Subwize staff member enjoying last year’s Fun Day with children.

We’re delighted to announce that we’ve successfully retained our Subwize young people’s drug and alcohol service in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham. 

Our Subwize service will continue to go from strength to strength, offering free and confidential support to anyone aged 25 years old or under who lives, studies or works in the local area.   

Also, as part of the new contract, Via will be launching refreshed and enhanced support for children and young people who are living with and impacted by parental problem alcohol and other drug use (also known as hidden harm).   

The Subwize team will be working even more closely with the young people they help to ensure that they lead on all aspects of the service, they are getting what they need, and that the service is as accessible and inclusive as possible.  

The new contract started on 1 September 2024 and will initially be for 4 years, with the option for two further 1-year extensions for a total of 6 years. 

Anna Whitton, CEO of Via said: ‘We’re so pleased to have been successful in this contract. The team have done such a good job and we’re really proud of everything the service has achieved so far and of course we’re all excited about the future for this fantastic service.” 

Gayleen Winn, Head of Young People’s Services at Via said: “The Subwize team provides an excellent service to young people and families in Barking and Dagenham and it’s so good that we can continue to do this. We’re going to build further onto the already successful work that we are doing and have some great plans for the next few years. Well done to the team for the work that went into securing the contract.” 

Amolak Tatter, Commissioning Manager for London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, said: “We are pleased that Via was successful in the tender to deliver the drug and alcohol service, and we are excited to be embedding the new contract which will continue to build on previous work.  The Subwize service will continue to ensure that young people across the borough are able to access the service and are supported throughout their treatment journey.” 

About Via

Via is a leading health and wellbeing charity that supports people to transform their lives for the better and helps them to manage their health and wellbeing independently. Providing safe and effective treatment and care around alcohol and drugs, mental health, smoking cessation, sexual health and employment support, Via supports thousands of people every year across the UK.

For more information about Via, visit www.viaorg.uk or contact communications@viaorg.uk.

For more information about Via – Subwize, visit: www.viaorg.uk/services/barking-and-dagenham-subwize/. 

We are an Investors in People finalist!

We are excited to announce that Via is a finalist for two Investors in People (IiP) Awards for 2024!  

We’ve been shortlisted in the following categories: 

• Third Sector Employer of the Year  
• UK Employer of the Year: Gold (250+ employees) 

After achieving our ‘Gold’ accreditation, we’re really proud that the important work we’ve started and continue to build on has been recognised and celebrated in this way. 

Marina Deeny, Director of People said: “We’re delighted to be an Investors in People Award Finalist. It reflects our ongoing efforts to foster a culture of excellence, innovation, and inclusivity where we live and breathe our values of care, be human, and do the right thing. We are proud of the progress we have made and are excited about the future as we continue to invest in our people and their development. Thank you to Investors in People for this incredible honour, and congratulations to all the other finalists.” 

About Via

Via is a leading health and wellbeing charity that supports people to transform their lives for the better and helps them to manage their health and wellbeing independently. Providing safe and effective treatment and care around alcohol and drugs, mental health, smoking cessation, sexual health and employment support, Via supports thousands of people every year across the UK.

For more information about Via, visit: www.viaorg.uk or contact communications@viaorg.uk.

Our Redbridge colleagues.

On 19 September 2024, our adult drug and alcohol service, R3 in Redbridge hosted its annual Recovery Awards at City Gates Conference Centre in Ilford. The event brought together service users, their loved ones, peer mentors, and Via staff for an inspiring celebration of recovery and achievement.

The ceremony honoured individuals who had completed treatment over the past year in Redbridge, with each receiving an award, followed by cheers and applause. It was an opportunity not only to celebrate the success of completing treatment but also to acknowledge the personal journeys and milestones reached along the way.

Service Manager, Helen O’Connor, who hosted the event, reflected on the significance of the occasion saying: “Maybe it’s because I do not have the experience of having children, but when I hear people use the expression ‘bursting with pride,’ I have never quite known what they mean. I do now. Looking back on the incredible achievements of our clients and the projects we have undertaken, it could not be clearer what a fantastic group of colleagues I am blessed to work with. While this event rightly celebrates our clients’ immense achievements, the unwavering support and tools you provide daily have helped them reach their goals with grace.”

