We Are With You

On this World Mental Health Day 🌍, let's shine a light on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and the risks of self-medicating. Swipe through to learn how to recognize the signs and discover healthier ways to cope.

Remember, you're not alone—WithYou is here to support you every step of the way. 💙

Think you know the truth about alcohol? 🤔

Some common beliefs are not just misleading—they're potentially dangerous. Let's bust the biggest myths and reveal the real facts 👇

Our volunteers are an essential part of the work that we do and now we’re giving people the chance to nominate them for our 2024 Volunteer Awards!

Every year, in collaboration with Marsh Charitable Trust we celebrate the amazing work and achievements of volunteers who work tirelessly to help support those experiencing challenges with drugs, alcohol or mental health.

WithYou colleagues, clients and volunteers are invited to nominate the volunteers who have impacted their lives and made a difference in the last 12 months.

Nominations are now open at https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf8rcTBAaUQdPd2VMRFPEbbOBD1WCSkqmcXM7j_loUfhcDzag/viewform and you have until 23rd October to make sure your nominee has been entered.

Last month, a team representing Shropshire Recovery Partnership, made up of staff, relatives, and a client, battled their way to the semi-finals at the annual tournament organised by local partner agency A Better Tomorrow.

The event was more than just football – it was a day of remembrance for those who have lost their lives to substance use. Team SRP were one of 14 teams taking part in the tournament, all representing recovery groups, services and supporters.

As Louise Hammersley-Gecan, Alcohol Specialist Recovery Worker at SRP, shared: "It was an awesome day with lots of laughter and fun. Recovery gives us a life beyond our wildest dreams! Huge thanks to all who organised and took part. Together we are stronger!"

Client Chris said: "It was brilliant to be involved, I really enjoyed it, so thank you."

Leighton Wooley from A Better Tomorrow reminded us of the tournament's deeper meaning: "This event began in memory of a former ABT client and staff member who tragically lost his battle with alcoholism. We now use this as a chance to remember all those lost to addiction, but also to celebrate Recovery Month and the hope that comes with it."

Thank you to A Better Tomorrow for organising this special event. 💙

🎈 Balloons, laughing gas, whippits, chargers... Different names, but they all refer to nitrous oxide used as an illicit drug. Want to know more? Swipe through to get the facts. ➡️

Stay informed and help others by sharing.

👫 Planning on taking drugs? Remember, it’s always safer to buddy up. Never take drugs alone — having someone you trust with you can make all the difference if things go wrong.

Check out our guide to learn more about why having a buddy is essential.

⚠️ Thinking of taking someone else's drugs? Think again.

You never know what's really in them or how they could affect you. Check out our explainer to learn about the risks and why it’s never worth the gamble.

🚨 Did you know mixing drugs can significantly increase risk of things going wrong?

Check out our album to learn why combining substances is dangerous and how you can stay safer.

If you're considering seeking support with drugs or alcohol, you may have some misconceptions about what to expect from WithYou

So, we've busted a few of the most common myths we hear ❌🔨

“If you’d told me in the early 80s that my life would be so amazing now, I wouldn’t have believed it.”

Meet Sue.

Having previously experienced challenges with drugs, she has since dedicated her career to helping others achieve their recoveries; “I was addicted to he**in myself from the age of 19 to 23 in the early 80s. I didn’t want to work in treatment services at first as I didn’t want anything to do with that world anymore. But by the time I was 40 I realised I would like to use my life experiences to help others.”

Initially volunteering for the Lighthouse Project in 2004, who became a part of WithYou in 2009, Sue has since gone on to hold a number of roles with us; “In February 2006, I began work in Liverpool custody suites as a “Test on Arrest” Worker. Then in 2010 I moved to the Alcohol Team where I worked as a Rehab/Detox Liaison Worker, assessing suitability for detox and running groups to get clients ready for detox.”

In 2011, Sue took on a new role which meant a lot to her “I began facilitating the Freedom Programme which is a programme for women who are living or have lived through domestic abuse, a subject close to my heart as this was something I went through during my time on he**in.”

Now Sue is a recovery worker in our Liverpool service, using her personal passions to help others on their recovery journeys; “As part of my role I have run Meditation groups, Shared Reading groups for which I trained with the Reader Organisation and Creative Writing groups.”

“In my spare time I like to travel and spent three weeks last year In India on a Spiritual Journey. I also teach Kundalini Yoga and Meditation and am a Reiki Master. I love to keep developing my skills in this area and am currently studying for a Sound Healing qualification. If you’d told me in the early 80s that my life would be so amazing now, I wouldn’t have believed it and one of the things I love about my role now is to watch people begin to reach their potential and change their lives.”

