27 November 2025
Local charity WithYou is bringing drug and alcohol education directly into the British Steel workplace, as the business embeds early intervention and prevention into every day working.
The latest statistics reveal that in 2023/24 England had the highest number of adults in drug and alcohol treatment in nearly 15 years, and there will be many more who haven’t sought help. By embedding early intervention and prevention in workplaces, staff have the information they need to keep themselves safe, concerns can be acted on before they become a problem, and employers feel confident to step in if someone does need help.
Former WithYou client Matt Pawlowski, who struggled with drugs and alcohol and now works for Scunthorpe Recovery Service delivered by Double Impact, has been delivering the training alongside WithYou in North Lincolnshire staff. Matt says, “I feel now that I had to go through everything to give me the knowledge that I have to help other people. I'm doing something I love doing and I see other people progress so much.”
Staff learn about substances, and the physical, mental, social and workplace impacts of drug and alcohol use. Sessions emphasise that asking for help is a sign of strength, and explore the importance of early intervention, showing how seeking help early can prevent health, well-being, or work issues from escalating. A recent session was streamed live and made available to the entire workforce (around 4,000 British Steel employees).
Sophie Knight, community engagement coordinator for WithYou in North Lincolnshire, said:
“We’re proud to support the steelworks and everyone in Scunthorpe. We want to create a workplace and community where people feel understood and supported when it comes to drug and alcohol challenges. By bringing together professional support and lived experience, we can show that recovery is possible and that help is always there if people need it.”
Martin Welch, occupational health manager, British Steel, said:
“We really value the support from the team ensuring a joined-up approach for the care of our colleagues requiring assistance with drug and alcohol challenges.
“Sophie and the team will work closely with our regional nurses and Mental Health Support Worker, who is even spending time at WithYou to gain more knowledge and experience to help support our own employees.”
The training also highlighted how WithYou’s Individual Placement Support (IPS) programme can help employees through early intervention, job retention, and in-work support. Clients are given access to dedicated lived experience employment specialist, Luke Broughton who will provide tailored support to help them into work. The specialists work closely with local employers, and match individuals to potential work opportunities, supporting them and their employer.
WithYou in North Lincolnshire focuses on prevention, reducing harm, and recovery-oriented care to improve lives, creating a healthier, fairer area for people to work and live in. At WithYou, we understand not everyone wants to or feels ready to access traditional services. We provide a person-centred approach to support people to meet their goals with compassion and respect, meeting people wherever they are in their recovery journey.
