24 April 2026
Every year around 4,100 adults are supported by local drug and alcohol charity WithYou, with 37% struggling with opiates, 33% with alcohol, and 30% with a range of other drugs.
WithYou in Cornwall supports clients with one-to-one meetings with a key worker, support groups with peers, medication, free needle exchanges, supply of the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, and help for family and friends of those who are struggling. The service also has a residential rehab, helps clients into employment, and provides training in life skills like cooking, benefits, debt and housing.
“There’s no referral criteria,” chips in Will Whittaker, team leader for outreach. “If someone comes in or rings up and says ‘I want help’ we’ll help them. I’m really proud to work at a place that does that.”
Billy Horton, community engagement co-ordinator, agrees:
“I get something out of it as well, that’s the beautiful thing about it. We build people’s confidence up, their self-esteem, their self-worth. Seeing them do that, I feel it too.”
The service also provides tailored support for people who need it. The Armed Forces Community programme helps 600 military veterans and their families - acknowledging the specific experiences of people in the armed forces community, capitalising on the strengths of military identity and using this to enhance recovery. The Women’s Team work with 114 of the most disadvantaged women in the area - helping them not just with drugs and alcohol, but also working with other agencies to make sure they have everything they need.
Amy says, “If you’ve got empathy then you’re already showing someone something that they might never have encountered before.”
The service has launched a film featuring the voices of clients and staff, looking to raise awareness of an organisation that is saving lives across Cornwall.
“Everyone is someone who’s in it because they really want to be, they really care, and they really have a passion, and I think you really feel that in the office,” Amy reflects.
Connor Harmsworth, community engagement co-ordinator, smiles, “You’ll never work anywhere else like WithYou."
