19/06/2026
Recovery is only part of the journey at SIAS. We’re here to walk alongside you as you build a life that feels full, positive, and your own.
Here is Mark’s Story;
I started out as a Service User here at SIAS. I had been addicted to drugs for 30 years, starting in my early teens, which ultimately led to a journey of self-destruction. I became a prolific offender to fund my drug use and was in and out of prison. I lost all my self-worth, and it also affected my family, especially my mother. I had got to a point where I felt I was almost using drugs against my will, as I couldn’t see a way out, and I felt my life was over.
After reaching the desperation point, I went into rehab for 17 weeks, and this started my journey to recovery. I started volunteering at SIAS, then moved on to a part-time role and now work for SIAS full-time as an Outreach Practitioner, helping others on their journey through recovery. I love my role, and it has given me a real purpose in life to help others turn their lives around, too.
My personal life has also been transformed. I am now married, have enjoyed lots of wonderful holidays, and my friendship group has totally changed.
In April, I started my new role as an Outreach Practitioner for Aquarius, part of the SIAS partnership, a role that I could not have dreamed of a few years ago. I was previously a Peer Support Worker at SIAS, and the time I have spent in this role has given me the experience I need to take on my new position.
In my new role as an Outreach Practitioner, I help those who have issues with drugs and alcohol but have become disengaged and don’t know where to turn next. I want to find out what the barriers are for not engaging with services and how I can support them. I will be especially reaching out to people who are being discharged from prison or those on probation, where my lived experience, knowledge of the criminal justice system and understanding of the triggers that affect those leaving prison will be a great help.
