Powerful new Cally Park mural celebrates women’s recovery
A new mural celebrating women's recovery through community, connection, and creativity was unveiled at Cally Park on Monday (14 July).
The Women’s Recovery Mural was created by ten members of the women’s only space at Better Lives, Islington’s drug and alcohol treatment service, which supports adults and families affected by substance use.
Weekly sessions began in November to develop a design based on what recovery meant to each woman and since January, the group have met at the Cally Park Clock Tower Centre to create the mural using paint and mosaic.
The final artwork is a beautiful symbol of resilience, community and transformation through creative healing.
On Monday, local residents, councillors, council staff, and representatives from recovery organisations and charities gathered in the park to hear from contributors and from the Mayor of Islington, and to view the public artwork for the first time.
Cllr Dr Sara Hyde, Executive Member for Health and Social Care, commented: “I was deeply moved by the mural, and by the strength and tenacity of the women involved in creating this beautiful new artwork.
“What a powerful testament to the difference collective healing can make to individuals, and the positive difference that can be made by communities in Islington.
“This mural is a reminder that recovery is possible and that there is support available at every stage. We hope it will inspire and enable residents to seek support for alleviating substance use and that it lets them know that they will be received with compassion and into community on their recovery journeys. Congratulations to these brilliant women on this wonderful mural.”
The process of the mural’s creation, and the personal journeys of the artists, have been documented by Sobriety Films UK, a local social enterprise that uses storytelling, film and digital media to explore and support recovery.
The full documentary will premiere later this year at the Recovery Street Film Festival on the 27th of September 2025. The national film festival will be hosted in Islington for the first time. The theme of this year’s festival is Creative Healing.
If you or someone you know is having problems with drugs or alcohol, visit our website or Better Lives for advice and support. Better Lives offer free and confidential treatment and support focusing on physical and mental wellbeing, social connection and long-term recovery.
Notes to editors
- A key part of the Better Lives service is providing supportive spaces tailored to specific needs, such as the women’s space, which has been highly successful in providing women a safe environment, voice and creative opportunity in a recovery setting.
- Since December 2023, Islington’s Combatting Drugs Partnership has overseen a robust, multi-agency programme of work to implement the 10-year National Drugs Strategy. The programme reports into the Islington Health and Wellbeing Board – 2024/25 report here.
- The programme has prioritised improving treatment access and treatment quality. Since 2023, the number of adults accessing drug and alcohol support in Islington have consistently increased.
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