The Matthew Project celebrates 40 years of work 

Norfolk-based drugs, alcohol and mental health recovery charity the Matthew Project (TMP) is celebrating its 40th anniversary this September, and it has created a ‘40 Stories’ exhibition to showcase the real stories behind four decades of life-changing work.

The 40 Stories exhibition will give the public a chance to journey around TMP’s Recovery Support Hub in Norwich, reading and reflecting on over 40 different stories in different formats - from written and visual, to audio and video. From past and present programme members, to volunteers, supporters and family members - this is a chance to hear from them all, in their own words.
 
As well as the exhibition, TMP whose ethos is shaped by Christian values, is running a 40Fest family fun day and its annual remembrance service at Norwich Cathedral.
 
40FEST - Saturday September 21, 12-5pm, at TMP, 70-80 Oak Street, Norwich, NR3 3AQ
TMP is opening its doors to the public for 40FEST - a free, family fun day. There will be live music from Norwich favourites, Sons of Mark, children’s activities including Mini Monsters Roadshow, face painting and balloon modelling, plus there’ll be food and refreshments, with a BBQ, Feel Good Ice Cream Co and Hope Coffee Co. This is also a chance for the public to view the 40 Stories exhibition, and take part in various workshops run by our members in the centre.

Remembrance Service - Thursday September 26, 7.30pm, Norwich Anglican Cathedral
On Thursday 26th September, from 7.30pm to 9pm, The Matthew Project will be returning to Norwich Cathedral for its annual remembrance service. The evening will be one of reflection, remembering those lost or suffering due to addiction.
 
The evening will include readings by members and supporters of The Matthew Project. There will be singing from Bel Sonus female choir, the 40 Stories exhibition will be displayed in the South Transept.
 
The evening is free to attend, there will be refreshments and cake kindly donated by Norse Catering, a collection for The Matthew Project and opportunities to light a candle and leave a note in the book of remembrance.
 
The service will be open for anyone struggling or grieving, wherever you are on your journey, you are more than welcome to join.
 
Charity CEO Rachel Chapman said: “The Matthew Project is marking its 40th year and over the course of 2024 we have been reflecting on our work and what it means to have been working with people struggling with drug, alcohol and mental health issues across Norfolk. What we want to share is the impact of our work on some of the most stigmatized and disadvantaged people in our community. So, we have chosen 40 stories; stories of the people we have supported, stories of staff, trustees and of volunteers but all of them stories of hope. Bringing this collection of stories together has been a humbling experience. There are so many stories of lives transformed.”
 
Find out more at The Matthew Project.