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
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…
Meet Ricky and Gemma: Championing mental health and wellbeing in Cornwall
At WithYou, we believe that workplace wellbeing is at the heart of everything we do. Our commitment to supporting individuals…
“I didn’t have to worry about anything. The mental and emotional support has been amazing”: Cornish man shares his recovery story as stats reveal 91 deaths from alcohol in Cornwall last year
A 43-year-old man from Cornwall who was drinking 12 litres of cider a day has shared his life-saving story, as…
Meet James, the recovery worker taking a leap he never thought possible
James Nichol doesn't shy away from the hard parts of his story. As a community engagement coordinator and recovery worker…
Meet Bobbie: building something better in Dundee
Bobbie Lawson didn't set out to become a service manager. When the role came up at WithYou in Dundee, she…
From recovery to inspiration: Ross takes on the London Marathon
Every year, tens of thousands of people take to the streets of London for the iconic marathon, but for Ross…
Meet Michelle: providing meaningful recovery through our residential service
Starting a career within probation services, Michelle Woodward has spent the last 16 years building skills and qualifications across various…
A year on, Paul proves recovery is possible — and now he's helping others find it
Paul Fearnley spent 23 years in the British Armed Forces. He served in Northern Ireland, Bosnia, Iraq, Kosovo, Sierra Leone…
Supporting Recovery in Prison Substance Misuse Care: Sue
For the right person, the work is incredibly rewarding and offers a strong sense of purpose. For nearly a decade,…
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…
Find out more about our original story, Mollie's initial plea — a powerful lived experience that sparked a movement.