool – to help people recover from substance use.
Recovery Connections’ Free Hot Coffee Bike offers a tasty cup of free, sustainably-sourced coffee in exchange for an open chat about recovery.
The bike helps to challenge stigma, raise awareness and connect people to local support in a relaxed, welcoming environment.
The bike, originally a social practice art project created in the United States, has already proved to be successful in several other areas of the North East. The creation of artist and academic, John D Freyer, Recovery Connections were permitted to replicate the concept of the bike in order to better reach and communicate with local people in the North East. Working with Hartlepool Borough Council’s Start drug and alcohol service since 2023, Recovery Connections now hopes the bike will further help build a recovery community across Hartlepool.
Commissioned by the Council to support individuals and families affected by substance use, Recovery Connections brings lived experience, compassion and innovation to the heart of Hartlepool’s recovery efforts.
Led by people who have been through addiction themselves, more than 90% of the team at the Lived Experience Recovery Organisation are in recovery themselves, making the support they bring to local people real and valuable.
Councillor Gary Allen, Chair of Adult Services and Public Health Committee, said: “The bike is a vital part of the recovery process for many people in Hartlepool, giving those who need help and support access to it in a place they feel comfortable and where people who use our recovery service gather.
“Through initiatives like this, it’s great to see more people accessing the support that can help them change their lives, as the relationship between the Council and Recovery Connections goes from strength to strength.”
Tracy Dixon, Regional Manager at Recovery Connections, added: “The free hot coffee bike is already used in other parts of the region, and, where it has been proven to raise awareness of local support and challenge stigma.
“We have received a very warm welcome in Hartlepool and we love meeting new people and bringing people in recovery together. Our groups and events are really well attended.
“We are building trust, and that is so important when making lasting connections and relationships with local people. Many of our Hartlepool team are from the town and that local knowledge is vital when walking alongside people on their journey to recovery.“
Start gives free and confidential treatment to help people get back on their feet. To find out more, visit starthartlepool.co.uk and for more information about Recovery Connections visit recoveryconnections.org.uk