News and views

The red carpet was rolled out at the Vue Cinema in Preston for a truly unforgettable evening: the graduation of learners from our pilot Level 2 Recovery Worker Qualification. This glamorous celebration marked the culmination of months of study, personal growth and achievement.

The Government's new 10-Year Health Plan is smart, considered, and in many ways, sensible. Drug use is unmentioned but perhaps more surprising, given it’s a topic we’re all more familiar with, is the subdued section devoted to addressing alcohol harms.

Charities say faulty Government figures are due to gender-biased collection methods and call for changes to policy and practice in the new Women’s Rough Sleeping Census report.

As an occupational therapist working within Change Grow Live’s Coventry Drug and Alcohol Service, Jess Bhikha has seen how occupational therapy can be used to offer a person-centred approach to individuals with complex needs.

Trustee Dr Caroline Shuldham visited our St Helens service, and found a thriving community space, with people at the heart of everything they do. Their holistic approach helps people into employment, supports those leaving prison, and keeps families together.

The Independent Sentencing Review and last week’s Spending Review offer a powerful opportunity to reimagine how we support people with drug and alcohol support needs in contact with the criminal justice system and, in particular, how we do better by women.

We have contributed to the Government’s consultation on the development of a new National Cancer Plan. This is a crucial opportunity to shape a long-term vision for cancer prevention, treatment and care.

Eclypse is the Young Person’s Specialist Substance Misuse Service in Manchester. Manager Chris Henniker shares the service’s response to the lack of guidance on vaping, and explains how they are equipping parents and professionals to better support young people.