People are at the heart of everything we do. Above all else, we are an organisation that believes in people. We celebrate the amazing individuals who make our organisation: our staff, our volunteers and the people who use our services.
Check out some of the inspiring stories from our community. They’re real, uplifting, and a huge part of what makes us who we are.
“It gives people a purpose. It gives them hope”: The DWP peer mentoring pilot transforming lives.
The DWP Peer Mentoring Service is a life-changing initiative to bridge the gap between job centres and recovery services. By supporting people to move forward with their recovery and achieve their goals, it is tackling stigma and transforming lives. Find out more here.
The IRIS project: Liverpool’s pioneering support service for sex workers
When you support some of the most marginalised women in society, flexibility isn’t a luxury – it’s essential.
Traditional drug services are necessarily designed around structure, appointments and processes. But when you’re meeting women in the middle of a red-light district late at night, explains Julie Smedley, who leads IRIS: River Liverpool’s sex worker support service, “that model doesn’t always fit. You have to meet people where they are, literally and emotionally.” Read the full story here.
One sentence after another
Drug and alcohol harm in the criminal justice system often starts well before prison. It can be exacerbated through short sentences that disrupt lives and treatment plans; long gaps between arrest and support; and a system which could focus more on prevention.
With the escalating crises within the sector – from delays in cases getting to court, to severe overcrowding – we knew that we had to step up and figure out where small changes could make big difference.
Here are three things we’ve done that have helped us reach more people, sooner.
Let’s Get Real
It’s time the sector adopted a ‘more show, less tell’ approach in its communications. Hear more from Russell Booth, Heads of Strategic Comms and External Affairs here.
Aisha’s Story
Stigma and shame can prevent people from seeking treatment. Aisha explains how she overcame this with the support of her recovery worker – and why she’s speaking out to help others. Find out more here.
Sebastian’s Story
Hear from Sebastian, a Recovery Support Volunteer in Birmingham. He explains what drew him to a volunteering role with Change Grow Live, how his role has helped him to grow as a person, and what inspires him to make a difference. See how he did it here.
Championing Positive Masculinity to Redefine How Young Men Engage With Support
In Your Corner is an innovative project by Change Grow Live offering a fresh approach to drug and alcohol support by meeting men where they are – physically and emotionally. Find out more here.
“Shopping with dignity – for free” at Nottinghamshire’s Boutique
A free boutique in an unused office space at Change Grow Live Nottinghamshire is transforming the lives of those who shop there – and volunteer there. Find out more here.
Jo’s Story
Jo talks about drinking after the tragic death of her partner. She then describes the positive experience of getting help from her local alcohol service and attending the women’s group there. See how she did it here.
Read Change Grow Live’s annual reports to find out how we’re working towards our mission and access our latest financial review.