With You

16/10/2026

🧠💬 “Surely I’d know if I needed help… right?”

Well… not always. 👀

You might think you can only get support if your substance use is already affecting your health.

🚨 MYTH!
You don’t have to wait until things get serious before you reach out. 💙

Maybe you’re:
🤔 Wondering if your substance use is becoming a concern
💭 Thinking about making a change
❓ Not sure about the risks
🗣️ Worried about a friend
💬 Or you just want to talk things through

You don’t have to be at crisis point to ask for help.

Getting support early can help you understand what’s happening, explore your options and make informed choices.

And if you’re not sure whether you need support? That’s okay. You can start with a conversation — no judgement, no pressure.

📲 Need someone to talk to?
📞 Call: 0808 164 0074
📧 Email: [email protected]
💻 WebChat: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
Monday–Friday: 9am–9pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10am–4pm

Support is available for under-25s and families across Lancashire.

💙 We are WithYou every step of the way 💙

14/10/2026

💬💙 LET’S TALK ABOUT… STIGMA 💙💬

Ever worried about what people might think if you told them you were struggling?

💭 “They’ll judge me.”
💭 “They’ll look at me differently.”
💭 “People will think I’ve messed everything up.”
💭 “I should be able to sort it myself.”

That’s stigma.

And sometimes, it can make asking for help feel way harder than it needs to be. 😕

The truth is, you don’t have to fit a certain “type” to talk about drugs or alcohol.

You don’t have to have everything falling apart.

And you definitely don’t have to feel ashamed for asking questions or wanting some support. 💙

You are more than your substance use.

So let’s change the way we talk about it. 🗣️

👂 Listen, don’t judge.
💬 Ask, don’t assume.
💙 Support, don’t label.

Because everyone deserves to feel safe enough to say, “I think I need some help.”

Let’s break the stigma — one conversation at a time. 💙

💙 We are WithYou every step of the way 💙

12/10/2026

📚💙 OUR FREE NOVEMBER TRAINING SESSIONS ARE NOW OPEN FOR BOOKINGS! 💙

Looking to build your knowledge and confidence around substances and the issues young people may face?

Our free online training sessions are back for November — and you can now book your place on Eventbrite! 🎟️

📅 NOVEMBER SESSIONS

🧠 Thursday 5 November
Let’s Talk Ketamine | 10am–11am

🌿 Thursday 12 November
Let’s Talk Cannabis & THC Vapes | 12.30pm–1.30pm

⚠️ Friday 13 November
Let’s Talk Contaminated Drugs | 2pm–3pm

💨 Monday 16 November
Let’s Talk Inhalants | 11am–12pm

⚡ Thursday 19 November
Let’s Talk Stimulants | 2.30pm–3.30pm

🌈 Friday 20 November
Let’s Talk Empathogens & Psychedelic Substances | 11.30am–12.30pm

💙 Friday 27 November
WithYou Service Awareness Talk | 2pm–3pm

Whether you work with young people, support families or simply want to improve your understanding, these sessions are a great opportunity to learn, ask questions and build confidence.

🎟️ Spaces are free, but booking is required.

👉 Head to our Eventbrite page to see the sessions and book your place.
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/with-you-lancashire-for-young-people-49687231873

💙 We are WithYou every step of the way 💙

10/10/2026

🧠💙 Sometimes, the person you’re talking to just gets it.

Today, one of our staff members is sharing some of their own lived experience — a personal story of supporting their daughter through addiction and the impact this had on them as a family.

They understand what it feels like to take that first step.

To have setbacks.
To start again.
To wonder if change is possible.
To experience what recovery can really feel like.

Lived experience brings a different kind of understanding — one that can’t always be learned from a textbook. 💬

This , we’re recognising the value of lived experience in recovery and support.

Whether it’s a member of our team who has their own experience of recovery or family support, or someone else who has been through something similar, having someone there who understands can make a real difference. 💙

You don’t have to have all the answers. You don’t have to know exactly what you want to change.

Sometimes, taking that first step is simply talking to someone who gets it.

If things feel difficult today, please remember that support is available.

📲 If you’re under 25 and you’re worried about drugs, alcohol or your wellbeing, get in touch with WithYou Lancashire Young People’s Service. We offer free, confidential and non-judgemental support for young people and families.

