Charity's 'unique' approach to tackle rise in addicts

Mike Major is leading a project which sees people with "lived experience of addiction" helping patients in recovery

A charity tackling Gloucestershire's rise in drug and alcohol addicts is involving people with "lived experience of addiction" to treat patients.

Via, which runs the region's addiction recovery services, said during 2023-24, the area supported 2,930 adults with addiction, an increase from 2,848 in the previous year.

There has also been a rise in under-18s seeking treatment - up from 59 to 123.

Via's lived experience lead Mike Major said: "It brings a unique perspective and knowledge that only someone who knows what it’s like can bring."

Mr Major said the charity takes a more "compassionate" approach towards people who are struggling.

He added that having people with lived experience of addiction "brings historical and current insight" to those they are trying to help.

Via, which took over the region's recovery services in April after winning a £5.8m contract, works from hubs in Cheltenham, Gloucester, and Stroud.

Services include one-to-one sessions, confidence building workshops, motivational courses and support for people who may need opiate substitution.

Reduce stigma

"It can help break down those barriers when people know you have been through it too - it puts people at ease.

“I know that because having lived experience myself, I can help ease a service user’s mind, make the process feel less clinical and help them to understand some of their needs and vulnerabilities.

"Being visible and open to discussion, helps build professional rapport and reduce stigma.

"The reason I came in to this was to help to make changes," said Mr Major, who facilitates support groups and helps people start treatment.

Sunjay Patel says where he is now is "a miracle"

Sunjay Patel, who has been alcohol free for the last six years, said his addiction started when he began abusing Tippex fluid and cannabis at school.

"No one knows the suffering I had to go through to get to this stage," he said.

Mr Patel first smoked cannabis aged 14 and it spiralled into a life of alcohol, class A drugs, crime and prison.

"I was kicked out of school by 15 and went to work by the age of 18 and got hooked on crack and heroin.

"By the age of 21, was my first prison sentence. My life was basically over.

"I hid beer cans in the streets - in the early hours of the morning I'd buy a few strong lagers and I had urine soaked clothes.

"I was living in desolation."

He added that if you told him six years ago he would re-train in health and social care and use his experience of addiction to help others he would not have believed you.

"Where I am now is a miracle, I'd have never had imagined."

He provides support to people at Via alongside, doctors, nurses and drug workers.

Nick Evans said working with people with direct experience is "really important"

Deputy Gloucestershire Police and Crime Commissioner Nick Evans is chair of Gloucestershire Combatting Drugs Partnership, of which Via is part and said he is committed to doing more.

He said having those with lived experience was the best way to help people into "effective treatment".

"We have things like Operation Scorpion which is banging on doors and getting the drugs and criminals off our streets, we're definitely doing that and there is a place for that," Mr Evans said.

He added that they needed to take away the buyers criminals target by helping people seek treatment.

"We can't do this through arresting people alone," he said.

"To reduce the impact of the exploitative criminals we need to reduce the size of their market.

"I’ve seen how practical support and education can make a real difference to people’s lives.

"And ultimately reduce crime, by concentrating on helping people stabilise and reduce their drug use, learn new skills, live well and contribute to society."