Pictured above: Via staff from Cheshire West & Chester

Via’s drug and alcohol service in Cheshire West & Chester has reached a major public health milestone, with all three local hubs — Chester, Northwich and Ellesmere Port — officially achieving Hepatitis C micro-elimination. 

Micro-elimination means the virus has been effectively controlled and treated within our service community, and that a set of key performance metrics have been achieved. These metrics form the national standard for micro-elimination status and directly align with the national mission to eliminate viral Hepatitis in England by 2030. 

Across the service, staff ensured that: 

• 100% of people in treatment were offered a Hep C test 

• 98-100% of people who currently or previously inject drugs were tested 

• 90% of individuals still at risk were tested within the last 12 months 

• 90% of those diagnosed with Hep C had started treatment 

Together, this means that Cheshire West & Chester, as a whole service area, has collectively met the micro-elimination criteria set by NHS England, The Hepatitis C Trust, and other national drug and alcohol providers. 

Hepatitis C is a blood-borne virus which, if left untreated, can cause liver damage, that may increase the chances of liver cancer. It often has no symptoms, making testing the best method for advanced disease prevention. Anyone who has ever injected drugs has a higher risk of infection, making drug and alcohol treatment services essential partners in the elimination effort. 

A locally driven and county-wide approach 

The Via team worked closely with each hub to understand local challenges and ensure safe, easy access to testing and treatment. Once each hub had met its micro-elimination targets individually, the service expanded to a coordinated county-wide approach — enabling Cheshire West & Chester to achieve micro-elimination simultaneously and align with the wider Cheshire & Merseyside Operational Delivery Network (ODN). 

Celebrating a collective achievement 

A celebration event will be held on 18 December to recognise the combined efforts of Via staff, NHS partners and Cheshire West & Chester Council colleagues who have contributed to this achievement. Find out more about the event here: Events | Via – Recovery, Community & Awareness 

Professor Helen Bromley, Director of Public Health at Cheshire West and Chester Council, said: “Achieving Hepatitis C micro-elimination across the borough is something to really shout about. As a Council, we are determined to help young people in our borough have the best start in life, and help all adults live their best lives. Taking such a strong step against a debilitating illness like Hepatitis C is part of achieving this goal. It’s a real testament to the combined efforts of the staff and volunteers at Via, working alongside the Council and NHS partners. We remain committed to maintaining these efforts, making sure residents have fair and easy access to care and continuing to prioritise the health and wellbeing of our communities.” 

David Byrne, Programme Manager for Cheshire and Merseyside Hepatitis Operational Delivery Network: “NHS England’s hepatitis C elimination programme has been internationally recognised for its success in tackling this major public health challenge. Since 2015, around 100,000 people have been treated, leading to a 57% reduction in prevalence and a 40% drop in hepatitis C-related mortality. This achievement has been driven by innovative approaches, including a landmark deal for unlimited access to curative treatments and collaborative delivery models across healthcare settings. Working in close partnership with the NHS, addiction services, and community organisations has been central to reaching vulnerable populations and ensuring equitable access to care. In Cheshire and Merseyside over 4000 patients have received treatment for hepatitis C. The programme demonstrates what is possible when clinical expertise, data-driven strategies, and strong partnerships come together to prevent life-threatening liver disease and cancer.” 

Hannah Barlow, Health and Wellbeing Nurse at Via said: “The Hep C micro-elimination project has shown me how much change is possible when healthcare truly meets people where they are. I’ve worked with clients, many who have faced stigma, trauma, and long journeys with substance use, finally accessing testing and treatment in a way that feels safe, respectful, and free of judgement. When someone diagnosed with or testing positive for Hep C learns they can be cured quickly and without judgement, you can see the relief and hope almost instantly. It has been a privilege to be able to offer a seamless transition and continuous care across the services that support clients. Being part of this project has reminded me that compassionate, accessible nursing care doesn’t just treat illness; it restores dignity and opens the door to recovery. I’m proud to have been a part of that.” 

Alice Wainwright, Senior Recovery Practitioner and Amelia Donnelly, Criminal Justice Outreach Practitioner at Via said: “Since working to achieve micro-elimination, we have seen clients become more aware of the risks of BBVs, being active in asking for testing and have supported clients in successfully completing their treatment. Not only has this allowed for clients to be more health focused and breakdown the barriers to accessing treatment, but we have also seen clients become more trusting and increased willingness to open up about their substance misuse with practitioners. The team at Unity House have worked extremely hard to explore the barriers and concerns clients have around testing, which is evidenced in the achievement of micro-elimination, well done Unity House!” 

