The 5 WAYS DayHab service is marking its first anniversary after a year of successfully helping people remain abstinent from alcohol and drugs.
The programme supports individuals who have already engaged with Forward Leeds and are ready to build a life free from substances. Through a structured 12-week timetable, participants receive intensive guidance to strengthen their recovery and prevent relapse.
The DayHab is built around the nationally recognised “Five Ways to Wellbeing”: connecting with others, being physically active, taking notice, continuing to learn, and giving back. These principles form the foundation of daily sessions and activities, helping participants develop healthier routines and long-term resilience.
The service supports up to 12 people at a time, offering an alternative to residential rehabilitation. For those with a stable and supportive home environment, the programme provides flexibility enabling participants to continue meeting responsibilities such as childcare, or education while receiving structured support.
A unique strength of DayHab is its emphasis on real-world application. Participants are encouraged to practise new skills and coping strategies immediately in their day-to-day lives, bringing any challenges back to the group for reflection and problem-solving. This approach, staff say, strengthens confidence and promotes sustainable, long-term sobriety.
DayHab Recovery Coach Jo Wilson said: “Reaching our first year with so many success stories is a testament to the strength and determination of our participants. DayHab works because it supports people in the reality of their daily lives. It helps people’s recovery become not just possible, but sustainable.”
So far, 22 people have completed the programme. A further 10 chose to leave early after reaching a point where they felt ready to move forward independently.
Alex Hamilton, who was supported by the programme, said: “DayHab gave me the tools I didn’t even know I needed. Being able to go home each day and put what I’d learned into practice made all the difference. A year ago I couldn’t imagine life without drinking and now I’m living it”.
Alyssa Patrick, who also successfully completed the DayHab programme, said: “What helped me most was feeling understood. The group became a family I could rely on, and the five ways to wellbeing have stuck with me. I’m proud of the person I’m becoming. Dayhab has honestly changed my life for the better”.
Main Photo show from left to right: DayHab Volunteers Kieran Scargill and Guy Wing with Dayhab Recovery Coaches Jo Wilson and Craig Wilkinson