Alumni collaborate to launch ground breaking Book on Recovery

Tuesday 10 June marked a day of celebration as three Teesside University alumni came together to launch a powerful new book, offering real voices from the recovery community.

Dr David Patton, Associate Professor in Criminology at the University of Derby and Teesside graduate, has recently founded a new publishing house, New Central Media. The project is a long-held dream for David, one he describes as "a platform that gives lived experience knowledge a valid place alongside academic insight." Throughout his career, David has worked closely with individuals in recovery, conducting research and amplifying their perspectives. His deep-rooted connection to the local area has led to a long-standing collaboration with Dot Smith, CEO of Recovery Connections and fellow Teesside MBA graduate. Dot praised the mission of New Central Media, saying "It gives people the space to tell their story in their own words, using language that resonates with them - not diluted or reinterpreted. There are so many assumptions and stigmas around recovery, this work is helping to readdress that balance."

The newly launched book features a collection of personal stories written by individuals from the recovery community. It aims to inspire and give hope to those currently facing addiction, demonstrating that change and healing are possible. Among the contributors is Peter Da Silva, a Teesside graduate in Psychology and Counselling. Peter contributed a deeply personal chapter and shared that the writing process was therapeutic to him. "I went from a place where death seemed like an attractive option to earning my degree and achieving full-time employment. While at university, I was supported by a group called Recovery Connections, which assists individuals in addiction and recovery, their support was instrumental to my success during my studies. Today, I’m proud to work with them to help break down stigma and raise awareness, and if sharing my story helps someone else believe change is possible, then it’s worth it."

This collaborative effort between alumni and the recovery community marks an important step in elevating lived experiences and breaking down stigma. Alumni Engagement Assistant, Emily Claughan shared “It is great to see so much collaborative work within the Alumni community to help break down and address the stigmas around addiction and recovery, we are extremely proud of the work Peter, David and Dot are doing in the local area.”

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