Phoenix Futures Essex

07/10/2026

Please be aware and Carry Naloxone!

🚨 DRUG ALERT – HE**IN & FENTANYL WARNING 🚨

⚠️ Important harm reduction message for anyone who uses he**in or other opioids.

We have received reports of a strong supply of he**in currently circulating in the Thurrock area, with concerns that some he**in may contain fentanyl.

One person reported using fentanyl testing strips on he**in purchased locally, which tested positive for fentanyl. Others have reported feeling unwell after using locally purchased he**in, suggesting that some supplies may be stronger than usual.

As Thurrock, Basildon and Southend are close to one another, we are sharing this warning with our local community so people can take extra precautions.

💜 Please stay safe:

🔹 Start low and go slow – potency can vary significantly between supplies.

🔹 Never use alone if you can avoid it. Make sure someone is nearby who can respond in an emergency.

🔹 Have naloxone available and check that it is in date. Naloxone can temporarily reverse an opioid overdose.

🔹 Be aware that he**in may contain fentanyl, even if you don't expect it to.

🔹 If you suspect an overdose, call 999 immediately. Don't be afraid to seek emergency help.

🔹 Fentanyl testing strips may be available through local drug and alcohol services, alongside harm reduction advice and naloxone.

⚠️ Remember: You cannot reliably tell what is in a substance by looking at it. If you are unsure, the safest option is not to use it.

Please share this post so the warning reaches anyone who may need to see it.

💜 No judgement. No stigma. Just keeping our community safer.

**in

07/10/2026

🎨 Art can be a powerful way to express creativity, build confidence, and support wellbeing.

Over the last few months, Vicki has created an inspiring seven-piece rainbow-themed display during our Futures Together Social Inclusion Creative Art sessions. Each piece stands alone with its own distinct theme, while also forming part of a larger connected theme artwork.

The display is a wonderful example of how creativity can bring ideas together, celebrate individuality, and create something truly special. Congratulations, Vicki, on this fantastic achievement! 🌈💜

06/10/2026

🌺 Getting Involved in Our Community 🌺
Recently, a small group of Futures Together participants and staff spent some time at the Chelmsford Poppy Festival community sessions, helping to prepare the beautiful poppy display for Remembrance Day.
It was a lovely opportunity to come together, meet new people, have a chat, and play a small part in something that means so much to the local community. Everyone was made to feel welcome.
A big thank you to all the volunteers and organisers for such a warm welcome. We can't wait to see the finished display in November. ❤️🌺

05/10/2026

Some of our staff were lucky enough to attend the Sheffield Family service open day last week - here is what Jane Slocombe our Service Manager in the Social Inclusion service said about the day “It was wonderful to see the positive impact being made through the Sheffield service and it has left a lasting impression on me. It was a privilege to meet the ladies, whose confidence, warmth, and resilience shone through, along with their beautiful children. I was genuinely moved by the strength of their relationships, their commitment to one another, and their determination to achieve lasting recovery and wellbeing”

05/10/2026

✨ We were delighted to welcome local MP, Pam Cox to our Colchester office last week!

It was a great opportunity to showcase how our services support people with a range of complex needs across the local community. 💜

We discussed the challenges people can face around housing and homelessness, and how our Drug and Alcohol Street Support Service and Housing and Supported Tenancy service help people access the support they need. 🏠
We highlighted how our Liaison and Diversion service supports young people and discussed opportunities to build stronger links with other youth-focused initiatives across Colchester.

We also spoke about the importance of meaningful activities and the valuable role our peer mentoring programme plays in building confidence and self-esteem, helping people take their next steps towards training and employment.

A huge thank you to our dedicated staff and peer mentors from the Social Inclusion service, who shared their experiences and the positive difference they make every day. 👏

03/10/2026

Love this by Charlie Mackesy 👏❤️

02/10/2026

In Chelmsford Walking Group, we celebrated Recovery Month with a Recovery Scavenger Hunt. Participants explored their surroundings and identified things that reflected different aspects of recovery and wellbeing.
The fountain represented something that makes you feel calm, the community noticeboard symbolised connection and community, and a small branch growing from the trunk of a large tree represented resilience and growth.
There were many thoughtful discussions and inspiring responses throughout the activity. While we weren't able to capture everything in photographs, the scavenger hunt created a great opportunity for reflection, conversation, and celebrating the strengths that support recovery.

02/10/2026

Get your tickets for next weeks sober comedy in Chelmsford by the fabulous team at Sober is Fun 🤩

🎉🎉 ONE WEEK TO GO! 🎉🎉

YES 🙌♥️

Get Ready To Laugh Lots !! 💯😂.

Next Friday evening we Sober Laugh Out Loud 😂 with the final show of the year at The Essex Alcohol-Free Comedy Club 🎉🎉🎉.

🗓️ Friday 9th October 8pm
🚪 Doors Open 7pm
📍 County Hotel Chelmsford
🎤 3 Top Professional Comedians
🍸 Great Selection of Alcohol-Free Drinks
🍴 2 Course Meal Available Just £20

Are you joining us ? 🙋.

This show is perfect for absolutely anyone that wishes to socialise without the need of booze! 🍻 👏💯♥️.

If you haven't booked yet , get your 🛼 ON!

Experience an evening at the UK'S Original Alcohol-Free Comedy Club 🎤😂.

♥️ This show is greatfuly supported by Chelmsford For You

🐦 £20 EARLY BIRD TICKETS SOLD OUT
🎫 £23 First Release Tickets Now Running Low

👆 Book Now Via link in bio

30/09/2026

Su***de Awareness Month may be ending, but the importance of hope, connection and support continues all year round.
Our Pathways to Hope service works with people referred through Colchester A&E following a mental health crisis, suicidal ideation, self-harm, or a su***de attempt, helping them access the support they need on their recovery journey.

Please note: referrals are made through healthcare professionals only and we are unable to accept self-referrals. 💜

https://www.phoenix-futures.org.uk/phoenix-futures-for/people-and-families-who-use-our-services/find-a-service/pathways-to-hope/


***deAwarenessMonth