💙 We are WithYou every step of the way 💙

08/10/2026

Looking for support to stop - look no more! Smokefree Lancashire for Young People & Smokefree Lancashire are here for you!

08/10/2026

💙 WHAT A GREAT SESSION AT Nelson and Colne College Sixth Form! 💙

We had the pleasure of spending time with some fantastic students from Health & Social Care and T Level Health Care yesterday. 👏

We were genuinely blown away by some of the brilliant questions being asked! 💬

So many of the questions were thoughtful, relevant and clearly linked to the work these amazing students are hoping to go on to do — particularly those looking towards careers in the NHS and mental health. 🩺🧠

It was fantastic to see such engaged students thinking about how substance use, mental health and wider experiences can impact the people they may support in their future careers.

We were also joined by Kath from Red Rose Recovery, who shared her lived experience and brought such an important perspective to the conversations. 💙

A massive thank you to everyone who took part, got involved and asked those brilliant questions. You made it a fantastic session! 🙌

💙 We are WithYou every step of the way 💙

07/10/2026

💙 A MASSIVE THANK YOU, KATH! 💙

Today was Kath’s last session with us, and we couldn’t let her go without saying a huge thank you for everything she has done over the last few years.

Especially from Mr T! 🧢💙

Kath is a volunteer with Red Rose Recovery, and she has been absolutely amazing in supporting our sessions, sharing her lived experience and helping to break down stigma around substance use and recovery.

Her honesty, openness and willingness to share her story has made a real difference to the young people she has supported, and we’re so grateful for everything she has brought to our sessions. 🙌

Kath, this is your journey now. ✨

Go enjoy the travels, the adventures and whatever else comes next. You’ve given so much to others — now it’s time to enjoy what’s ahead for you. 💙

We’re going to miss you, but we’re excited to see where your journey takes you!

Thank you for everything, Kath. Go enjoy it — you deserve it! 🥰

💙 We are WithYou every step of the way 💙

07/10/2026

🚭☕ DON’T FORGET — OUR SMOKEFREE TEAM IS HERE! 💙

If you’re 12 or over and want to chat about smoking or va**ng, our Smokefree Lancashire for Young People team are here to help.

Whether you’re thinking about cutting down, quitting, or just want to know more, you can come and have a chat — no judgement, no pressure.

Got a question? Come and find us! 👋

💙 We are WithYou every step of the way 💙

O N L I N E S U P P O R T

FREE Online support is available to anyone aged 12 upwards who wants to stop smoking or va**ng.

Let us help you help yourself
www.smokefreelancashire.org.uk/referrals

07/10/2026

🧠💬 “They don’t want help… so what can I possibly do?”

If you’re a parent or carer worrying about your young person, you might feel stuck, frustrated or unsure where to turn. ❤️

But here’s something you might not know…
🚨 MYTH!

Your young person doesn’t have to want help before YOU can get support.

You can reach out even if they’re not ready.

You might be:
💭 Unsure what to say or do
😟 Worried about their substance use
🧩 Trying to understand what’s happening
💬 Finding it difficult to know where to set boundaries
❤️ Feeling overwhelmed and not knowing where to turn

You don’t have to wait for your young person to engage before you can get support.

Our family support gives you a safe, confidential space to talk things through, understand what might be happening and explore ways you can support yourself and your young person.

You can’t control someone else’s choices — but you can get support with how you respond. 💙

📲 Need someone to talk to?
📞 Call: 0808 164 0074
📧 Email: [email protected]
💻 WebChat: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/
Monday–Friday: 9am–9pm
Saturday–Sunday: 10am–4pm

Support is available for young people under 25 and their families across Lancashire.

💙 We are WithYou every step of the way 💙

06/10/2026

💬💙 LET’S TALK ABOUT… FUNCTIONAL USE 💙💬

“I’m still going to school.”
“I’m still working.”
“I’m still seeing my friends.”
“So it can’t really be a problem… right?”

Not necessarily.

Sometimes substance use can be affecting someone’s life without it being obvious to everyone around them. You don’t have to be missing school, struggling at work or losing friendships before you can talk to someone. 💬

You might be wondering about your own substance use, noticing changes in yourself, or simply feeling like something isn’t quite right.