🌱 A reminder this that every recovery journey is as unique as the person on it. Don’t compare your path to someone else’s — what matters most is that you’re working towards a life that’s meaningful for you. 💙

If you feel stuck or need support, we’re here. Speak to our trained advisors via webchat at wearewithyou.org.uk 💬

🎓 Starting university is an exciting time, but if you're thinking about using drugs, it's essential to have a plan in place to reduce your risk of harm.

Swipe through our album to learn how to create a personal safety plan.

Last week, the Drugs, Alcohol and Justice All-Party Parliamentary Group held a drop-in event in Parliament where MPs were invited to learn more about the drug and alcohol sector and taught how to administer the life-saving medication naloxone.

One of our recovery workers in North Somerset, Kevin, was on hand to provide naloxone training and we were pleased to be able to provide training to Grahame Morris MP and Andy McDonald MP. They are committed to expanding access to naloxone, and both walked away trained and equipped with this life-saving medicine.

In May, the previous Government announced plans to enable more professionals to supply naloxone without a prescription. With opioid-related deaths accounting for the largest proportion of drug-related deaths (an average of 40 per week), we’re pleased to see the new Government support these changes.

Robin Pollard, Head of Policy and Influencing, said; “We’re pleased to see the new Government commit to making these changes that will increase the number of services, professionals and organisations that can supply naloxone. We now need to see these regulations come into force as soon as possible. Though relaxing these regulations is an important first step, we must continue to look at what else we can do to widen access so that far more people working with those most at-risk of overdose can access it”.

This week Dame Carol Black, author of the 2021 Independent Review of Drugs, attended a showcase of the STRIDE partnership in Darlington, a service we run in collaboration with Darlington Borough Council and Recovery Connections.

Along with Andrew Brown, Head of Drug & Alcohol Improvement Support at OHID, she was shown around both the Tubwell and Conscliffe Road sites by our CEO, Simon Phillips and Dot Smith, CEO at Recovery Connections.

At the Tubwell site she visited the on-site dispensary, heard about our work in relation to harm reduction and met with several teams including the access team and assertive outreach. Then she walked to our Coniscliffe Road site for lunch with clients, staff and Darlington councillors, provided by Recovery Connections Fork on the Road van; a social enterprise which offers opportunities for those out of work to gain valuable skills and experience.

Both Dame Carol Black and Andrew Brown also met with the STRIDE partnership managers to discuss the current issues facing substance misuse services in 2024 and beyond. The final session, led by Recovery Connections, saw members of the recovery community share their powerful, unique journeys with all of those present.

We thank Dame Carol Black, those who shared their recovery journeys and everyone in attendance for joining us for the day and were encouraged by positive and robust discussions about the STRIDE service, the partnership approach, continuity of care and the young persons service.

Today (Tuesday, 10 September), the National Records of Scotland published its annual report on alcohol-specific deaths. Below are some of the key findings from the report. Other findings include:

🔷 There were 1,277 alcohol-specific deaths registered in Scotland in 2023. This is the highest number registered in a year since 2008.

🔷 Alcohol-specific deaths were 4.5 times as high in the most deprived areas of Scotland compared to the least deprived areas in 2023. This compares to a ratio of 1.8 times for all causes of death.

🔷 In 2023, the alcohol-specific mortality rates for those aged 65 to 74, and 75+ were at their highest since the series began in 1994.

Director of Service Delivery, Louise Stewart, responds on behalf of WithYou; “The Scottish Government must pursue alcohol-specific deaths with much greater urgency, determination and innovation.

“Minimum unit pricing is often held up as an example of forward-thinking policy-making because we were the first country in the world to introduce this measure. But it could and should work much harder.

“Currently, the funds raised go to retailers and the alcohol industry itself. This revenue could make a real difference if it was instead directed towards improving and increasing the availability of alcohol support services - because these services will ultimately help to save lives.

“To demonstrate its commitment to reducing alcohol-specific deaths, we believe that the Scottish Government should update, resource and reinforce treatment standards that ensure people receive a choice of treatment, as well as access to support and harm reduction measures, wherever they are in Scotland.

“To anyone who is worried about their drinking or that of a loved one, please get in touch. As well as delivering services in communities, WithYou offers a free and confidential webchat. This is a great first point of contact for anyone who is worried about their alcohol use or that of a loved one. Visit wearewithyou.org.uk today.”

Please remember that you are never alone - if you are feeling in a mental health crisis situation you can telephone Connection 24/7 on 0800 652 0190 someone is always available to listen.

