WithYou

04/11/2026

Today we learned that 37 people in Wigan and Leigh died from drugs in 2025, part of the 5,519 people in England and Wales who lost their lives.

Our thoughts are with everyone who is grieving today and has lost a parent, partner, child, or friend.

If you’re worried about your drug use, or that of someone close to you, we’re here to help. Our services and free, confidential webchat are here, seven days a week.

Whatever you’re going through, you don’t have to face it alone.

💬 Get in touch with our friendly team today or chat to an expert recovery worker for free, confidential support. Visit https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/wigan-and-leigh

04/11/2026

New figures show 5,519 people died in England and Wales from drugs last year. Each number is a person, with family, friends, and a future. Their loss is felt every day.

This was the first annual decrease since 2012. Any fall is welcome, but even one life lost is too many.

Many people who are struggling never reach support. We’re here to help. If you’re worried about your own drug use or someone else’s, you’re not alone. Our services are here for you, and our free, confidential webchat is open seven days a week.

👇 Following the release of the 2025 drug-related deaths data, WithYou CEO Simon Phillips outlines the urgent changes needed to save lives. Read his full statement via the link in the comments.

03/11/2026

When someone you care about is struggling with drugs or alcohol, it can affect you, too.

That’s why we’re launching our new Concerned Others Group in Leigh.

It’s a safe, welcoming space to talk about what you’re going through, meet people who understand and learn ways to cope.

Whether you’re a partner, parent, adult child, sibling, friend or other family member, you’re welcome.

📆 Every Wednesday from 18 November
🕛️ 5:30pm - 6:30pm
📍 Family Hub at Leigh, Walmesley Road, Leigh, WN7 1XL (Opposite Parsonage Retail Park)

There’s no need to book, and the person you’re worried about doesn’t need to be getting treatment.

You deserve support, too.

02/11/2026

We're proud to see William from our Wigan and Leigh service sharing his perspective as part of WithYou's national conversation about the language we use.

He reminds us why it's so important to see the person in front of us before the substance or challenge they're experiencing.

A big thank you to William for lending his voice to such an important message. 💙

02/11/2026

The words we use matter. When someone reaches out for support, carrying the weight of judgement and labels can make it more challenging to take that first step. It can mean the difference between feeling safe enough to ask for support, or staying silent.

That’s why we use language that puts the person before the substance or challenge they’re experiencing.

Language is personal, and while we use language that sees the person first, we always respect personal choice. We want to empower anyone experiencing challenges with drugs or alcohol to express themselves in the way that feels most authentic and comfortable to them.

But however someone comes to our support, we want them to be met with language that says: you won’t be judged here and we’re with you.

By choosing compassionate language in our everyday conversations and communities, we can help break down stigma together and make sure no one feels isolated when reaching out for support.

Watch William, a client from WithYou in Wigan and Leigh, share why putting people before labels matters.

💬 Want to learn more? Check the link in the comments to read our guide on the language we use.

30/10/2026

With nights out, alcohol, fireworks and decorations all around, Halloween can be a tricky time for some - especially if you’re in recovery or trying to make positive changes.

We’re all for having a spooktacular time. We want everyone to enjoy Halloween, stay safe and be mindful of those around them. 👻

Here are some tips to help you celebrate safely. 🎃

And remember, if things feel challenging, you’re not alone.

You can get in touch with us on 01942 487500 or chat to a recovery worker through our website: wearewithyou.org.uk

30/10/2026

We know that opening up a conversation about a loved one's drug or alcohol use can be scary. 👻

But the most meaningful conversations start with honesty and understanding.

If you ever feel unsure how to support a loved one with their drug or alcohol use, you don't have to figure it out alone. Our free, confidential webchat is here to support you, seven days a week.

29/10/2026

8 years ago, Lauren came to her local WithYou service for support with her alcohol use. Now? She's 8 years sober, works as a recovery worker for the very same service supported her, and just conquered the Three Peaks Challenge. ⛰️

For her, each summit had a meaning. Lauren dedicated each mountain to the people who supported her recovery, raising over £2,000 for WithYou in North Somerset.

We're so proud of Lauren and everything she's achieved! 🎖️ Read her full story and learn about her work in the criminal justice system at the link in the comments.

27/10/2026

Cory and Paula from our Young Persons Team were delighted to attend the Wigan Borough Food Partnership event at The Edge last week 🍎

They shared information on ways to manage mental well-being and talked about how healthy eating can support people in recovery from drug or alcohol challenges.

Looking after yourself doesn't have to mean making big changes all at once. Small steps can make a big difference. 💙

If you're worried about your drug or alcohol use, we're here to help, without judgement.

Find support at https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/wigan-and-leigh

27/10/2026

Following the publication of the latest stats for 2025, Alcohol Focus Scotland has issued a joint response alongside our partners WithYou, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems (SHAAP) and Scottish Families Affected by Alcohol & Drugs

2025 was the 13th consecutive year where alcohol deaths exceeded 1,000 - as 1,152 people lost their lives. We're calling on the Scottish Government to take the urgent measures necessary to reduce deaths.

Read more below.

27/10/2026

Linda drank to the point of blackout for 36 years. She never knew she had a problem.

Today, she works in the same office where she got help, supporting others through their own recovery.

New figures show 1,152 people in Scotland died from conditions wholly caused by alcohol last year. Most people who are struggling never reach support. Linda’s story shows what changes when they do.

Worried about your own drinking or someone else’s? You’re not alone. Our services are here for you, and our free, confidential webchat is open seven days a week.

