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.

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Stories

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Drugs
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Alcohol
Fundraising
Showing results 1 - 15 of 34
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Finding personal growth through volunteering

BS is a 38-year-old volunteer who brings real lived-experience to his role at ROADS. Having overcome his own challenges with…
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Being there for your loved one - and for others

VW is a 46-year-old woman who brings both professional and personal experience to her volunteering role at ROADS. Having supported…
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Rebuilding confidence, one step at a time

LW is 31 years old and brings lived experience of challenges with alcohol to her volunteering at ROADS. Now over…
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Recovery is possible, and powerful

DF is a 63-year-old volunteer at ROADS. He spent over 20 years facing challenges with alcohol and drug use, but…
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Billy's story

I used party drugs for about 20 years. Ecstasy, ketamine, MDMA, cocaine... I just partied my way through life. I…
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'If it wasn’t for WithYou, I’m not sure if I would have come out the other side'

Tom's Story Meet Tom from West Cornwall. His journey with heroin started over 20 years ago. He first contacted WithYou…
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'Buvidal has been brilliant in helping my recovery'

Jason's story Jason has received support from WithYou in Cornwall throughout his life. His journey with heroin started when he…
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'Taking Subutex was the best thing that's ever happened to me'

Stuart's story Prior to joining WithYou, Stuart had previously tried to overcome his challenges with heroin but found himself unable…
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Charity skydive: Susie's story

On Sunday 15 September, Susie will be taking on an incredible challenge: a charity skydive with all proceeds going directly…
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How assertive outreach is helping people like John

One of our strategic aims is to reduce inequalities in treatment and recovery for marginalised people. By using techniques…
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Building connection: Penny and Scott

His story goes to show that there is always hope and, with the right support, everyone can recover. Penny, Team…
Two individuals in formal attire stand at a train station; one holds a wreath of red poppies and the other displays a medal and a ticket.

Finding community with our Armed Forces Programme: Graham

The only way that I could get on top of it was to have a drink – I stopped drinking…
A woman with blonde hair, wearing a black blouse with red and white floral patterns, smiles gently. The background shows sunlit greenery.

Sculpting strength: Using art to enhance recovery

I know that without Recast, I probably wouldn’t be here today. Tracy, Stoke-on-Trent Tracy's story Where did it all start?…
A man wearing a blue zip-up sweatshirt with "cornwall" embroidered on it is standing in a garden with trees, flowers, and a bench in the background.

Breaking the cycle and unlocking potential

The IPS team has helped me break the cycle. Dylan, 45, Cornwall Dylan's story Where did it all start? “I…
A middle-aged woman, wearing a blue hoodie, stands near a hallway wall, smiling gently towards the camera.

How we helped Louise to find her smile again

Before, I couldn't see life, it was all dark. Now it's amazing. I can see how bright the world is.…

Find out more about our original story, Mollie's initial plea  — a powerful lived experience that sparked a movement.