Guest Councillor Mark Santos also delivered opening remarks, expressing admiration for the stories of resilience, agency and power shared during the event. He also highlighted the vital role of the Via team, describing them as “a team of people who have your back, people who believe in you.”

The event was also supported by key local figures Gladys Xavier, Director of Public Health, and Andy Hardwick, Senior Integrated Strategic Commissioner for Substance Misuse at Redbridge Council.

A particularly touching moment during the ceremony was the presentation of the Henna Khan Award, named in memory of a dedicated service user who sadly passed away. This award celebrates Henna’s spirit of determination and perseverance and was given to a deserving individual who demonstrated the same strength and commitment in their recovery.

The ceremony also recognised those who have completed our NOVA and Next Steps. Nurturing Opportunities Visions and Aspirations (NOVA) is a motivational course that helps individuals build confidence and develop strategies for positive life changes, while Next Steps supports people in identifying their next move, whether into employment, volunteering, or further education.

Participants who earned their OCN Level 2 Peer Mentoring accreditation were also honoured. This programme builds essential communication and mentoring skills, enabling individuals to support others in recovery and gain valuable work experience.

Volunteers were also celebrated for their invaluable contributions in supporting the R3 team, receiving bouquets of flowers.

Education, Training and Employment (ETE) Lead, Charlene Samuda spoke about the tremendous impact of the R3 women’s safe space over the past 12 months. She highlighted how many of the people who completed these courses wouldn’t have so easily done so if they didn’t have the option to take part in this space.

Following the inspirational and uplifting ceremony, guests enjoyed a delicious lunch and a chance to connect and socialise outside of the service.

For more about Via – Redbridge, visit: https://www.viaorg.uk/services/redbridge-r3/.

We’re delighted to announce that Via has become an organisational member of the Anti-Stigma Network.  

Established in 2023, it was created by a group of organisations coming together with a shared mission to improve understanding of the stigmatisation and discrimination experienced by people and families affected by drug and alcohol use.  

As one of currently 18 organisational members, we’re committed to: 

• Educating our staff, volunteers and stakeholders to understand and identify stigma. 

• Supporting our staff and volunteers to call out stigma and discrimination when they experience it or observe it. 

• Supporting the work of the network through the sharing of information and stories to better understand and fight stigma. 

• Raising the profile of the group within our own networks. 

Anna Whitton, CEO of Via and Via’s Anti-Stigma Network Champion, said: “This is a really important network for us and one that will support and strengthen the work of our diversity, equity and inclusion group. We need to continually reflect, listen and challenge ourselves to better understand, challenge and address stigma. Being part of the network is a key part of this.” 

You can find out more about Via’s accreditations, commitments and memberships here.

For more information about the Anti-Stigma Network, visit: www.antistigmanetwork.org.uk. 

Volunteer Reading Coach from Shannon Trust with Learner.

We’re excited to announce that Via and Shannon Trust have been working together to help residents of Barking and Dagenham who struggle with reading and everyday numeracy.

This impactful project, funded by Barking and Dagenham Council, aims to provide essential skills that can transform lives, increase opportunities, and boost confidence and wellbeing.

The project leverages the expertise of Shannon Trust’s ‘Turning Pages’ and ‘Count Me In’ programmes – resources initially developed for use within the prison setting. Alongside these proven frameworks, a dedicated team of volunteer reading coaches has been recruited to deliver one-on-one sessions in the community. These sessions are available free of charge to adults and young people who are engaged with local drug and alcohol services, probation, and youth offending services.

Recent data from the Ministry of Justice shows 68% of people in prison have entry-level numeracy skills and 65% have entry-level literacy skills. For some UK probation services, it’s as high as 70%. These statistics show the importance of providing support for those who struggle with these fundamental skills both within and outside of the prison system.

A short video detailing the role of a reading coach and the positive impact of these programmes can be viewed here.