We’re proud to be supporting Neurodiversity Celebration Week 2024! 🌟
Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges stereotypes and misconceptions about neurological differences.
Together let’s change the narrative to understand, accept, and celebrate neurodiversity!

We Are With You are working with Kent University to evaluate our Reframe Young Person diversion project. As part of the research we need to hear from young people who have been found in possession of Class B or C substances. If this applies to you please scan the attached QR code to volunteer your views. Alternatively you can speak to Nadine at the number listed or your recovery worker who can support you with this. 👍🏼

The Young People & Family team will be offering drop in sessions across the BCP Family Hubs below.

Come along and chat to one of our team in a friendly, confidential space about any concerns you have around substances.

Session times:
Poole Old Town - Last Wednesday of each month 1:30 -3pm
Turlin Moor - First Wednesday of each month between 9:30-11:30 am
Somerford - Last Friday of each month 9:30-11:30 am
Boscombe - First Tuesday each month - 1-2pm
Rossmore - Last Friday of each month - 9:30- 11:30am
West Howe - First Weds of each month between 9:30-11:30am

For enquiries outside of these times call us on 01202 558855.

We look forward to seeing you soon ☕️

If you are finding things difficult over the summer holidays there are amazing services and organisations that you can contact if you need to talk to someone. The first step can sometimes be the hardest but there are people who want to help you. It is important that you know where you can get support from and who you can talk to.

In our post we have listed services that are open over the summer holidays to offer support:

☀️ Mind – call 0300 123 3393, phone lines are open 9am-6pm Monday – Friday
☀️ The Mix – call 0808 808 4994, phone lines are open every day 3pm-12pm.
☀️ Childline – call 0800 1111, phone lines are open 24/7.
☀️ Samaritans – call 116 134, phone lines are open 24/7.
☀️ YoungMinds – Text YM to 85258, texting services open 24/7.
☀️ NHS Dorset HealthCare University NHS Foundation Trust Connection – call 0800 652 0190, phone lines are open 24/7.
☀️ Shout – Text Shout to 85258, texting service open 24/7.

An opportunity for you to have your say 🗣

This week is all about connection. Having meaningful connections with the people around us helps to reduce feeling isolated and lonely. What makes a connection meaningful to you?

The BCP Young People & Families team opted to spend our wellbeing time taking in the beautiful sights on one of our award winning beaches whilst also enjoying an amazing full English breakfast.

Some pics from our morning so far

We’re having a great time connecting and chatting with students, staff and volunteers.

Take care all.

If anyone needs support then give us a call on 01202 558855/830173 or visit www.wearewithyou.org.uk and use our webchat function.

🤜🏼🤛🏼

https://www.nspcc.org.uk

There are some great websites with some great resources and information.

This is one of them.

NSPCC The NSPCC is the UK's leading children's charity, preventing abuse and helping those affected to recover. Help us be here for children. Please donate now.

https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeZGJlplQIeL_0QYKDMtywwL3d01j7AB0O6ypPZhF-4ZLy_pg/viewform

Hi all.
Please take a moment to …

We Are With You are looking to establish a national Young Persons LGBTQ+ group.

We are consulting with Young People around a)need and b)days/times.

Young People in this instance is for people under the age of 18.

Please complete the link google doc if you can.

NB - Please be aware that this consultation is for both service users and non service users alike.

That’s it for now.

Take care.
Stay safe.

National LGBTQ+ Group

https://www.facebook.com/372520739487036/posts/5765482563524133/

With the inspirational Ian Cox from yesterday. See below post for details.

We're proud of our links to the community and are committed to educating and support all.

Take care.
Stay safe.

For anyone who needs support, or has questions - please contact us using our easy to use webchat service - www.wearewithyou.org.uk - or call us direct on 01202 558855 / 01202 830173.

A fantastic meet with the inspirational Ian Cox of yesterday. are proud to be supporting the club, delivering drug and alcohol education, county lines awareness and staying safe, and much more (an incredible IMPACT STORY from out inspirational trainee Lewis) over the coming two months. We wish everyone involved a great time. Especially all the young people on the NCS course.

Take care.
Stay safe.

If anyone has any questions please get in touch using our webchat service - www.wearewithyou.org.uk - or give us a call on 01202558855.

We’re here to help.

https://www.lightonmh.uk/

A great website.
Click on and have a browse.
Let’s keep mental health, connecting and talking high on the agenda.

Take care. Stay safe.

Home | Light on MH It’s time to create the new norm, by asking people to step forward, show their strength and start talking about mental health.