Council invests £5m in drug and alcohol services

The council says it wants to "reshape" care for people with drugs and alcohol issues

A council has said a £5m investment in treatment and recovery services for drug and alcohol addiction will "reshape" support.

North Northamptonshire Council is going to work with two charities who will provide help for young people and adults for the next nine years.

Change Grow Live (CGL) has been awarded the contract to deliver services to adults and Aquarius to young people.

Brian Benneyworth, a Reform UK councillor who is the executive member for health and leisure, said residents deserved "high-quality services that support their health and wellbeing with professionals who are as invested in their wellbeing as we are".

The council said it wanted to "reshape the current provision" of drug and alcohol care.

Benneyworth added: "We want more people to be able to access local tailored, up-to-date recovery and addiction services and we are confident that CGL and Aquarius have outstanding track records in working in this area and will continue to do so."

'Hope, dignity'

Both CGL and Aquarius already provide services through the council.

CGL's Alesha Watkins said the contract meant there was "a real opportunity to co-create something bold and inclusive, rooted in our community and shaped by the voices of those we support".

"Together, we'll help more residents find hope, dignity, and the strength to thrive," she added.

The two providers are set to start work in April 2026.