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The Matthew Project Charity Highlights the Effects of Substance Misuse with Exhibition at NNUH
- 1 day ago
- 3 min read
Updated: 11 hours ago
LAUNCHED DURING ALCOHOL AWARENESS WEEK (6TH - 12TH JULY 2026)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
06/07/2026 - Norwich, UK
The Matthew Project (TMP) charity is launching 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 | The Matthew Project.
"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
“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.
For more information on the project and to arrange any interviews, please contact Sarah Elwell, Executive Assistant at The Matthew Project on [email protected] or 07570 158979.
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.