You don’t have to wait until things get worse to ask for support. 💙

Our support is free, confidential and non-judgemental. Whether you’re ready to make a change, just curious, or not sure what you want yet — we’re here to listen.

📲 Get in touch with WithYou Lancashire Young People’s Service to find out how we can support you.

💙 We are WithYou every step of the way 💙

02/10/2026

Ken is proof that it's never too late to find a new path, especially when that path leads to helping others.

After a 30-year career in IT, Ken found himself at a crossroads. At 63, he took a leap of faith by volunteering for WithYou in Cornwall.

"I was horrified to see how many people were stigmatised and marginalised because of issues with drugs and alcohol. I knew I wanted to make a difference," says Ken.

From the very start of his training, he knew he'd made the right choice.

Volunteering opened Ken's eyes to the challenges people face on their recovery journeys. Inspired by his experience, he went on to become a certified hypnotherapist and qualified counsellor.

With community support and a willingness to take that first step, anyone can find renewed purpose and make a lasting difference in the lives of others. 👏

30/09/2026

As draws to a close, our support continues all year round.

Throughout September, we’ve shared stories of hope and resilience, showing the different ways recovery can look and reminding us that there is no single path to recovery. Recovery takes time, and it rarely happens in a straight line.

Whether you’re already on your recovery journey, considering taking the first step, or looking for support for someone you care about, you don’t have to face it alone.

We’re here to help. Find your nearest WithYou service or speak to a recovery worker through our free, confidential webchat. 💙

29/09/2026

From recovery festivals and Kiltwalks to service events, rounders, picnics and bowling, our teams across the country have had so many opportunities this to come together with clients, partners, friends and family to celebrate and share what recovery means to them.

These are just some of the ways we’ve been championing recovery, celebrating progress and making recovery visible.

Huge thanks to Stoke CDAS, WithYou in BCP, WithYou in East Ayrshire, WithYou in the Borders and WithYou in Darlington for sharing what they've been up to over the past month!

As Recovery Month comes to a close, our support doesn’t. We’re here all year round, supporting people to make positive changes in their lives.

If you’re looking for support or thinking about reaching out, we’re here. 💙

28/09/2026

Before Michelle became a recovery worker with WithYou in Dumfries and Galloway, she had her own journey through substance use, prison and recovery.

Michelle used he**in for 12 years and had been in and out of prison by 2008. After spending Christmas away from her daughter, she knew something had to change.

She joined a local group, learned new skills and eventually found work in a call centre, where she spent 12 years rebuilding her life and supporting her family.

When a friend suggested the Scottish Drugs Forum traineeship, Michelle didn't think she'd be accepted. But she got a place, working towards her Scottish Vocational Qualification (SVQ) through a placement with WithYou.

Today, she supports people with their goals, triggers and coping strategies, leads on injecting equipment provision and runs a weekly women's group she set up in 2024.

Michelle knows recovery isn't always quick or straightforward. She also knows how difficult that first step can be.

"It doesn't matter if somebody's been in a service a hundred times. That hundred-and-first time might be the time they make that change."

This , if you're thinking about reaching out, you don't need to have all the answers. We're here to help. 💙

25/09/2026

25/09/2026

Happy World Pharmacists Day!

Today WithYou is shining a spotlight on the pharmacists and pharmacy teams who play such an important role in supporting people affected by drug and alcohol use across our communities.

Across Wigan & Leigh, local pharmacies are a vital part of our partnership, working closely with our teams to make sure people get the medication, support and reassurance they need.

As one local pharmacist told us:

“People sometimes think the role of a pharmacy is simply supplying medication, but it’s so much deeper than that. We see some of our patients every day, some three times a week and others weekly, so you develop a really strong relationship with them. You get to know their lives, what they’re going through, and when something doesn’t seem right.

“It’s about looking after the whole person. You get happy for them, you get sad for them, you hear about their lives. It’s a professional relationship, but it’s also about being there for people when they need a little bit of a boost.”

That partnership can make a real difference — helping people feel known, supported and able to ask for help when they need it.

A huge thank you to Aoife, our pharmacy partners and to pharmacists everywhere for the role you play in helping people live happier and healthier lives.

