How we can help
We understand that everyone’s experience with alcohol and drugs is different. Whatever has brought you to us, you deserve support that feels safe, respectful and right for you.
We will work alongside you to help you move towards your own goals around alcohol and/or drug use. That might mean stopping completely, reducing your use, or exploring what change could look like for you. You are in control of the goals you set, and we will support you at your pace.
Working with you
Our experienced and compassionate team will work with you to plan your journey in a way that fits your needs and circumstances. For some people, support may feel right as a fast-track option; for others, a longer-term, steady approach works best. There is no “right” timeline — we will adapt to you.
The support we offer includes:
- One-to-one support with a dedicated worker
- Structured group sessions covering a range of supportive topics
- Support for family members and loved ones, when and if you feel this would be helpful
- Health and wellbeing checks, including screenings, blood tests and vaccinations from our medical team
- Harm reduction support, including overdose prevention
- Substitute medication for certain substances, where appropriate
- Detox support, either at home, in the community, or at a residential setting
- Peer mentors who bring lived experience and additional understanding
- Specialist support for people with more complex needs, such as housing challenges, ongoing mental health needs, or pregnancy
Your Journey in Forward Leeds
At your first appointment, you will meet with a worker who will take time to understand your situation, your strengths, and what support might help you most. Together, you will agree on clear, achievable goals, and you will have a named key worker to support you throughout your time with us.
As you continue with Forward Leeds, we will regularly review your goals together and adapt support as your needs change.
We encourage you to attend appointments and, if you feel able, take part in group sessions and activities at our hubs. These happen daily and offer different ways to connect, learn and feel supported.
You are the expert in your own life
We believe you already have valuable strengths and coping skills, and you will know from your own experience what has helped before and what hasn’t. Our role is to listen, support and share our knowledge. Many of our staff also have lived experience of alcohol or drug issues, which means they understand the challenges and the hope that recovery can bring.
Moving forward
When you feel ready to move on from Forward Leeds, we will introduce you to our Sustained Recovery team and 5 WAYS. You can continue to access one-to-one support if needed, or simply join 5 WAYS as a member. This is a welcoming recovery community where you can connect with others, build confidence and feel supported to sustain your recovery in Leeds.
We’re glad you’re here, and we wish you all the best on your journey with Forward Leeds.