Lifeline has welcomed the strategic shift in the drug strategy ‘Supporting people to live a drug-free life’, which reinforces the move towards interventions that encourage recovery from substance misuse problems. Living a life free from drug related problems is what many people we work with aspire to, and we increasingly recognise this aspiration in all areas of our practice.

Alongside significant reviews of our clinical and prison work, we have collaborated with commissioners wherever possible to remodel our services. We have played a very active role in carving out new pathways.

In addition, Lifeline has invested in innovation where there has been a need to initiate a recovery focus. We continue to explore the most direct and effective ways of engaging with existing support, and building bridges to recovery where they'd not exist. We seek to do this with a  genuine understanding of what communities face in the current climate.

People involved in two Lifeline recovery services have reflected on what they think has worked for them.

A participant who helps make the project work says of the Discover Recovery service:

‘The service is building a real supportive community for people wanting recovery; it’s the first time I’ve felt part of a team. It provides more options than I knew were available and supports people to find their own journey and what works for them individually. The focus isn’t only on your addiction but also on other important parts of your life such as family, finances, housing, education and employment. They have helped me rediscover the things I like about myself, that’s why it’s such a positive journey.’

Bradford’s SHARE (Self Help Alcohol Recovery Exchange) was launched at the beginning of August this year. Service users and volunteers with personal experience of alcohol problems have been involved in the design and delivery of services from the outset.

A SHARE volunteer says:

‘Getting involved can be as easy as just walking through the door, but it doesn’t work in itself, you have to be willing to make serious effort and then the project will work’.

See comments from other people using Discover > and SHARE >

See more on recovery from Lifeline CEO:

Mainstreaming Recovery: Building a United Drug Treatment Field >	Ian Wardle on the new drug strategy and the move to a recovery oriented system >