In 2025, the Baring Foundation gave BCB a small grant to research and deliver an event that shares best practice and inspires other opportunities to use ceramics in addiction recovery.

BCB has delivered the ‘Recast’ ceramics project in partnership with Stoke Recovery Service since 2017. Recast offers eight-week blocks of workshops over the year, plus a four-day intensive residency, with participants supported by two artists, a recovery worker and sometimes an additional support artist.

Using clay for addiction recovery and mental ill-health is a fascinating area of the arts and health field. Jo Mills from British Ceramics Biennial, a pioneer in this area, shares who is doing what and her tips for successful practice.

Read the full report by Jo Mills, Studio & Community Programme Manager, HERE.

Find out more by reading the blog “Ceramics for addiction recovery – a quick guide” on the Baring Foundation website HERE.