Stories of Strength Exhibition at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital

The Matthew Project has launched its Stories of Strength exhibition at Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, where it will remain on display for three months. The launch coincides with Alcohol Awareness Week (6th-12th July), making it a timely reminder of the impact substance misuse has on individuals and families across Norfolk.

The exhibition brings together powerful personal narratives from people affected by substance misuse, offering a deeply human perspective on addiction and recovery.

By sharing these stories, the charity hopes to break down stigma, encourage understanding, and show that change and healing are possible.

Visitors can expect to see a moving collection of photographs, written testimonies, and artwork created by people in recovery. Information about The Matthew Project's support services will be available throughout the display. You can find the exhibition running through the corridors on Level 1, East, West and Centre blocks of the hospital. The stories can also be viewed here on the web page.

"Stories of Strength is about more than raising awareness - it is about changing the way people see addiction and the people affected by it. We want every visitor to leave with a greater understanding of substance misuse and a sense of hope that support is available." - Rachel Chapman, CEO, The Matthew Project.

Shane Gordon, Managing Director of NNUH NHS Foundation Trust.

“The Stories of Strength exhibition shines a light on the courage and resilience of people who have experienced addiction and recovery. We are proud to work alongside The Matthew Project to help challenge stigma, promote understanding and demonstrate the difference that compassionate support and partnership can make.” - Shane Gordon, Managing Director of Norfolk and Norwich University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust.

"Being part of Stories of Strength feels quite surreal. I’ve never had anything featured in an exhibition before. It’s a powerful project that shares real stories of resilience and hope, and I’m proud that my own journey, including my faith, is part of it" - Graham Parfitt, Recovery Service Manager TMP & Stories of Strength Participant.

With Alcohol Awareness Week shining a spotlight on the harms of alcohol misuse nationally, the exhibition offers a local, personal dimension to the conversation - showing that recovery is always possible with the right support.

Why we brought Stories of Strength to the NNUH

Lisa speaking at the Stories of Strength launch

The Stories of Strength exhibition began with an idea from Lisa, one of our Next Steps members and a Specialist Discharge Nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital. Drawing on both her personal recovery journey and her professional role within the NHS, Lisa wanted to bring the stories from our 40 Stories project into the hospital to inspire others who may be struggling and show that recovery is possible.

Having found support through The Matthew Project and now being in recovery for over two and a half years, Lisa is passionate about raising awareness of addiction, challenging stigma, and helping people understand that addiction can affect anyone.

She believes that by sharing real stories of resilience and recovery, we can encourage conversations, foster understanding, and help connect people to the support they need.

We are incredibly grateful to Lisa for championing this vision and helping make the exhibition a reality after more than two years of planning and collaboration.

A huge thank you to our sponsors Toilets+, MedEquip, Andrew & Simeon Ward, Birketts, Persimmon, Charles Church, Bourne Creative, Larking Gowen, Osiris, Affinity, Jez Elwell, and Fuel Studios Norwich. And a big thank you to Steve at Bourne Creative for designing the exhibition boards & stickers - they look absolutely fantastic!

Have a look at some photos from the launch night below: