A substance misuse recovery centre in Kingston has exhibited the artwork of its users to increase awareness of substance abuse and celebrate the people who recover.

Created by Kingston Wellbeing Services, the exhibition was held from Monday September 17 until Thursday September 20 at Art Space on Clarence Street.

The exhibition showcased the artwork and creative skills of recovering addicts to mark Recovery Month, which takes place every September.

Michelle Guinness, team leader at Kingston Wellbeing Service said: “Being able to access creative spaces during treatment allows them to engage in a non-verbal dialogue where verbalising thoughts, feelings and emotions may have previously been difficult.

"The artwork exhibited is the result of a collaboration between service users, peer mentors and staff.

"One of the major themes that we used is the symbol of the butterfly, which represents the metamorphosis of an individual’s transformation out of active addiction."