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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Showing results 1 - 15 of 35
Person in gray sweater holding a phone displaying the WithYou support website, sitting on a zebra-patterned blanket.

Behind the Screen: The real people behind WithYou webchat

Every year, WithYou's webchat service supports thousands of people to access drug and alcohol support wherever they are, 364 days…
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Meet Caroline: Turning loss into purpose

Caroline Durnan knows exactly why she does this work. She lost two uncles to drug and alcohol-related issues within months…
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Recovery journeys: Stories from the Residential Rehab Pathway in Dundee

Recovery journeys: Stories from the Residential Rehab Pathway in Dundee The Residential Rehab Pathway in Dundee supports people and their…
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“If you think you need help, ask for help” - Luke’s journey from ketamine harm to volunteering and recovery

Luke grew up in North London. His childhood and teenage years were marked by family breakdown, loss, and exposure to…
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Helping community and personal growth thrive in Cornwall: Connor

Connor doesn’t just work in community engagement - he lives it. As a Community Engagement Coordinator at WithYou in Cornwall,…
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Helping people believe in themselves: Emma

Emma McLean has always wanted to help people. She's been doing it in some form since she was 13 years…
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In memory of Sam: Taking on the Yorkshire Three Peaks

In September 2025, Jody and a team of loved ones took on the Yorkshire Three Peaks challenge - a 24-mile…
A laptop screen displaying the message "we are with you" in white text on a blue background, partially obscured by a person in a pastel-coloured sweater sitting in the foreground.

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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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…
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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?…

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