Open Road - Harlow Centre

15/06/2026

15/06/2026

Sarah Wright, 63, of Alresford, has been named in the King’s Birthday Honours list for 2026 for her services to substance abuse treatment and is…

15/06/2026

03/06/2026

Hi, I’m Warren Woodroof. I’ve been volunteering at Open Road since December. I run the Brunch Club, and I meet and greet people as they come in to break the ice.
I’m approaching 15 years clean and sober. Some of my coping mechanisms are attending a Muay Thai club twice a week, driving my car, and seeing my family. I love interacting with people and helping them in their journey.
I love the staff; everyone is friendly, supportive, and approachable. I try to interact with clients and give them advice and support, as I’ve been through addiction myself. I also attend a snooker club once a month.
I get great satisfaction from helping people and hopefully making a difference in their lives just by giving them a normal conversation. I believe people in addiction have a stigma against them, so I try to treat them like people because we are all here together. I try to see the good in everyone; nobody’s perfect. If I can help one person, then that’s an accomplishment. I hope to progress in Open Road and continue to make a difference.

02/06/2026

I've been volunteering with Open Road since April this year. Having been a service user myself at different stages of my life, and now enjoying long-term sobriety, volunteering gives me the opportunity to give something back to the people who showed me patience, support, and hope during some of my most challenging times.
I'm a chef by trade and still work in the industry at weekends, although my long-term goals have changed over time. I still love cooking for friends and family and bringing people together through food.
Recovery has introduced me to a strong sense of community and connection. Much of my free time is spent with friends I've met through AA, enjoying day trips, live music, and shared experiences. Every Wednesday, I also help support a sober coffee morning, where it's rewarding to see familiar faces and welcome newcomers who are exploring a life free from addiction.
At Open Road, I've supported the Harlow branch by working on reception and answering phones, often being one of the first points of contact for people accessing the service. I've also completed training to carry out assessments within the drop-in service.
Volunteering has allowed me to turn my lived experience into something positive, and I hope that by sharing my journey, I can help support others as they take their own steps towards recovery.

01/06/2026

Today marks the start of Volunteers' Week, and I’m incredibly proud to reflect on my journey with Open Road.
When I joined the team in September 2023, I started out in fundraising and social media promotion. Since then, it’s been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and meaningful impact. Alongside managing our digital presence, I’ve officially transitioned into the role of Fundraising / Social Media and Recovery Worker conducting client assessments and preparing for 1-to-1 support sessions to help individuals directly on their recovery journeys.
Looking back, a few major highlights stand out:
• Sharing Our Story: Driving awareness by creating content and managing our social media platforms.
• Community Engagement: Representing Open Road at local events and hubs to connect people with our vital services.
• A Proud Milestone: Being honoured with three Volunteer Awards, an incredible recognition that fuels my passion to keep giving back.
Every day here brings a new opportunity to learn. I’m incredibly grateful to be backed by the amazing Open Road Harlow team their dedication and support make all the difference. Volunteering has truly changed my life, and there is nothing more rewarding than playing a part in our clients’ journeys toward a brighter future.

01/06/2026

It’s Volunteers Week, and we are sending a massive shout-out to the incredible volunteers at Open Road Harlow.

Our volunteers are the absolute heartbeat of our centre. Every single day, they keep our essential services running smoothly, walk alongside individuals navigating substance misuse, and bring a much-needed dose of hope, understanding, and warmth to our community and keeping our brilliant Brunch Club going.

A massive thank you to all the Volunteers. We couldn't do this without you.

20/05/2026

Strawberry & Sunflower Planting Day at the Wall Garden Project 🍓🌻

A huge shoutout to our amazing volunteer, Anita, for working her magic in the polytunnel, from seeding future towering sunflowers to tending to our thriving strawberry plants, everything is looking beautiful and ready for summer ✨

20/05/2026

About Butterfly Effect Wellbeing
Butterfly Effect Wellbeing is a non-judgemental peer support charity offering a safe, welcoming space for anyone experiencing mental health challenges, including suicidal thoughts. We provide daily support sessions, a listening ear, and a sense of community for those who may feel isolated or are waiting for other services. Our focus is on compassion, understanding, and helping people feel heard, valued, and supported.
Our Small Donations
We ask for a minimum donation of £2 per session and £1 towards lunch. These small contributions help us cover essential costs , allowing us to keep the centre open and accessible to those who need it most. We receive no statutory funding, so we rely on our community to keep going.
While donations are encouraged to help sustain our services, no one will ever be turned away if they are unable to contribute—we are here for everyone 🦋💜