Sobriety Society: Making Recovery Visible Through Climbing and Community

Help us raise £1,700 to produce t-shirts that empower recovery, reduce stigma across Leeds, and sustain our Pro-Sober Climbing Group

What Is Sobriety Society?

Sobriety Society grew from our Pro-Sober Social sessions, launched in August 2024, to create a stronger identity for our recovery-focused community. The name Sobriety Society was chosen by our group, for our group, reflecting a shared sense of belonging and purpose that extends beyond the climbing sessions.

Sobriety Society is a Bloc Wellbeing CIC initiative dedicated to supporting individuals in recovery through climbing, connection, and community. By fostering pride and visibility, we aim to reduce stigma, celebrate recovery, and provide a safe, supportive space for personal growth and resilience.

The T-Shirt Project

Making Recovery Visible

Why T-Shirts?

T-shirts are a powerful way to promote recovery, start conversations, and build a sense of community. Whether worn climbing. during a run, or out and about, they make recovery visible, reduce stigma, and spark dialogue.

We’re requesting £1,700 to produce recovery-themed t-shirts featuring the Sobriety Society logo and the empowering tagline ‘Don’t Fall Off.’ These t-shirts will act as symbols of pride and resilience, helping us promote sober living and proceeds from sales will fund free and part-funded climbing sessions.

Why Sobriety Society Matters: Voices from the Community

Since August 2024, Bloc Wellbeing has delivered 22 climbing sessions over 23 weeks, supporting 44 adults in recovery.

Each week, our lived experience volunteers provide free instruction and encouragement, creating a safe and supportive environment for growth. By offering 46 bursary-funded opportunities, 15 partially funded positions, and 86 complimentary shoe rentals, we’ve made climbing accessible for everyone.

In this video, hear from our members about how Sobriety Society has empowered them and why our ‘Don’t Fall Off’ t-shirts mean so much to them.

Recovery is an achievement worth celebrating – our goal is to make it visible and something to be proud of.

How Your Support Will Drive Impact

Funding Breakdown

Your funding will directly enable us to design and produce high-quality Sobriety Society t-shirts that serve as symbols of recovery pride. This breakdown illustrates how the requested £1,700 will be allocated to ensure the project’s success, from creating a design that resonates with the recovery community to promoting visibility and inclusivity across Leeds.

£300: Professional design of logo & slogan

This funding will ensure the t-shirt design is appealing and relatable, creating a product people in recovery will be proud to wear while promoting Sobriety Society.

£1,100: Production costs for 60 t-shirts

This covers the production of high-quality t-shirts that act as visible symbols of recovery, reaching climbers and the wider recovery community.

£300: Promotional materials and outreach

This funding will support posters and social media outreach to promote the t-shirt, Sobriety Society, and recovery as something to celebrate across Leeds.

From Concept to Impact

Project Timeline

Month 1-2:
Design the T-Shirt Logo and Slogan

Collaborate with designers and group members to finalise the logo and slogan, ensuring it represents recovery with pride.

Month 2-3:
Production of T-Shirts

Produce the first 60 t-shirts and prepare them for distribution and sales at events or online.

Months 4-5
Design Outreach to promote T-Shirt Sales

Roll out the outreach campaign through social media, posters, and events. Promote t-shirt sales online and in person to maximise visibility.

Month 6
Review and Measure Impact

Evaluate the project by gathering feedback from participants, tracking t-shirt sales, and assessing the outreach campaign’s reach. Use these insights to improve future initiatives and expand Sobriety Society’s impact.

A Multi-Purpose Project with Lasting Impact

The Sobriety Society t-shirt project promotes recovery pride, reduces stigma, and fosters belonging, while generating essential funds to sustain our group. With the rising cost of funded places now averaging £45 per session, this project will meet growing demand and ensure the group’s long-term success.

Thank You For Your Time

Craig & Jenny

Bloc Wellbeing CIC Volunteers