David Targett, Area Director at Via said: “Achieving micro-elimination represents a significant effort by everyone involved and required significant multi-agency partnership working. The praise and recognition reflect the strength of the integration of the system and partners working together, which would not have been possible without the people we support engaging in that work. Furthermore, this success emphasises that recovery is multifaceted and must include wider determinants of health – benefiting not only the individuals whose health has been protected, but the communities they live in and society as a whole. I offer my thanks and congratulations to everyone involved in achieving micro-elimination and look forward to maintaining this status in the future.” 

Pictured: Willesden Hub team members

Pictured: Via – New Beginnings – Brent colleagues at Cobbold Road.

We’re proud to share that Via – New Beginnings Brent has reached an incredible milestone: one full year of Hepatitis C micro-elimination! 

This achievement is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the team. From clinical staff and BBV champions, to recovery practitioners who continue to offer dry blood spot testing to everyone starting their treatment journey — their commitment has been key in ensuring people are supported, barriers are reduced, and stigma is challenged. 

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to this success and helped us take another step towards eliminating Hepatitis C for good. 

Cllr Neil Nerva, Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Public Health and Leisure said: “We’re proud to have worked closely in partnership with Via and NHS Central and North West London in helping eliminate Hepatitis C in Brent. This news is a testament to the power of what can be achieved when local government works with the NHS and VCSE (Voluntary, Community and Social enterprise) partners. Work like this is an example of how ensuring that the VCSE sector has the resources it needs to thrive, can improve outcomes for our residents and create a more inclusive, collaborative and forward-thinking Brent.” 

Max Griffiths, Service Manager at Via said: “I am over the moon that New Beginnings has been able to reconfirm micro-elimination after 12 months. The service works extremely hard to support our service users to get tested and treated, and this is more evidence that our practice is well embedded. A huge well done to everyone, especially our partner CNWL (NHS Central and North West London)”. 

If you live in Brent and would like to talk to someone about your own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, please contact us on 020 8459 9510 or brent@viaorg.uk.

Pictured left to right: Jodie Roddy, Umarah Choudhary (Cheshire West & Chester Council); Dave Targett, Jane Murphy, Matt Flegg, Craig Middleton, Jennifer McWhirter (Via); Jason Kelvin (Photographer).

On 3 June, Chester Picturehouse hosted the launch of Beauty in the Everyday, a powerful photography exhibition created by people in recovery at local drug and alcohol support service, Via – New Beginnings, Cheshire West & Chester. 

The exhibition brought together participants, their families, staff, local partners, and professionals from the wider community to reflect on recovery, creativity, and the beauty found in everyday moments. The showcased work is the result of weeks of collaboration and storytelling through photography — a medium that provided space for reflection, connection, and growth. 

The evening featured inspiring speeches, including a personal story from a peer mentor, followed by a vibrant performance from Fallen Angels dance group. Attendees then had the opportunity to view the exhibition up close. 

Beauty in the Everyday is part of a Via project led by photographer Jason Kelvin. Previous exhibitions have taken place at Via services in the London Borough of Redbridge and at residential detox and rehab, Passmores House in Essex, each time showcasing the voices and visions of people in recovery across different services. 

Lisa, who took part in the project, shared her experience:

“I wasn’t sure what to expect embarking on this project. I thought it would be a great way to rediscover my creativity. It has challenged me to stop hiding my shadows and embrace them, as they are part of who I am and what makes me, me.” 

Steve, another contributor, said:

“Instead of walking past the everyday, I now stop and pause to take in the beauty around. Capturing it inspires me to create. The project also brings me a calmness of mind, a great feeling of achievement, and the chance to make good friends.” 

Photographer and project lead, Jason Kelvin, shared:

“It’s been a real pleasure working once again on the Via photography project, ‘Beauty in the Everyday.’ The staff and clients in Cheshire West and Chester have been incredibly warm and kind. Once again, I’m hugely overwhelmed by the absolute genius, beauty, and creativity of their photography. 

As a recovering addict and alcoholic myself, I really feel that the times we’ve worked together—printing and framing the photos—have enhanced my connection with others and prevented me from feeling isolated. I’m so happy that I’ve been given this opportunity once again.” 

Councillor Lisa Denson, Cheshire West and Chester Council’s Cabinet Member for A Fairer Future (Poverty, Public Health and Mental Health) said:

“This exhibition is amazing, really inspirational, and you can see all the hard work and passion that’s gone into it. We want residents in our borough to flourish, be happy and healthy, and to live in supportive communities – something that was 100 percent evident through this project.” 

