A Chaddeton-based arts organisation that works with people in recovery from substance abuse has finally received financial backing after more than 10 years.

Portraits of Recovery was one of three Oldham-based applicants to the Arts Council England (ACE) bid for National Portfolio Organisation (NPO) status and funding.

While Oldham Coliseum was snubbed from the funds in a shock move by ACE, Portraits of Recovery has successfully been recognised as an ACE NPO for the first time, and will receive £150,000 per annum between 2023-26.

READ MORE: How Oldham fared in the arts and culture 'levelling up' funds

The organisation, which works all over Greater Manchester, was founded in Chadderton by Mark Prest in 2011 while he was in recovery with a vision to utilise the arts to support people recovering from drug or alcohol abuse while challenging addiction stereotypes.

Over the years, it has staged a number of workshops and exhibitions, one of which in 2017 resulted in the installation of a neon artwork called 'out of place and at the margin' in Rochdale bus station which is now on permanent display at Touchstones Rochdale.

In 2019, participants explored the Japanese tradition of Kintsugi, a repair technique that transforms broken ceramic objects into new entities, at the community centre in Moss Side.

But being handpicked for three years of financial support means Portraits of Recovery is in a position to run regular programmes throughout the year and expand its horizons.

It will form new partnerships with other Greater Manchester arts and health organisations to raise awareness of issues around recovery as well as stage a programme of events, talks and workshops across the city each September to mark International Recovery Month.

Every year, it also hopes to invite 10 people in recovery to a learning and engagement programme which will see them work with artists to increase their employability skills.

In 2023/24, four artists' commissions are planned, including a major work from Ghana-born British artist, Harold Offeh, which explores conversations around chemsex - the practice which uses drugs in sex.

Mr Prest said: "Portraits of Recovery changes lives and there is no other organisation like us in the UK.

"Over 11 years, we have delivered award-winning projects with major arts organisations and leading national and international contemporary artists.

"People talk about the transformational power of the arts - PORe's work changes lives by telling stories that challenge the usual clichés surrounding addiction and recovery."

The founder said ACE's funds mean the group can grow into a larger "more sustainable" organisation with a year-round programme of events that supports emerging artists and offer cultural experiences to people in recovery.

Dave Mountrey, director of culture for Manchester City Council, said he was "delighted" by the group's new NPO status.

"This is a big vote of confidence in the organisation’s work and the leadership of director Mark Prest", he added.