WithYou

09/10/2026

Because sometimes the person you’re talking to understands what you’ve been through.

They understand what it feels like to take that first step.

To have setbacks. To start again. To not know if change is possible. To know what recovery actually feels like.

Lived experience brings an understanding of recovery that can’t always be learned.

This , we’re recognising the value of lived experience in recovery.

Whether it’s our staff who have walked through our doors themselves, or someone else going through something similar, having someone there who just gets it can make all the difference.

If today feels difficult, we see you. You can chat to a trained recovery worker for free advice and support this weekend at wearewithyou.org.uk.

02/10/2026

Ken is proof that it's never too late to find a new path, especially when that path leads to helping others.

After a 30-year career in IT, Ken found himself at a crossroads. At 63, he took a leap of faith by volunteering for WithYou in Cornwall.

"I was horrified to see how many people were stigmatised and marginalised because of issues with drugs and alcohol. I knew I wanted to make a difference," says Ken.

From the very start of his training, he knew he'd made the right choice.

Volunteering opened Ken's eyes to the challenges people face on their recovery journeys. Inspired by his experience, he went on to become a certified hypnotherapist and qualified counsellor.

With community support and a willingness to take that first step, anyone can find renewed purpose and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. 👏

01/10/2026

As the seasons change, so can we. 🍂

Shorter days, darker evenings, colder weather and changes to our routine. It can be a lot, especially if you’re already finding things challenging.

As autumn arrives, remember to be kind to yourself. If you can, try getting outside when it’s light out, keeping connected with people around you, and making time for the things important to you.

If you’re struggling, you don’t have to face it alone. Reach out to us when you need it.

30/09/2026

As draws to a close, our support continues all year round.

Throughout September, we’ve shared stories of hope and resilience, showing the different ways recovery can look and reminding us that there is no single path to recovery. Recovery takes time, and it rarely happens in a straight line.

Whether you’re already on your recovery journey, considering taking the first step, or looking for support for someone you care about, you don’t have to face it alone.

We’re here to help. Find your nearest WithYou service or speak to a recovery worker through our free, confidential webchat. 💙

30/09/2026

Day 1. Day 30. Day 90. One year.

Counting milestones is great - celebrate every single one if that supports you on your journey. But if you lapse or relapse, it can feel like the counter resets to zero. Like everything you built just… vanished.

It didn’t.

There’s no award for completing sobriety or abstinence that you failed to unlock. Recovery doesn’t have to be a countdown to a fixed point. It’s ongoing for everyone, whatever that looks like day to day.

A setback doesn’t undo what you’ve learned, what you’re capable of or how far you’ve actually come.

You're supported no matter what, whether by us or the rest of your support network.

may be ending, but our support never stops. Wherever you are on your recovery journey, we’re here for you every step of the way.

29/09/2026

From recovery festivals and Kiltwalks to service events, rounders, picnics and bowling, our teams across the country have had so many opportunities this to come together with clients, partners, friends and family to celebrate and share what recovery means to them.

These are just some of the ways we’ve been championing recovery, celebrating progress and making recovery visible.

Huge thanks to Stoke CDAS, WithYou in BCP, WithYou in East Ayrshire, WithYou in the Borders and WithYou in Darlington for sharing what they've been up to over the past month!

As Recovery Month comes to a close, our support doesn’t. We’re here all year round, supporting people to make positive changes in their lives.

If you’re looking for support or thinking about reaching out, we’re here. 💙

28/09/2026

Dundee on 01382 206888 Recovery isn’t just a straight line to feeling better. Sometimes, it can be really challenging.

You often lose the things you leaned on, and the difficult stuff, like stress, boredom, conflict, grief, doesn’t stop showing up just because you’re in recovery.

You have to learn how to deal with it, without it. But that’s not a setback; that’s the actual work that moves you forward.

This is where recovery capital comes in - the people, skills and support you can lean on when things feel challenging. The stronger your recovery capital is, the less you’re doing this alone.

You don’t have to have everything figured out. Recovery is a journey with its own ups and downs, and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

For free, confidential support, get in touch with us at With or speak with a trained recovery worker via our webchat if you need to talk things through at wearewithyou.org.uk/find-support/talk-to-a-trained-recovery-worker

28/09/2026

Before Michelle became a recovery worker with WithYou in Dumfries and Galloway, she had her own journey through substance use, prison and recovery.

