We Are With You (formerly Addaction) is one of the UK’s leading drug, alcohol and mental health charities and they have various centres around the country (Location finder https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/) that can support children and young adults.
During the spring and summer of 2019 Julie and I visited We Are With You Preston ( Lancashire Central) and We Are With You Halton to gain a better insight and overview as to what the charity provides at a ‘grass roots’ level.
We Are With You – Lancashire Central is based in Preston city centre. We spent several hours with the Service Manager who explained that they are primarily a substance use disorder service for the under 25’s. The area that staff cover is vast – Preston, Chorley, West Lancashire and South Ribble.
They mainly see clients on a one-to-one basis out in the community, mainly at venues like schools/colleges, youth centres and sometimes at home. Their referral range is YP 8-18 and up to 25 with additional needs. They take referrals for all substances with Cannabis and alcohol being the most common
The staff have access to multi-agency co-operation, and they aid in helping and supporting the children and young people. They work together to lead the youngsters to the best course of treatment, help and support relevant to them.
Current delivery focuses on:
- Information and awareness about substance use disorder (drugs and alcohol) support available for families and carers
- Support relating to parental substance use and/or mental health issues
- One-to-one support for substance use disorders (drugs and alcohol)
- Support relating to emotional health and wellbeing
- Referrals/signposting to other support agencies
- Information about how to keep yourself safe and to address risk-taking behaviours and harm reduction
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/lancashire-for-young-people-preston/
We Are With You – Halton for Young People is based in the middle of a housing estate in the centre of a community. Again, Julie and I spent several hours with Emma being apprised of the service that they provide to children and young people. This particular arm of the charity is commissioned by Halton Borough Council and provides services to young people, mainly 10 to 19 years old and also for young adults up to 25 years who have additional needs.
They have a unique service which delivers a specialist substance use disorder service for young people who have problems with drugs and alcohol and they also deliver preventative education in schools, colleges and to the wider community with regard to substance use. They also provide a mobile outreach program via their Streetwise teams.
https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/services/halton-for-young-people/
Both Julie and I enjoyed our visits to both locations, although the services are different in some respects. It was clear from meeting staff and clients that We Are With You has a great impact on the children and young people, families and the communities it serves and more importantly it provides a safe haven where help and support can be obtained without judgement.
If you are struggling, then why not contact them. You can use the location finder at the top to help you contact them and start your journey to help, support and a better life.