Anna Whitton, CEO of Via, said: 

“Beauty in the Everyday puts the right people at the very heart of the project. It brilliantly documents beauty in the everyday and celebrates connections to the world that we live in. The project has been and continues to be thought-provoking and inspiring. It should make us all stop and reflect on what is possible.” 

Dave Targett, Area Director for Cheshire West and Chester, said: 

“People often see recovery as just removing what’s harmful, but it’s just as much about building something hopeful. It’s not only about letting go, but also about what we grow into. This project captures that. It’s honest, creative, and rooted in everyday life. You’ve shown what recovery can look like when we focus on the whole journey, person and future.”

At Via, we’re helping to bridge the digital divide by distributing 50 refurbished laptops to people who use our services, thanks to the Good Things Foundation’s National Device Bank.  

Every year, 1.5 million tonnes of tech go to landfill, while many people across the UK lack access to digital devices.  

The National Device Bank, run by Good Things Foundation, provides vital digital access by refurbishing and redistributing donated devices to those in need. The initiative supports people experiencing financial hardship, helping them stay connected, access essential services, and improve their employability prospects. 

As part of the National Digital Inclusion Network, Via has previously distributed smartphones, tablets, and SIM cards to those facing digital exclusion in our services. 

The newly secured 50 refurbished laptops will be distributed over the next three months, with 20 specifically allocated to IPS (Individual Placement and Support) clients to support them in finding employment and developing their digital skills. To ensure fair access, there is an online application form, which people can complete with the support of their Via keyworker. 

The difference a device can make 

The impact of previous digital support initiatives has been life-changing for many people who use Via services.  

One individual, previously rough sleeping, was given a refurbished smartphone as part of her Staying Safe Plan. This enabled her to keep in contact with keyworkers and access vital support services, helping her rebuild her life. She described it as “organising my days and looking forward to a new life.” 

Asha shared how access to digital resources transformed her life: “I feel so much better since receiving the data from Good Things Foundation. It enabled me to do so many things like completing courses at Via. It has also helped me manage appointments for me and my kids. I am more confident now, compared to how I felt before.” 

Mohammed, a past recipient of a refurbished tablet, also spoke about the positive impact it has had on his family: “Me, my wife, and my son all use it for different things. I’ll be using it to do my online training as a peer mentor at Via.” 

Pam Xenitellis, Qualifications Coordinator at Via said: “I am absolutely delighted that our application to the National Device Bank has been successful, and we have been granted 50 refurbished laptops to gift to service users in need. This incredible opportunity will make a significant difference in the lives of those we support, empowering them in countless ways by opening up new opportunities and breaking down barriers. It’s a wonderful step forward in our commitment to ensuring digital inclusion for the people who use our services.” 

Harj Bansil, IPS Service Manager at Via said: “For many of the people we support through the IPS programme, the journey into employment is already filled with challenges – lack of confidence, limited resources, and barriers that most of us take for granted. Not having access to something as basic as a laptop can make that journey feel that much more difficult. This initiative is about more than just handing out devices. It’s about giving people a real chance—these laptops represent opportunity and hope. They offer our clients the digital tools they need to move forward, not just in their employment journey, but in their lives as a whole. 

At Via, we believe everyone deserves the tools to thrive, and this partnership allows us to turn that belief into real, life-changing impact. We’re grateful to the Good Things Foundation and proud to be part of something that brings hope and a brighter future to those who need it most.” 

We will soon be bidding a fond farewell to Yasmin Batliwala MBE who has decided to step down as the chair of our board of trustees. 

Yasmin was part of the foundation of Via (formerly WDP) and has been a passionate, hardworking and dedicated leader of our board.   

We are profoundly grateful for her support, knowledge and expertise over the past 30+ years, enabling the organisation to grow from strength to strength. 

During her tenure, Yasmin has steered Via through considerable growth as well as a hugely successful and award-winning rebrand. Our strong track record over this time has meant we’re reaching more people experiencing harm from alcohol and other drugs and expanding the support we provide into new areas such as smoking cessation, sexual health, employment support and mental health. 

Anna Whitton, CEO of Via said: “So much has been achieved during the time that Yasmin has chaired our board of trustees, and we are grateful for her determination and commitment to our growth, development and impact. Yasmin will be leaving us at a point where we have grown significantly to reach more people, have launched new programmes and partnerships and have been recognised externally for our capability and commitment as an employer. We are thankful for her support and guidance on our journey so far.” 