Michelle used he**in for 12 years and had been in and out of prison by 2008. After spending Christmas away from her daughter, she knew something had to change.

She joined a local group, learned new skills and eventually found work in a call centre, where she spent 12 years rebuilding her life and supporting her family.

When a friend suggested the Scottish Drugs Forum traineeship, Michelle didn't think she'd be accepted. But she got a place, working towards her Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) through a placement with WithYou.

Today, she supports people with their goals, triggers and coping strategies, leads on injecting equipment provision and runs a weekly women's group she set up in 2024.

Michelle knows recovery isn't always quick or straightforward. She also knows how difficult that first step can be.

"It doesn't matter if somebody's been in a service a hundred times. That hundred-and-first time might be the time they make that change."

This , if you're thinking about reaching out, you don't need to have all the answers. We're here to help. 💙

25/09/2026

25/09/2026

Happy World Pharmacists Day!

Today WithYou is shining a spotlight on the pharmacists and pharmacy teams who play such an important role in supporting people affected by drug and alcohol use across our communities.

Across Wigan & Leigh, local pharmacies are a vital part of our partnership, working closely with our teams to make sure people get the medication, support and reassurance they need.

As one local pharmacist told us:

“People sometimes think the role of a pharmacy is simply supplying medication, but it’s so much deeper than that. We see some of our patients every day, some three times a week and others weekly, so you develop a really strong relationship with them. You get to know their lives, what they’re going through, and when something doesn’t seem right.

“It’s about looking after the whole person. You get happy for them, you get sad for them, you hear about their lives. It’s a professional relationship, but it’s also about being there for people when they need a little bit of a boost.”

That partnership can make a real difference — helping people feel known, supported and able to ask for help when they need it.

A huge thank you to Aoife, our pharmacy partners and to pharmacists everywhere for the role you play in helping people live happier and healthier lives.

25/09/2026

This , we’re sharing practical tips on how you can support someone on their recovery journey, while taking care of yourself too.

Because supporting someone else shouldn’t mean forgetting to look after yourself.

Looking for free, confidential support for yourself or someone you care about?

Get in touch with us on 01382 206888

24/09/2026

Today we're celebrating the Pharmacist colleagues across our organisation this 👋

Behind the scenes of our drug and alcohol support, highly skilled teams are working every day to help people make positive, lasting changes to their drug and alcohol use.

Their work is an important part of the support we provide, so today we're shining a light on the people behind the scenes who make a real difference everyday.

This year’s theme, ‘Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures’, couldn’t be more fitting for our pharmacy teams. From leadership to client-facing roles, our pharmacists bring specialist knowledge, experience and a unique perspective to our services. They help people get the right support at the right time and work towards a healthier future.

Pictured is our Central Meds Management Team and Cornwall Pharmacy Technicians. Our Director of Pharmacy, Abie Wilson, is celebrating the team:

"On World Pharmacist Day it's a pleasure to shout out to our growing team of highly skilled Pharmacists within the organisation. These professionals provide a unique skill set and perspective, in both leadership and client-facing roles, and go above and beyond to support clients within our services. A big thank you to you all!" 💙

24/09/2026

Meet Lisa Wakely Author: music artist, author and storyteller. ✨

Writing has been part of Lisa’s life since she was 12, and her love of magical stories has stayed with her ever since.

While writing her newest novel, Lisa created a song to step into the world of her protagonist, Mordred, a young musician facing challenges with drugs and alcohol.

That song, ‘I’m A Warrior’, became something much bigger. What started as a creative insight into her character became a powerful release, and an opportunity to raise money and awareness for WithYou.

Lisa also worked with WithYou’s young ambassadors, inviting them to read chapters of her novel and share their thoughts on how experiences with drugs, alcohol and recovery were represented. Their insight helped Lisa make sure these experiences were portrayed honestly and authentically.

When it came to releasing ‘I’m A Warrior’, supporting WithYou was a natural fit. 💙

Lisa says: “Since its release, I have seen the song connect with people who have real experience of addiction, either personally or through someone they love. That has made the project feel much bigger than the fictional character who first inspired it.”

