Former addicts are to hold a talent show.
The “Recovery Has Talent” show, due to be held in September, will feature at least 20 acts including singers and dancers.
The event is being organised by the Reach Out And Recover group, a community based recovery housing project which was set up last year to help recovering addicts in Macclesfield.
The Churchside based group offers meetings, support and work experience to people recovering from addictions to drugs, alcohol, prescribed medication and legal highs.
Recovery worker Vicky Millward said the aim of the show was to bring the community together.
She said: “There is a lot of stigma attached to former addicts. We hope with Recovery Has Talent to let people see the person instead of the addict.” The event, the venue for which has not yet been confirmed, will feature performances from recovering addicts, their families and recovery workers. The group plans to set up a stage and have the judges dress up as Simon Cowell and other judges from popular TV show Britain’s Got Talent.
Tina Cross, a former heroin addict from Macclesfield, is looking forward to performing at the show as part of a Spice Girls tribute act.
The 41-year-old said she thought the event would do a lot of good for the former addicts, their families and the community.
Tina was addicted to heroin and crack from the age of 22 before going to the recovery centre in December.
She said: “I would never have got this far without Reach Out And Recover. They’ve completely changed my life.” Tina’s daughters are also taking part in the show. Tina said: “They’re both great dancers, so I’m hoping they’ll be able to teach me how to dance like a proper Spice girl.”
Sean Roberts, a recovering alcoholic who spent five years homeless on the streets of Macclesfield, plans to play a cover of a Beatles song at the event.
His friend took him to the recovery centre.
He said: “I’d hit rock bottom after five years living rough on the streets.
“Now I’m here I feel like I’m building my life back up again.”
