Our Stories
From the beginning, storytelling has been at the heart of our work. We tell the real stories of real people, unapologetically and unashamedly. These narratives break down barriers, reduce stigma, and inspire understanding. Storytelling isn't just part of our history; it's a way to give hope.
How we share your story
Stories
“I feel whole. I feel like myself again” - Joey’s* story from daily ketamine use to recovery
* Joey’s name has been changed to protect his privacy Like a lot of teenagers, Joey experimented with drugs growing…
The diversion is the intervention: what we learned from running the UK's first randomised controlled trial of a young person’s drug diversion programme
After three years, four police force areas and 364 young people, the results from Re-Frame are in, and they aren't…
Rebuilding from the ground up: How Jamie is using his past to support others
Jamie has lived through trauma, drug dependency and the criminal justice system - and come out the other side determined…
How WithYou Supports the Armed Forces Community in North Somerset: Meet Barry
Ahead of Armed Forces Day this Saturday, Barry Pratt, armed forces lead and recovery worker for WithYou in North Somerset…
"Every veteran comes with their own unique story": How Nicola is supporting the armed forces community
For more than 13 years, Nicola Wilding has supported people with drug and alcohol challenges, but it was her work…
Meeting the needs of the Armed Forces Community: Inside WithYou's Armed Forces Programme
WithYou delivers the UK’s only dedicated drug and alcohol support programme designed specifically for the armed forces community including veterans,…
From the Royal Navy to self-discovery: how Arron found recovery and a new sense of purpose
34 year old Arron Henery from Middlesborough spent eight years serving in the Royal Navy as a Weapons Engineer working…
Meeting people where they are: Kev’s story
Kev Hobin’s guiding philosophy, having worked in the drug and alcohol support sector for 26 years, is that if someone…
Meet Marcia: the steady hand behind the scenes in Dundee
Marcia Mackie will tell you she's "just admin." Her manager, Bobbie Lawson, would strongly disagree. As Service Administrator at WithYou's…
More than a month: How WithYou in Cornwall champions the LGBTQ+ community all-year round
Every June, communities around the world come together to celebrate Pride Month. This is a time to honour the LGBTQ+…
Meet James: walking with people through the hardest times
James Simons has been part of WithYou for more than 10 years. He came in as a volunteer, became a…
"Being part of someone's story is a privilege": Dot on recovery, volunteering, and showing up for the community
Dot started as a client at (then) Addaction in 2018. After getting sober she began volunteering, became a recovery worker…
Meet Shaun: the recovery worker helping build Scotland’s biggest alcohol-free music festival
Think about the last live music event you went to. Chances are, a drink was part of it — at…
Empowerment through testing: How WithYou in Cornwall is changing lives
European Testing Week is a vital initiative that brings together partner organisations from all across Europe. The goal? To increase…
'My past experience is my asset': Alex on recovery, traineeship, and what comes next
For most of his adult life, Alex Foy moved between three places: prison, hospital, and the streets of Glasgow. His…
Find out more about our original story, Mollie's initial plea — a powerful lived experience that sparked a movement.