24/09/2026

Today we're celebrating the Pharmacist colleagues across our organisation this 👋

Behind the scenes of our drug and alcohol support, highly skilled teams are working every day to help people make positive, lasting changes to their drug and alcohol use.

Their work is an important part of the support we provide, so today we're shining a light on the people behind the scenes who make a real difference everyday.

This year’s theme, ‘Empowering pharmacists for healthier futures’, couldn’t be more fitting for our pharmacy teams. From leadership to client-facing roles, our pharmacists bring specialist knowledge, experience and a unique perspective to our services. They help people get the right support at the right time and work towards a healthier future.

Pictured is our Central Meds Management Team and Cornwall Pharmacy Technicians. Our Director of Pharmacy, Abie Wilson, is celebrating the team:

"On World Pharmacist Day it's a pleasure to shout out to our growing team of highly skilled Pharmacists within the organisation. These professionals provide a unique skill set and perspective, in both leadership and client-facing roles, and go above and beyond to support clients within our services. A big thank you to you all!" 💙

24/09/2026

Meet Lisa Wakely Author: music artist, author and storyteller. ✨

Writing has been part of Lisa’s life since she was 12, and her love of magical stories has stayed with her ever since.

While writing her newest novel, Lisa created a song to step into the world of her protagonist, Mordred, a young musician facing challenges with drugs and alcohol.

That song, ‘I’m A Warrior’, became something much bigger. What started as a creative insight into her character became a powerful release, and an opportunity to raise money and awareness for WithYou.

Lisa also worked with WithYou’s young ambassadors, inviting them to read chapters of her novel and share their thoughts on how experiences with drugs, alcohol and recovery were represented. Their insight helped Lisa make sure these experiences were portrayed honestly and authentically.

When it came to releasing ‘I’m A Warrior’, supporting WithYou was a natural fit. 💙

Lisa says: “Since its release, I have seen the song connect with people who have real experience of addiction, either personally or through someone they love. That has made the project feel much bigger than the fictional character who first inspired it.”

📍 Listen to I’m A Warrior and learn more about Lisa’s story via the link in the comments.

24/09/2026

George never imagined that the support he received from WithYou would one day lead to him helping others.

Now 30, from Guisborough, George experienced challenges with alcohol and drugs from a young age. Over time, his use became increasingly difficult to manage and had a huge impact on his life, relationships and wellbeing.

With support from our team in Redcar & Cleveland, George began his recovery journey. It wasn’t overnight, but gradually he rebuilt his life, found support for his mental health and discovered a sense of purpose.

After volunteering with WithYou, George is now about to start a new chapter – joining the same team who helped him, to support other people on their own journeys.

“WithYou saved my life. Now I have the chance to help someone else.” - George

George’s story is a powerful reminder that recovery can mean more than changing use of drugs or alcohol. It can be about understanding what’s behind your experiences, finding the right support, rebuilding your life and discovering a future you never thought was possible.

If you’re struggling, you’re worth helping. And recovery is possible. ❤️

Read George’s full story: https://www.wearewithyou.org.uk/latest/stories/withyou-saved-my-life-now-i-want-to-help-someone-else

24/09/2026

Earlier this month, we joined hundreds of people who came together for this year’s Recovery Festival, starting with a Recovery Walk through the town before Darlington officially joined the Inclusive Recovery Cities movement.

What a brilliant day of recovery, connection, community and celebration in Darlington’s Market Square. 🤝

WithYou alongside STRIDE partners Recovery Connections and Darlington Borough Council, were proud to be part of a day that put recovery right at the heart of the community.

The signing of the Inclusive Recovery Cities Charter was a particularly special moment, with the local Mayor and Director of Public Health joining Dot and Professor David Best to mark Darlington becoming part of an international movement where recovery is visible, valued and celebrated.

The afternoon, hosted brilliantly with music, laughter and plenty of energy to the Market Square, with performances from the Recovery Connections Choir and Band, Jack Ramsey, Jenna Highfield and entertainer Silly Steve.

A massive thank you to everyone who came along, walked alongside us, performed, volunteered, supported the event or simply stopped by to find out more about STRIDE and harm reduction.

Days like this remind us that recovery is about so much more than services. It’s about people, relationships, belonging and having a community around you. 💙