WithYou in Cornwall

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.”

WithYou in Cornwall is currently hiring!

Our brilliant team in Penzance is recruiting a Recovery Worker to join them in providing high-quality recovery care to a diverse client group. If you are enthusiastic and passionate about changing lives, we'd love to hear from you!

Why work for WithYou in Cornwall?

We offer an exciting benefits package, including a competitive salary, up to 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, the day off for your birthday, an enhanced 6% employer pension contribution, and access to discounts at a range of retailers through the Blue Light Scheme.

Click on the link below to find out more and apply today 👇

https://wearewithyou.careerspage.co.uk/job/detail/recovery-worker-penzance-sro-49921-CPID13665

⚠️ Applications close on Sunday 7 July ⚠️

Have you visited our Penzance office lately?

Our brilliant team in Penzance have been working hard to transform our outdoor space. The team have added a selection of pot plants, vertical planters and garden furniture to the area to create a welcoming and inclusive space for anyone who needs it.

Sean, a member of our Penzance team, said: "It's been great to see the transformation, and our groups are regularly using the area. It's a drug and alcohol-free zone and a safe space for people to use."

Remember, if you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drugs in Cornwall, we are WithYou. Call us on 01872 263 001 or visit our new website https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall for more information or to use our free, confidential webchat service.

Do you have friends or family members who are passionate about changing lives? Are they experienced in the health, social care and criminal justice sectors? WithYou in Cornwall is currently hiring!

Why work for WithYou in Cornwall?

We offer an exciting benefits package, including a competitive salary, up to 30 days of annual leave plus bank holidays, the day off for your birthday, an enhanced 6% employer pension contribution, and access to discounts at a range of retailers through the Blue Light Scheme.

Click on the link below to find out more and apply today 👇

https://wearewithyou.careerspage.co.uk/job/detail/recovery-worker-criminal-justice-sro-49751-CPID13596

⚠️ Applications close on Saturday 29 June ⚠️

Jonathan joined WithYou in Cornwall as a volunteer in 2020. Having retired from his full-time job a year earlier due to ill health, Jonathan was keen to put his knowledge and experience to good use, so he inquired about volunteering at WithYou.

"I chose to volunteer at WithYou because the topic of drug dependency is really important to me," explains Jonathan. "It was important to me to have a reason to get out of the house and meet people."

"Natalie (WithYou's Volunteer Engagement Coordinator) suggested that I come in for some training. I completed the training, which gave me an idea of what I wanted to do. Natalie was good at matching my skills with the opportunities that were available throughout WithYou."

Jonathan volunteers twice a week, splitting his time between the Truro office and our residential rehab at Chy.

"The opportunity to talk to people and have direct contact really helps me - it also gives me a sense of purpose. What I've learned is that there are a myriad of opportunities available at WithYou, and you don't necessarily need prior experience with the organisation to volunteer."

"I would recommend volunteering at WithYou to anyone; the rapport and the support I receive from everyone is just brilliant."

For more information about how you can become a volunteer with us, visit our website: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/careers/volunteering.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drugs in Cornwall, call 01872 263 001 or visit our new website https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall for more information or to use our free, confidential webchat service.

Marcus first contacted WithYou in Cornwall in 2014. He was put in contact with our Community Engagement Coordinator, Billy, who was facilitating WithYou's MAP meetings.

Marcus began to build a rapport with his peers and soon found himself in a positive place. Having overcome his challenges with alcohol, thanks to the support he received from WithYou, Marcus wanted to give back.

"I'd been given lifts to the meetings, and it was really helpful - it put me at ease before they started," explains Marcus. "I thought that maybe I could become a driver to help out and give back. I attended two days of training, and it hit the spot for me."

"Driving people to appointments and new beginnings is immensely satisfying," says Marcus. "No two passengers are the same, and everyone is just so grateful. Everyone has been so appreciative. It's very humbling."

Marcus has also started to guide and mentor others in their recovery journey by providing valuable advice and support to his clients.

"It feels good helping out," says Marcus. "Having been there and come out the other side, hearing their experiences was immensely powerful. It's brilliant, and never in a million years did I think that I'd be doing that."

For more information about how you can become a volunteer with us, visit our website: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/support-our-work/volunteer/

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drugs in Cornwall, call 01872 263 001 or visit our new website https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall for more information or to use our free, confidential webchat service.

In celebration of Pride Month, we are attending several Pride events in Cornwall throughout the summer, offering confidential, non-judgmental support to those who need it.

Thank you to everyone who spoke to our colleagues at Penzance Pride on Saturday - it was lovely to see you all, and we hope you had a great time!

If you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and are struggling with alcohol, drugs or your mental health, or you’re concerned about a friend or loved one, we’re WithYou loudly and proudly.

You can reach out to our Cornwall team by calling 01872 263 001 or visit our new website https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall for more information or to use our free, confidential webchat service.

Our volunteers have a positive impact on the work that we do here at WithYou. Their passion, skills, and dedication enables us to reach more people across Cornwall and continue to change lives.

To show our appreciation for the excellent work that they do, WithYou in Cornwall hosted an afternoon of fun and refreshments for our volunteers, all of whom were able to share their positive experiences with like-minded individuals.

Mel, a volunteer at WithYou, said: "The support I receive from Billy and Natalie (WithYou's Community Engagement team) is brilliant. Everyone makes me feel so welcome. I had such a great time at the tea party, I didn't want to leave!"

Vicki, a member of the IPS team at WithYou in Cornwall, said: “I really enjoyed reading all the profiles and meeting the volunteers - what inspirational people, they are incredible."

For more information about how you can become a volunteer with us, visit our website: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/careers/volunteering.

