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
Meet Ronnie: from recovery to running marathons — and a team
Ronnie Hart doesn't catastrophise. Whatever his team bring to him, he tells them the same thing. There's always a solution.…
Meet Ellis: The first person people connect with
Ellis Chestnut is often the first person someone speaks to when they're ready to ask for help. As an access…
Meet Chloe: from feeling like she didn't fit in to finding her place
Chloe McGurk decided to learn something new every month when she got sober. It started as a way to keep…
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…
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…
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…
“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…
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,…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
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…
Billy's story
I used party drugs for about 20 years. Ecstasy, ketamine, MDMA, cocaine... I just partied my way through life. I…
Find out more about our original story, Mollie's initial plea — a powerful lived experience that sparked a movement.