Some of the people who’ve benefitted from this support already have said:

• “At 53, for the first time in my life, I’m able to read the papers. I’ve also been able to travel independently outside of the UK for the first time.”
• “I’ve spent years in mainstream education, but this has been far more beneficial in a short period of time.”
• “Working with my coach has helped me feel less angry at people, at society in general.”

Genty Miller, CCJ Education Practitioner at Via Subwize said: “We’ve seen that there’s a large cohort of adults and young people in the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham who struggle with basic literacy and numeracy for a variety of different reasons. This holds them back in a number of ways – broadly in terms of confidence to approach every-day challenges. The need is more apparent for those with drug and alcohol issues and within criminal justice settings, hence the commissioning of this service. It’s intended to be rehabilitative and offered as part of a wider support package for prison leavers and those accessing drug and alcohol support services. The programmes can have a hugely positive impact over a relatively short period of time and can be a stepping stone to further training or employment.”

Tariq Musinguzi, Service Manager at Via Subwize said: “The Shannon Trust offers such a unique and forward-thinking programme within Subwize, providing people with the best possible access to numeracy and literacy education, so as to support those involved in the criminal justice system and ensure that they have a greater chance of breaking out of the cycle of substance-linked criminal exploitation.”

Scott Haines, Community Programme Manager at Shannon Trust, said: “We know firsthand from our years working in prisons that our peer-led literacy and numeracy programmes work. Even people who have had bad experiences with education in the past have found success with Turning Pages and Count Me In. We know that learning to read and do basic numeracy can reduce re-offending and provide people with improved prospects for further education and employment. It makes sense to bring this work into community settings, and it can help people engage with support services more effectively. We’re grateful to Barking and Dagenham Council and Via for seeing the value in this work, and we look forward to working together towards Shannon Trust’s vision to ensure that nobody is left out of learning.”

Amolak Tatter, Commissioning Manager for London Borough of Barking and Dagenham, said: “Barking and Dagenham recognise that people using drugs and/or alcohol and for those in the criminal justice system, especially in prison, often experienced many challenges when they were in school and as a result do not have the basic literacy or numeracy skills. To break the cycle of offending and as part of their substance use recovery, it’s important for them to develop the skills which will help them to transform their lives and can lead into employment. Since the literacy and numeracy programmes have been delivered it has transformed several individuals lives and given them the confidence to pursue wider opportunities.”

Become a volunteer reading or numeracy coach!

To expand the reach and impact of this programme, Via and Shannon Trust are looking for additional volunteer coaches. This is a unique opportunity for people to make a meaningful difference in their local community. Volunteers will receive comprehensive training and resources, ensuring they are well-prepared to support the individuals who come to us for help.

Are you working with people who need extra support with their reading or numeracy?

In addition to the direct support offered through volunteer coaches, this programme also provides free training, resources, and ongoing support for local professionals in Barking and Dagenham that wish to integrate these literacy and numeracy initiatives in-house. This ensures that the benefits of the programme can be widely distributed and sustained across various community services.

To get involved, refer someone you work with, or to find out more:

Phone: 07395 358 389

Email: genty.miller@viaorg.uk or scott.haines@shannontrust.org.uk.

About Via

Via is a leading health and wellbeing charity that supports people to transform their lives for the better and helps them to manage their health and wellbeing independently. Providing safe and effective treatment and care around alcohol and drugs, mental health, smoking cessation, sexual health and employment support, Via supports thousands of people every year across the UK.

For more information about Via, visit: www.viaorg.uk or contact communications@viaorg.uk.

For more information about Via Subwize, visit: www.viaorg.uk/services/barking-and-dagenham-subwize.

About Shannon Trust

Shannon Trust is an education charity which works within prisons and community settings in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. The organisation helps thousands of people each year to improve their reading and/or numeracy. This enables people to build a different, more positive future for themselves and their families.

To find out more about Shannon Trust please visit: www.shannontrust.org.uk.

Pictured (left to right): Gary Gemmell (Capital Card Manager), Max Griffiths (Service Manager) and Rick Rutkowski (Recovery Communities Coordinator) from our Via – New Beginnings in Brent service.

The DDN (Drink and Drugs News) service user conference took place this year on 11 July in Birmingham, and our Via colleagues from Brent, Cheshire West and Chester, and Surrey hosted a stall. 

