Kildare flies flag for addiction recovery
Photo for illustrative purposes only
COUNTY Kildare will show its support for those battling addiction this September this International Recovery Day.
On 30 September civic buildings across the county will be illuminated in in purple, and will fly official flags, promoting recovery awareness in towns across the county.
The proposal, brought before the June meeting of Kildare County Council by Newbridge councillor Chris Pender, received support from councillors and will see the local authority work alongside the Substance Use Regional Forum (SURF), the HSE, local addiction recovery services, the Local Community Development Committee (LCDC) and its partner organisations to mark the international awareness day.
Under the initiative, an official recovery flag will fly at Áras Chill Dara and Newbridge Town Hall.
Suitable council buildings and public landmarks will also be illuminated in purple on 30 September where possible. Where physical illumination cannot take place, virtual illumination will be provided, as has been done for other awareness campaigns.
The council also confirmed it will promote International Recovery Day through its communications channels, provided official promotional materials are supplied in time. Those materials will also be shared with members of the LCDC and its associated networks to help raise awareness across communities.
In a statement SURF welcomed the Council's support and said preparations are already underway for Recovery Month 2026 and said: "SURF are delighted to be leading out on planning for Recovery Month 2026, in partnership with key agencies.
“Our theme for this year is 'Recovery is Possible', highlighting for people that recovery is an option and can be achieved; it's happening every day around communities in Kildare, supported by addiction support services, including but not limited to The Dara Project, Halo, Aras, Cuan Mhuire and the HSE.
"Recovery is for everyone – every person, every family, every community. There are many benefits of celebrating recovery, not least promoting recovery from substance use, which can look very different for each person, but it's also important to try to reduce stigma associated with substance use. Individuals and family members should feel free and safe to seek help, just like going to the doctor for another ailment.
"Recovery Month aims to take away the judgement and shame, so people are more inclined to take that first step on their recovery journey, whatever that looks like."
International Recovery Day is celebrated globally each year to recognise the achievements of people in recovery, celebrate the work of recovery services and communities, and promote hope that recovery from substance use is possible.
For more information on addiction and family support services in Kildare, visit www.surfonline.ie.
SURF's directory of addiction and family support services is also available at: https://surfonline.ie/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Surf-Brochure-web-1.pdf.