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drugs in Cornwall, call 01872 263 001 or visit our new website https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall for more information or to use our free, confidential webchat service.

WithYou in Cornwall is currently hiring!

We have an exciting opportunity for a successful candidate to train as a Mental Health and Wellbeing Practitioner in our Adult Drug and Alcohol services and Young People's services.

Click on the link below to find out more and apply 👇

https://wearewithyou.careerspage.co.uk/job/detail/trainee-mental-health-and-wellbeing-practitioner-sro-49764-CPID13603

JOB OPPORTUNITIES Location: TR1 2EJ, Cornwall, Salary: £25,147 to £25,147 per annum

Helping and supporting our community across the county is what we strive for. Take a look at this fantastic feedback that Simon, Lee, Donna and Paul from our West Cornwall team have received below:

"I was a probation officer for 21 years, and I cannot thank the team enough for the most amazing joined-up approach with supporting many of my cases.
“[They are] Amazing staff that deserve recognition... they really make a difference, and the way they work in a multi-agency way is outstanding."

Remember, if you are finding it hard to make a change, or you are about someone you know, we are WithYou. If you'd like to chat, call us on 01872 263001 to speak to our dedicated team.

What is the link between alcohol and depression?

Alcohol can disrupt the balance of neurotransmitters (chemical messengers) in your brain. This can affect your feelings, thoughts and behaviour. These changes can lead to feelings of negativity, such as anger, depression or anxiety.

However, changing your drinking habits can help. A person's mental health and general wellbeing start to improve when they are not consuming alcohol, so cutting down your intake is a great way to ease your symptoms.

If you're alcohol dependent, don’t stop drinking suddenly, as this could lead to dangerous alcohol withdrawal complications.

For support around alcohol and cutting down your alcohol intake safely, contact your nearest service.

Visit https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall for our list of services. If you'd like to chat, call us on 01872 263001 to speak to our dedicated team.

What should you do if someone has overdosed on ketamine?

Being aware of the dangers and knowing how you can help could save a life - so read on to find out more.

If someone has passed out or has fallen asleep after using ketamine, put them in the recovery position (or on their side) and get help fast by calling 999 or telling emergency services what you know.

Symptoms of an overdose include:

Increased heartbeat
Fits or seizures
Falling unconscious or having breathing difficulties
Chills or fever
Not being able to urinate
Arching of the back or convulsions

If someone has overdosed, it's always best to administer Naloxone, as it reverses the effects of opioid drugs. If someone hasn't overdosed on opioids, Naloxone won't harm them.

You can obtain a Naloxone kit from our Cornwall Services team. Find out where your nearest service is located by accessing our new website at:

https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall

Are you ready to take on a new and exciting challenge? Have you gained experience working within health services? WithYou in Cornwall is currently hiring!

There is a range of rewarding job opportunities available at WithYou in Cornwall: learn new skills, support your local community, and build a fulfilling career.

Visit the WithYou website to discover the full range of benefits and job opportunities available in Cornwall at: https://wearewithyou.careerspage.co.uk/

Have you seen our new website?

WithYou has launched its brand new website with updated information, resources and tools.

If you are looking for advice, we have plenty of resources to choose from, including our detailed substance library and further information about all of the services we offer in Cornwall, such as the rehabilitation rehab at Chy and the support we provide for adults and young people.

Visit https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall to find out more.

While our in-person service is closed on Bank Holiday Monday, we're still WithYou.

If you need support, our trained advisors remain available via our webchat during the below hours:

Saturday - 10am - 4pm
Sunday - 10am - 4pm
Bank Holiday Monday - 9am - 9pm

You can speak to our webchat team at wearewithyou.org.uk

Our in-person services will be open again usual hours from Tuesday.

Romy is a Recovery Worker at WithYou in Cornwall. As part of her role, Romy helps to facilitate the 'Fabulous Flamingos' group in Penzance, which supports women who are in alcohol recovery.

"When we first started the group around 18 months ago, the group was small," said Romy. "Watching it grow each week and seeing the same lovely familiar faces returning to support their peers makes this job worthwhile."

"We are providing a safe space for women to come and receive support, socialise, and engage in new activities, which I am really proud of."

"I love to see successful outcomes and the changes clients make with our help and guidance. I feel my job is so rewarding when I see the significant lifestyle changes and notice the client’s confidence grow."

"I have been working with an individual who, when I first met her, came across as an extremely confident, outgoing, bubbly individual who was almost wearing a mask to hide her trauma."

"I discovered that she had suffered from significant trauma throughout her life," explains Romy. "She was in a very abusive relationship, which resulted in numerous fatal injuries, and on multiple occasions, she feared for her life."

"A number of years ago, her long-term partner sadly passed away. She found herself confused, grieving for the man she loved for many years but also feeling a sense of 'being free'."

"This individual reached out for support. She started to engage with services such as ourselves and the Susie Project, enabling herself to be extremely vulnerable."

"With reassurance and preparation, she decided to go to rehab at Chy in Truro. Today, she is coming to the end of her treatment, and she has thrived as an individual, finding her identity again, as a mother, and as a family member."

"To see someone who has been in an abusive relationship for so many years, someone who thinks they are not worthy of love, to now believe in herself, that she is worth loving, and that she can be the mum she has always wanted to be, is extremely inspiring."

If you or someone you know is struggling with alcohol or drugs in Cornwall, call 01872 263 001 or visit our new website, https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/local-hubs/cornwall, for more information or to use our free, confidential webchat service.

Visit the WithYou website to see the full range of benefits and job opportunities available in Cornwall at: https://wearewithyou.careerspage.co.uk/