This annual event provides an invaluable and inspirational space for sharing knowledge, fostering partnerships, and highlighting essential services and programmes offered across the UK. 

Max Griffiths, Service Manager at Via – New Beginnings – Brent, said: “This year’s theme was ‘Together Stronger,’ and we attended alongside Brent’s Service User Council, B3. B3 ran a session at the conference, showcasing the impactful work they do in Brent, including their collaboration with our New Beginnings team to deliver a peer-to-peer naloxone programme.” 

 Max continued: “Our Reintegration Coordinator, Andreas Kavalierou also attended with boxing gear, demonstrating our innovative and inspiring GLOVES programme to attendees.” 

Our stall featured a variety of initiatives and topics, including the Via Capital Card, the Re-new enhanced brief intervention programme, and our upcoming women’s detox facility in Gloucestershire. Visitors were also invited to participate in a survey on improving service collaboration. 

Max concluded by saying: “Overall, the day was a fantastic opportunity to hear from guest speakers and engage with other providers and companies in the field.” 

Andreas Kavalierou, Reintegration Coordinator, said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the DDN conference with Via colleagues – connecting with others in the field and being able to talk with pride about the work Via does.” 

Peer mentors, volunteers and people who use our service in Redbridge who attended told us that they felt very lucky they were invited and they felt “inspired and blessed.” 

Another peer mentor said that “It was a lovely experience and very educational.” 

Dave Targett, Area Director at Via, said: “It was great to attend the DDN Conference, to hear from the speakers, see some exciting work being presented and to be able to talk about the delivery of our own commitment to the theme of the conference. Via strongly believes in the importance of working together with all stakeholders, and most importantly our clients, to provide the best health and wellbeing support to as many people as possible, helping them to change their lives for the better. There will be a number of exciting initiatives focussed on working together with our clients coming in the future. If this is something of interest, please do reach out.” 

About B3

B3 aims to raise awareness of drug and alcohol issues through information and education, provide a voice and support for service users, and improve services in Brent through community feedback, partnership work, training, and service user involvement. Established in 2008 as a small service user group, B3 has grown significantly, eventually running courses, conducting outreach and education, and setting up BSAFE, a weekend service, in 2010.

About GLOVES

The GLOVES programme is a 6-week initiative using boxing skills to aid recovery through boosting responsibility and resilience. It features two sessions each week: a group strategy session and a one-to-one boxing session with a personal GLOVES trainer. The programme helps build and sustain a winning mentality, improve fitness, and develop a personal plan for sustained recovery. Through boxing, GLOVES offers new strategies and a fresh perspective on overcoming challenges, ensuring continuous support and motivation.

“Via has helped me turn my life around, I cannot thank you enough.”

Some of the people who use our services attending a trip to Margate.

We’re looking for new trustees who can help us grow and develop the life-changing drug and alcohol support we provide to thousands of people across the UK each year.

At Via, we understand everyone’s journey is different. We work in partnership with each person to create their own path forward, connecting them into wider support and helping them to thrive in their local community.

If you’re passionate about the work we do and want to use your skills to support socially excluded and vulnerable individuals, their families and communities, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re keen to hear from people of all backgrounds who can contribute their own perspectives, knowledge and experience, especially groups who are under-represented or disadvantaged.

Take a look at the trustee role opportunities we’re recruiting to here.

Our values:

Care. Care for people is at the heart of everything we do.

Be human. We are accessible, genuine and humble. Always learning.

Do the right thing. We’re open, honest and inclusive. We get things done.

Our Harrow collagues and partners.

To mark World Hepatitis Day, we’re delighted to announce that Via – Harrow has successfully maintained its Hepatitis C micro-elimination status at the 6-month mark!

Harrow was our first service to achieve micro-elimination and now leads the way again by redeclaring its status, as of May 2024.

A massive shoutout to everyone involved, especially to our clinical team and BBV champion, for their critical roles in this achievement.

Also a special thank you to our incredible recovery practitioners, who tirelessly carry out dry blood spot tests for those beginning their treatment journey with us, working to ensure no one is left behind.

