Recovery is about discovering new possibilities, finding new interests, making friends and enjoying life.
Thart's why The Forward Trust Arts and Sports Network brings people together to explore their talents, share their creativity and enjoy the things they're passionate about.
Through arts, sports and shared experiences, we're creating opportunities to build friendships, boost confidence, discover new talents and show what's possible in recovery.
What's happening?
Our network is growing, with exciting activities and new opportunities developing across Forward Trust services and our Forward Connect community.
Whether you love getting creative, enjoy being active or simply want to meet new people, there's plenty to explore.
Get creative: Jewellery making, origami, painting, matchstick modelling, photography, murals, film making, creative writing, poetry, music and lots more!…..
Get active: Football, walking, fitness and other sporting activities. We even have a new recovery group for bikers called Throttle & Thrive, bringing people together through a shared love of motorcycling.
Come together: Creative sessions, workshops, reunions, Unity Days, festivals and community events.
There's always something new to try and plenty of opportunities to share what you enjoy doing.
Throughout 2026, we invited people from across our recovery community, volunteers and staff to pick up a camera or phone, get creative and share the world as they see it. The response was fantastic, with more than 300 photographs submitted!
The winning photographs feature in the Forward Trust 2027 calendar, which was unveiled at a special exhibition at London's iconic Photographers' Gallery. The exhibition also celebrated everyone who took part, showcasing a selection of photographs from other entrants alongside the winning images.
It's a great opportunity to recognise people's creativity, celebrate their achievements and share the incredible talent within our community.
We are excited to be working with teams across our Forward Trust services, in both community and prison settings, to continue building and growing the Arts and Sports Network.
We're developing even more opportunities for people to get involved, including:
Regular creative sessions and practical workshops.
Community art and mural projects.
Music and choir opportunities.
Sporting activities and events.
Opportunities to showcase artwork and enter creative competitions.
Partnerships with local artists, sports clubs and community organisations.
We want to help people turn their interests into something more; developing skills, building friendships, working together and, if they wish, taking on new roles as volunteers, peer supporters, coaches or activity coordinators.
Have an interest you'd like to explore? A talent you'd like to share? Or an idea for an activity or event?
Whether you want to join an existing group, try something completely new or help organise an activity in your local area, we'd love to hear from you.
No idea is too big or too small. There's something for everyone!
Forward Connect is a community of like-minded people who are making good progress in their journey.
Members of the community find the peer support that emerges from relationships formed in Forward Connect to be a valuable way to remain grounded and maintain progress in transforming their lives.
Contact our Community Development Team:
Email: sportsandarts@forwardtrust.org.uk
Phone: +44 (0) 7485 315614
Are you a Forward Connect member?
Join Forward Connect to receive regular updates about upcoming workshops, events and opportunities to get involved.