👇 Read Linda’s full story in the comments.

26/10/2026

26/10/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our incredible Wigan and Leigh colleagues on their outstanding achievements at this year’s WithYou Recognition Awards! 🏆

Compassionate Award Winner: Dean H
Professional Award Winners: SWAN & LIGA team

Your dedication, hard work, and passion for supporting others truly stand out.

We are proud to have such inspiring team members making a meaningful difference every day. 💙👏

23/10/2026

Want to learn more about alcohol and how to support someone who may be facing challenges?

Whether you're worried about your own drinking, supporting someone else or simply want to learn more, this free session will help you better understand alcohol and its effects.

We'll cover:

❓️ Why people drink alcohol and how it can affect them
💙 Practical ways to reduce alcohol-related harm
💬 How to recognise when someone might need support
🤝 Where to turn for help in Wigan and Leigh

📆 Monday 26 October
🕛️ 10am - 11:30am
💻️ Online

Open to anyone in Wigan and Leigh.

Book your free place here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/alcohol-awareness-training-tickets-2000144854101

23/10/2026

Last week was a great week for our WithYou in Darlington at STRIDE service. 👏

WithYou's Chief Executive, Simon Phillips visited staff and partners from Recovery Connections, to hear about the progress being made and learn more about the incredible initiatives helping people achieve positive outcomes.

A special highlight was Public Health Portfolio Lead at Darlington Borough Council, Mark Harrison stopping by to take part in ear acupuncture – a brand-new offer at WithYou at STRIDE for existing clients who could benefit from alternative therapies as part of their treatment and recovery journey.

Our Head of Service Delivery, Gary Besterfield, said:
“Thanks to donations and additional funding, we’re able to offer so much more than our core service, giving people a whole-person approach to their treatment and recovery.

“With 14 years’ experience in substance misuse, Amanda Christer, Wellbeing Consultant and NADA-trained practitioner, has now trained six WithYou staff members to deliver this free, eight-week programme. It’s a fantastic example of how we’re going above and beyond to help people access the support that works for them.”

A huge thank you to our dedicated team and partners for the work they do every day to make a real difference in people’s lives. 💙

22/10/2026

Using ketamine frequently can harm your body in ways you might not expect.

One of these side effects is informally known as "ket bladder."

So, what is ket bladder?

When your body breaks down ketamine, it can irritate and damage your bladder.

This can cause an urgent and frequent need to p*e and loss of bladder control.

In about 50% of early cases, the bladder can heal, and symptoms can reverse once you stop using ketamine completely.

However, in advanced cases, the damage can be irreversible.

If you notice any of these symptoms, speak to a doctor. You don't have to wait until things get worse.

Worried about your ketamine use? We are here to help, without judgement. Check our pinned post for the link to our online ketamine support group or learn more here: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/wigan-and-leigh/services/support-for-young-people-and-families

22/10/2026

Ten years ago, on her 49th birthday, Ingrid walked through the doors of Shropshire Recovery Partnership for the very first time as a client.

Today, she leads the North team from that exact same office.

After losing her mum at 18, Ingrid learned to cope by throwing herself into work. For 30 years, she kept moving forward until, one morning, everything caught up with her. Her marriage ended, her sons moved in with their dad, and she took on caring for her grandmother living with dementia. Ingrid found herself isolated.

Seeking support was the first step on a new path. Sobriety came within a few months, but real healing began when specialist mental health and grief recovery support helped her understand her journey and move forward.

Recovery gave Ingrid her life back, alongside the chance to rebuild a connection with her sons.

Every morning, she walks through the same front door that once felt so daunting.

"It’s not a sense of pride, it’s a sense of privilege. I’m one of the people that got that golden ticket. I constantly live in gratitude and contentment, and spend a lot of my time smiling."

💬 Read Ingrid's inspiring story of going from client to Team Leader in the comments.

21/10/2026

Are you an experienced nurse looking to make a real difference in people's lives?

We're looking for a Senior Specialist Substance Misuse Nurse to play a key role in providing and supervising high-quality clinical and nursing care to people affected by substance use.

You must have current NMC registration to be considered for this position.

Closing date: 1 November

Please note: This vacancy may close earlier if we receive enough applications, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.

Interested? Find out more and apply here: https://wearewithyou.cp.occy.com/p/jobpreview?id=qm88ncai

Know someone who'd be a great fit? Share this opportunity with them!

20/10/2026

Behind every prescription, accurate dose and delivery of care in our services are a team of Pharmacy Technicians.

This , we're celebrating the teams who work behind the scenes to keep clinical operations running safely and ensuring that clients get the right clinical support for them.💙

Abie Wilson, Director of Pharmacy, says:
"I'm incredibly proud of our team of highly skilled Pharmacy Technicians, who are the quiet force behind Medicines Management in our services and wider organisation. It's a great opportunity to thank them this World Pharmacy Technician day for the innovation, determination and passion they bring to the organisation every single day!"

16/10/2026

As the days get shorter and colder, many young people find it extra challenging to keep on top of their mental health and wellbeing.

If you're worried about a young person who is self-harming, or might be at risk of self-harming, our Mind and Body team is here to support them. We work alongside young people aged 13 to 17 across Kent and Cornwall, helping them discover safe, positive ways to process difficult thoughts and emotions.

We offer a warm, non-judgmental environment where young people can feel heard and supported at their own pace.

Living outside of Kent or Cornwall? You can still access helpful tips and guidance anytime on our website. More information in the comments. 💙