Dr. Vivienne Gosnell, Clinical Lead at Via – Harrow said: “We are thrilled to announce achieving Hepatitis C micro-elimination in Harrow again at the 6-month mark. Regular meetings and data sharing ensured no testing opportunities were missed, and close cooperation with Northwick Park hospital infectious diseases unit and Hepatitis C Trust peers helped reach those not attending the service. Successful Hepatitis C treatment prevents severe health complications and transmission, and we extend our gratitude to everyone involved for their hard work and dedication.”

Marlon Freeman, National Hepatitis C Coordinator at Via said: “Huge congratulations to the entire Harrow team for this outstanding achievement. Your dedication and hard work are making a real difference to the community. We are excited Via is adding to the success of NHS England’s goal of meeting Hepatitis C elimination by 2030. Here’s to many more milestones ahead!”

Our Merton colleagues.

We’re excited to announce that our Merton service has successfully reached the impressive milestone of Hepatitis C micro-elimination! 

NHS England and Via are aligned with achieving micro-elimination in our services to aid in the World Health Organisation target of elimination of viral hepatitis by 2030. 

Hep C is a blood borne virus which, left untreated, can cause liver cancer and liver failure. It usually displays no symptoms until the virus damages the liver enough to cause liver disease. People who inject drugs are at the highest risk of becoming infected. 

As of May 2024, our team in Merton has reached the following targets with the people who use their service: 

• 100% of those in treatment have been offered a Hep C test 

• 100% of people who currently inject or have previously injected have been tested for Hep C 

• 90% of individuals who currently inject or have previously injected have been tested in the last 12 months 

• 90% of people who were diagnosed with Hep C at the service have started treatment 

By meeting these targets, we’re proud to report that Via – Merton has formally achieved Hep C micro-elimination! 

In partnership with Gilead Sciences, The Hepatitis C Trust, staff and volunteers at all our Via services have been working tirelessly to promote testing and treatment with the people they work with, on their journey to micro-eliminate Hep C, and we hope to be able to continue the announcements of more micro-elimination wins! 

Russel Styles, Director of Public Health London Borough of Merton said: “Merton is committed to eliminating hepatitis C as a major public health threat by 2030 in line with the UK target. It is very positive that Via are making excellent progress in this endeavour. 

With modern treatments it is usually possible to cure this infection and most people with it will have a normal life expectancy. I therefore strongly encourage the uptake of Hepatitis C testing and then treatment when this is offered.” 

Alex Hatfield, Service Manager at Via Merton said: “I am delighted to hear that the Via Merton service have achieved our target of Hep C micro-elimination. Our clinical and non-clinical staff have worked hard to ensure this goal was accomplished. 

“Importantly, with the medical advances in this field in recent years, highly successful treatment options with few if any side effects, are now available. It has only been through a thorough testing programme at Via Merton, that we could refer people who use our services on for these treatments to improve their quality of life, and thus reduce the risk of infection from this disease in the wider public domain. 

I would therefore like to offer my heartfelt thanks to all the staff that took part in this programme.”  

Tom Sackville, Executive Director of Services said: “We are absolutely delighted to have reached this hugely important milestone in Merton. The team and partners have worked really hard to make sure Hepatitis C information, testing and treatment is readily available and accessible to all who use our services. This has made a really positive difference to people’s health and lives. The achievement of Hep C micro-elimination is something Via Merton is really proud of.” 

Ben Lander, Peer Lead at The Hepatitis C Trust said: “I am very proud of all we have managed to accomplish together at Via Merton, the effort that everyone has put into spreading awareness of Hepatitis C, and getting closer to our ultimate goal of eliminating Hepatitis C by 2030.” 

Laura Letham, Clinical Nurse Specialists – Viral Hepatitis at St. Georges Hospital said: “Reaching this point of micro elimination at Via Merton has been a team effort. At times this has been challenging, but it gives me great pleasure to know that the clients have received the treatment they need despite the obstacles they may face. Hep C trust peer lead Ben Lander has been invaluable in this process and his testing sessions have undoubtedly helped to get Via over the line. We have established a strong working relationship with Via Merton which I hope will continue as we evolve our services.” 

