Build-forward-together

At the end of July, two GLOVES courses came to a close – one in West Berkshire and one in Brent – with participants giving it their all across the 6-week programme.

GLOVES uses boxing techniques and mindset training to support recovery. It helps people build personal responsibility, resilience, and focus, while boosting fitness and confidence.

West Berkshire saw all three participants complete the course, while Brent celebrated two determined graduates.

As always, the feedback has been incredibly positive:
“I grew up watching Ali – seeing addiction as an opponent made it easier to work with.”
“Gave me strength to defeat it as an opponent. Loved being able to be my own Ali and Tyson.”
“Definitely helped me personally. More motivated, person-centred, non-judgmental, excellently delivered.”
“The best recovery programme I’ve come across.”
“GLOVES took me away from everything, took away my thoughts — loved training.”
“Very practical in its application to dealing with major problems/addictions.”
“The content was well thought through and presented well.”
“Thank you for all the amazing knowledge you shared with us.”

A huge congratulations to the latest GLOVES graduates!

Our Kingston service held a really successful open day at their hub in Surbiton Health Centre.

As well as local professionals and partners, the Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Noel Hadjimichael, and service commissioner, Sarah Drainey, from Kingston Council were also in attendance.

The team opened up the space to showcase how they support people through treatment and recovery.

Visitors were able to take a tour of the facilities and also engage with interactive team-led rooms about different aspects of the service.

There was also a powerful presentation titled ‘A Journey Through Recovery’ from one of the people who has benefitted from the support available.

It was a great event for partners to get first-hand insight into how the team at Via Kingston Wellbeing Service works and what they do.

It also enabled guests to learn about referral pathways, find out about opportunities to work collaboratively together, and hear ways they can better support the people they work with who are affected by drug or alcohol use.

This annual event is an important date in the calendar and this year its theme was ‘Bright Sparks’, showcasing innovation and inspiration from across the drug and alcohol sector.

They shared information about the great work going on across Via, such as our photography project and Capital Card developments. 

The programme focused on discussions around multiple disadvantage, individual placement and support (IPS), lived experience recovery organisations (LEROs), ketamine, and much more.

A big thank you to our colleagues from Cheshire West and Chester, Barking and Dagenham, and Redbridge, as well as reps from our IPS teams and Capital Card team who hosted our stall.

Pride in London took place last weekend and Team Via were there!

We’ve been hosting a stall since 2018 and were excited and proud to attend again this year.

Our colleagues from New Beginnings in Brent, Bewize in Redbridge and central teams hosted a stall in Soho Square all-day Saturday.

They chatted with visitors, shared information and advice about different substances, and gave them details about what support is available.

The team also ran a really popular quiz throughout the day.

People could win prizes for answering questions about: different drugs their effects, sexual health, chemsex and LGBTQ+ related trivia.

Those who took part had a fun time and said that they learnt a lot!

Our latest event to promote our research finings into advances in opioid substitution treatment (OST) took place in Cheshire on 10 April and was a great success!

We were happy to see a wide range of healthcare professionals, recovery practitioners, commissioners, and people with lived experience from across the North-West in the audience on the day.

Our feedback survey after the event told us that 100% of attendees agreed or strongly agreed that the panel session was a valuable mix of perspectives and that the event offered actionable insights into OST.

On Thursday, January 30th, 2025, we hosted an engaging event at 1 Station Road, Newbury, bringing together partners, experts, and the community to celebrate Via’s impact in West Berkshire. The event highlighted the successes of those we support and provided a platform for meaningful conversations with Via experts, partners, and individuals with lived experience.

Event Highlights:

• Celebrating achievements: We shared inspiring stories and recognised the progress of those we support.
• Expert insights: Via experts, partners, and individuals with lived experience discussed the challenges and successes of serving the West Berkshire community.
• Interactive activities: Attendees explored our services for adults and young people while taking part in engaging activities.

A huge thank you to everyone who joined us to connect, learn, and celebrate the incredible work being done in West Berkshire.

On Tuesday, 28 January 2025, we celebrated the exciting re-launch of Subwize, the local Barking & Dagenham service supporting young people with their drug and alcohol use. Held at The Vibe in Dagenham, the event showcased our fresh approach and innovative model, bringing together professionals, partners, and the community to explore how we’re making a difference.

Highlights of the Day:

• Yoga session: Attendees experienced a practical approach to well-being and mindfulness.
• Service showcase: We introduced our new delivery models and programmes, highlighted our ongoing Tier 2 work, and shared insights on emerging trends like vaping.
• Engaging presentations: Guests got an up-close look at our vision, achievements, and impact.
• Networking opportunities: The event provided a space for professionals to reconnect and explore new ways to collaborate.

Thank you to everyone who joined us to shape the future of support for young people and families in Barking & Dagenham. Stay connected with us for more updates on Subwize!

Our Harrow service recently hosted a community event to celebrate recovery from alcohol and substance use.

The event aimed to raise awareness, challenge stigma, and recognise the achievements of those in recovery, as well as the dedication of the service providers and communities that support them.

Attendees had the opportunity to participate in activities, listen to inspiring talks, and connect with local organisations. The event brought the community together, showcasing the continued commitment to supporting Harrow residents in their recovery journeys.

Reintegration Coordinator, Andreas Kavalierou shared valuable information about the GLOVES programme. Attendees also had the chance to join in on some fun boxing exercises, making for an engaging and energetic experience.

This celebration served as a powerful reminder of the resilience within the community and the importance of collaboration in making recovery possible.

The Harrow team is looking forward to hosting similar events in the future! Allen Quine, Service Manager said: “We can all work together to make Harrow a place that people want to live and be happy. I really could not have done this on my own. Congratulations to you all for what you’ve put together, you should all be really proud of your yourselves.”  

On 27th November 2024, we hosted the Beauty in the Everyday photography exhibition at Passmores House in Harlow, showcasing the inspiring work of service users from Via’s detox and rehab residence.

The exhibition provided a unique glimpse into the journeys of individuals in recovery, capturing the beauty they’ve found in everyday moments. Guests had the opportunity to view these powerful images, hear the stories behind them, and celebrate the creativity and resilience of those in our community.

With refreshments provided, the event fostered connection and reflection, making it a truly special occasion.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating this incredible showcase of photography and recovery!