📍 Listen to I’m A Warrior and learn more about Lisa’s story via the link in the comments.

24/09/2026

George never imagined that the support he received from WithYou would one day lead to him helping others.

Now 30, from Guisborough, George experienced challenges with alcohol and drugs from a young age. Over time, his use became increasingly difficult to manage and had a huge impact on his life, relationships and wellbeing.

With support from our team in Redcar & Cleveland, George began his recovery journey. It wasn’t overnight, but gradually he rebuilt his life, found support for his mental health and discovered a sense of purpose.

After volunteering with WithYou, George is now about to start a new chapter – joining the same team who helped him, to support other people on their own journeys.

“WithYou saved my life. Now I have the chance to help someone else.” - George

George’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery can mean more than changing use of drugs or alcohol. It can be about understanding what’s behind your experiences, finding the right support, rebuilding your life and discovering a future you never thought was possible.

If you’re struggling, you’re worth helping. And recovery is possible. ❤️

Read George’s full story: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/latest/stories/withyou-saved-my-life-now-i-want-to-help-someone-else

24/09/2026

Earlier this month, we joined hundreds of people who came together for this year’s Recovery Festival, starting with a Recovery Walk through the town before Darlington officially joined the Inclusive Recovery Cities movement.

What a brilliant day of recovery, connection, community and celebration in Darlington’s Market Square. 🤝

WithYou alongside STRIDE partners Recovery Connections and Darlington Borough Council, were proud to be part of a day that put recovery right at the heart of the community.

The signing of the Inclusive Recovery Cities Charter was a particularly special moment, with the local Mayor and Director of Public Health joining Dot and Professor David Best to mark Darlington becoming part of an international movement where recovery is visible, valued and celebrated.

The afternoon, hosted brilliantly with music, laughter and plenty of energy to the Market Square, with performances from the Recovery Connections Choir and Band, Jack Ramsey, Jenna Highfield and entertainer Silly Steve.

A massive thank you to everyone who came along, walked alongside us, performed, volunteered, supported the event or simply stopped by to find out more about STRIDE and harm reduction.

Days like this remind us that recovery is about so much more than services. It’s about people, relationships, belonging and having a community around you. 💙

23/09/2026

Today we learned that 1,133 lives in Scotland were lost to drugs last year, up 11% year on year. As our chart shows, this isn't a one-off, it's part of a hugely concerning decade-long pattern. Sons, daughters, parents, friends, our thoughts are with every family who has lost someone.

Our National Harm Reduction Lead, Gareth Balmer, has written about why this keeps happening and what needs to change. It's not just about the drugs themselves. Poverty, trauma and a failing safety net all play their part, and people need real support to reach them at the right time, backed by long-term planning and investment.

Read Gareth's full piece in the comments.

If you're worried about your own drug or alcohol use, or someone else's, we're here. No judgement, just support.

22/09/2026

Some people are just… curious. And that’s okay.

You don’t have to wait until you’re struggling. You don’t need a diagnosis. You don’t have to have the answers or even know exactly what you’re looking for yet.

Being curious can be a great starting point for exploring more about you and your goals.

You can get free, confidential support and advice from the WithYou in Dundee. Come as you are.

Get in touch with us on 01382 206888

21/09/2026

New synthetic drugs are making an already dangerous drug supply even harder to predict, and it's something we're seeing right across Scotland.

Our National Harm Reduction Lead, Gareth Balmer, spoke to the BBC about what's changing, and why naloxone, which can reverse an opioid overdose, needs to be in as many hands as possible, not just services.

If you're worried about your own drug or alcohol use, or someone else's, we're here. No judgement, just support. You find a link to the BBC report in the comments.

21/09/2026

WithYou when you need us the most 💙

18/09/2026

You’ve just arrived in a new city, you’re meeting new mates and you’re getting ready for your first proper Freshers night out. 🎉

We want you to have a night to remember, so if you’re heading out, make looking after yourself and your mates part of the plan.

Eat something before you go. Pace yourself and alternate alcohol with soft drinks or water. Check in on your mates and look out for each other.

Most importantly, remember there’s no pressure to drink or take drugs if you choose not to. You can have a great night your way.

No judgement. No lectures. Just support. 💙