Marlon Freeman, National Hepatitis C Coordinator at Via said: “Via Merton has worked tirelessly to provide testing, education, and resources for blood-borne viruses (BBVs) to people who use our services. Our team has collaborated closely with The Hepatitis C Trust and the Hepatology team at St George’s Hospital to conduct numerous testing events, which have been crucial to our success. We are committed to continuing our efforts towards Hepatitis C micro-elimination, making it a fundamental part of our harm reduction services and promoting healthier lives.” 

Pictured (left to right): Roma Dooley, Assessment and Engagement Worker, Via – New Beginnings and Alison Cheshire, Smoking Practitioner, Brio Leisure.

Via is partnering with Brio Leisure to provide Swap to Stop for people who attend Via’s drug and alcohol support service in Cheshire West and Chester, New Beginnings.

This new partnership aims to tackle smoking among those in drug and alcohol treatment across the county, by empowering people to quit smoking and lead healthier lives through the national government vaping scheme, Swap to Stop.

In 2022, there were approximately 25,700 people in Cheshire West and Chester who were smokers, around 9% of the local population.

When it comes to people accessing drug and alcohol support, this percentage is significantly greater. In 2022-2023, about 49% of the people accessing drug and alcohol treatment services in England reported smoking tobacco in the 28 days before they started treatment.

As a result of the clear need that these figures illustrate, Cheshire West and Chester Council and Brio Leisure secured funding to deliver the Swap to Stop scheme for this vulnerable group of people.

The support is tailored to the needs of people who attend drug and alcohol services, and will encourage individuals to believe in, and take ownership of, their capacity to make positive changes in their smoking habits and help them to take the initial steps towards quitting smoking by transitioning to vaping.

Those who are eligible will receive a refillable, 4-week vape starter pack along with educational resources and support materials direct from their local Via drug and alcohol support service.

Professor Helen Bromley, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council said: “Two in three people who smoke will die as a result of their tobacco use. Smoking remains the leading cause of preventable heart disease, stroke, cancers and respiratory illness.

The number of people smoking is particularly high among those being treated for alcohol and drug addiction. This programme aims to support individuals to quit smoking through partnership working and targeting those residents most in need of support.

We want to help all residents in the borough to be resilient and able to live their best lives.”

Dave Targett, Area Director at Via said: “We are very pleased to be able to offer this intervention in partnership with Brio. It is so very important to make the most of every contact we have with the people who use our services, to support them to establish healthy and happy lives. This programme will help us to do that, and the joint working is a credit to all involved.”

Matt Parker, Managing Director at Brio said “Brio is thrilled we have been able to collaborate with Via on the launch of Cheshire West’s ‘Swap to Stop’ programme. This partnership is a significant step forward in our mission to reach individuals who might not traditionally access our community-based wellbeing programmes. By joining forces, we are committed to making a profound impact in our local communities and strengthening health outcomes. Together, we can support and empower more people to lead healthier lives.”

About Via

Via is a leading health and wellbeing charity that supports people to transform their lives for the better and helps them to manage their health and wellbeing independently. Providing safe and effective treatment and care around alcohol and drugs, mental health, smoking cessation, sexual health and employment support, Via supports thousands of people every year across the UK.

For more information about Via, visit www.viaorg.uk or contact communications@viaorg.uk.

For more information about Via’s New Beginnings service in Cheshire West and Chester, visit https://www.viaorg.uk/services/cheshire-west-and-chester-new-beginnings/.

About Brio Leisure

Brio Leisure is a Community Interest Company established in May 2011. We’re wholly owned by Cheshire West and Chester Council (Shareholder), a company limited by guarantee.

As the largest provider of leisure and wellbeing services across the borough, we have a shared vision with our shareholder to make leisure accessible, affordable and attractive to the people of Cheshire West and Chester, with the ultimate aim of supporting health and wellbeing improvements for residents and communities across our borough. Visit www.brioleisure.org or search ‘Brio Leisure’ on social media for more info.

For more information about our Smoking Cessation Programme, visit: www.cheshirechangehub.org/services/quit-smoking or call 0300 777 0033.