A town centre building will light up purple for International Recovery Day tomorrow (Thursday) to spread the message that recovery from addiction is possible.

The Killarney Municipal District Office building will be lit in the colour as part of the ‘Leave a Light On’ campaign.

Cork Kerry Community Healthcare is supporting the campaign with the Cork/Kerry Social Inclusion team who are working with the Recovery Academy of Ireland and Coolmine Therapeutic Community.

Other buildings in Kerry planning to light up include Tralee’s County Buildings, Princes Quay Building and Ashe Memorial Hall for International Recovery Day, a day which aims to offer hope of recovery from addiction for people, families and communities.

Cork Kerry Community Healthcare funds a Recovery Academy co-ordinator role for the region, as well as funding for activities including health and fitness programmes and pop-up cafes.

“Recovery is a cause to be celebrated and normalising it within the community is essential to breaking the stigma that is often attached to people who have come through extremely challenging circumstances," Mark Wright, the Project Coordinator Recover Academy Cork/Kerry, said.

"It gives me great hope and pride to light up buildings across Cork and Kerry but also to organise pro-social events throughout recovery month.”

The public can support the initiative by using the hash tag #LeaveALightOn to share a story or share an image on social media tomorrow.

If you or someone you know if impacted by substance issues, contact the HSE’s Alcohol and Drugs Helpline for information on support services - freephone1800 459 459 Monday to Friday between 9.30am and 5.30pm or email helpline@hse.ie.