Tríona joined the Recovery Academy in 2023 after working with our partner the Dublin North, North East Recovery College on a project regarding the development of a community response to Dual Diagnosis (Mental Health and substance use). Tríona has lived experience of supporting family members with mental health and substance use issues, leading her to become curious about the different pathways to Recovery that are accessible to not only individuals but family members. Tríona received a bachelor’s degree in Community and Youth Work from the University of Maynooth in 2022. Coming from a community development perspective, Tríona strongly feels the process is equally if not more important than the end goal in achieving transformation for individuals and communities. She is committed to using this approach to build solidarity within communities to act collectively for change. Triona will work with the Recovery Academy as a Recovery Community Development officer. In this role Triona will be able to use her skills and knowledge of community development practice to build a community that supports and celebrates Recovery through the Promotion of Recovery initiatives. Using the Community Development principles of collectivity, participation and community empowerment, Triona will bring together the community so that individuals and family members can access community wide support when entering a journey of Recovery. Ultimately, working towards the goal of building personal and community Recovery Capital. Triona is passionate about ending stigma for individuals who are or have experienced substance use and mental health issues, she believes this can be done by #makingrecoveryvisible.