Religion and psychology are often seen as separate or potentially opposing, but I don’t see it that way — By Rodean Vafa I’m a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist with ten years’ experience, working for With You in Kent and Surrey’s Improving Access to Psychological Therapies (IAPT) service. Our service offers free therapeutic support for common mental health difficulties to adults in Kent and Surrey. …

How our Community Link Workers work with people in GP practices to improve their long term health and wellbeing — By Sovay Fitzpatrick, Programme Lead Community Link Worker services It has been an exciting journey for With You since we joined Scotland’s Community Link Worker programme back in 2019. Our Community Link Workers work in GP practices providing non-medical support with personal, social, emotional and financial issues. …

I’ve seen first hand the challenges women face navigating a system that is often not designed for them. — By Siobhan Peters, Director of Services North West, With You Looking back Tina feels like her drug issues were inevitable. Growing up in a domestically abusive environment she found this experience moulded her. ​​“As I entered adulthood domestic violence was part of every relationship I had because I had no idea how to have a healthy open relationship,” Tina said…

With You staff reflect on Black history, the experience of being Black in the UK and how we can better support Black communities in our work. — By Zara Rawlinson People from Caribbean and African backgrounds are fundamental to British society. Black History Month is an opportunity for everyone to celebrate, share and appreciate the full impact of our cultural history. Black History Month is also an opportunity to recognise the challenges our communities face in contemporary UK life. While…

Celebrating stories of recovery — Recovery looks different for everyone. The people who access drug, alcohol and mental health support come from a range of backgrounds, and all have their own unique relationship with these issues, and experience of accessing support. September is Recovery Month and we’re highlighting some of the stories of the people…

Part two of the review provides ambitious recommendations for a treatment system in need of a boost. — By Jon Murray, Executive Director of Services England, With You The long-awaited part two of Dame Carol Black’s Independent Review of Drugs has finally been published and it is a candid, bold and thorough analysis of where the drug treatment system currently finds itself. …

Our drug and alcohol work in Glasgow is all about relationships. We’ve worked hard to keep that human connection without face to face support. — By Tracy Morrice, Service Manager, With You North East Glasgow Recovery Hub At the beginning of March 2020, Rob was referred to our drug and alcohol services after trying to take his own life. Rob had experienced issues with alcohol for a long time. He’d tried various treatments before and at this point wasn’t particularly interested in addressing his drinking habits. This…

After a challenging year, it’s more important than ever we recognise the important role nature plays in our lives. — The theme for this year’s Mental Health Awareness Week is ‘nature’. …

Diversionary schemes create better outcomes for young people and keep communities safer. Their time has come. — By Jen Rushworth-Claeys, Head of Young Persons Service Delivery and Agnes Wootton, Contracts Manager — London and the South East Diversion is a common sense approach that needs to be at the forefront of our thinking around young people in the criminal justice system for drug offences. Between us we’ve…