Yasmin has recently led on the recruitment of 7 new trustees at Via and we’ll be able to share more details and welcome them all soon!  

Yasmin will be stepping down once a new Chair has been recruited.  

Our Deputy Chair, Mike Walsh is overseeing the recruitment process for our new Chair, and you can find out more about this here: Chair of Trustees | Via via Peridot Partners. 

Anna Whitton, CEO of Via, and Lizzie Botteril of ASHA

We are delighted and proud to announce that our re-brand to Via has won an award at the Transform Awards Europe 2025 in the category ‘Best Naming Strategy (Rename)’. 

The Transform Awards Europe recognise excellence in creativity and strategy across the whole brand development process, including rebranding and brand strategy. 

We’d like to congratulate and thank ASHA & Co for creating and bringing to life our now award-winning name and brand. 

Our experience of working with ASHA was extremely positive and collaborative, and since the launch of our new name in June 2023, our brand has been going from strength to strength. 

It was really important to us and our stakeholders that our new name would be simple, discreet and clearly show who we are.  

We support people experiencing harm from alcohol or other drugs, and our name now not only reflects that we’re part of a journey, but also that everyone’s journey is different. 

The award ceremony took place on 26 March and the judges’ comments were: “This is the sixteenth year for the Transform Awards in Europe and the calibre and number of entries just gets better and bigger. This year we continued to see growth on top of last year’s record number of submissions. ASHA & Co has done incredibly well this year.”  

Anna Whitton, CEO of Via said:  “We’re delighted that ASHA have won this award. They paid so much attention to who we are and created a brand and name that reflected that brilliantly. It’s good to see their work recognised through the Transform Awards and we’re excited to have an award-winning brand too!”  

Anna pictured with Steven, Lizzie and Marksteen from ASHA

In recent times, we have been carefully considering what we need from a central office premises. 

We’ve been talking with our teams, evaluating how we’ve been using the building, and thinking about what this might look like in the future.

With this in mind, we put our Dartmouth Street head office on the market in November; our plan being that we would use a proportion of the funds from the sale to put back into further enhancing our service spaces.

The demand for the building was high and we were pleased to agree a sale much more quickly than we anticipated, with completion in early February 2025.

Although Dartmouth Street is in a great central London location, the building layout wasn’t very accessible nor conducive to collaborative working. Also, the way our central teams have been working over the past 4 years has changed significantly, with the building being used much less often and by fewer people.

So, rather than investing in another central space right away, we’re embarking on an exciting project to review what we actually need – exploring alternative ways of working and different set-ups.  We want this to work for our people and also be environmentally conscious, sustainable and forward thinking.

Although we are sad to say goodbye to Dartmouth Street, we think that this is a positive step for Via and are looking forward to seeing what the future holds.

Via’s new registered address is Passmores House, Third Avenue, Harlow, Essex, CM18 6YL. 

Pictured: Hydah Nawab (Deputy Service Manager at Via Redbridge).

Hydah Nawab, Deputy Service Manager at Via Redbridge, has recently earned a distinction in her ILM Level 5 Leadership & Management course – an exceptional accomplishment, as this grade is rare. 

Hydah said: “I initially negotiated that I would be enrolled on a Level 5 at my offer stage for the role I’m in and was enrolled after I passed my probation. Throughout the apprenticeship I was provided with study leave and supported in my projects by my manager. Happy – a B Corp offering workplace consultancy and learning experiences, were extremely supportive throughout my course, and it was the first time that education has been enjoyable for me.” 

Helen O’Connor, Via Area Manager for Redbridge said: “Overcoming several personal challenges along the way, Hydah has worked extremely hard with a high level of focus on her apprenticeship, studying towards Maths and English exams alongside building an extensive portfolio of reflection and evidence of the knowledge, skills, and experience she has acquired throughout the programme. The timing of her End Point Assessment coincided perfectly with our launch of our wellbeing coaching programme, Re-new, which Hydah used as her final project. She was able to draw upon a wide range of learning from her course, as well as her own depth of experience and knowledge in the sector to get us ready to promote Re-new widely across the borough.” 

Sarah Edwards, Senior Facilitator and Apprenticeship Assessor at Happy, praised Hydah’s resilience and determination: “Hydah has been remarkable, and she’s overcome so much over the last couple of years. There were times that I thought it might be sensible for her to take a break from her learning, but her hard work and perseverance carried her through. Distinctions are hard to get, and they require something special from the candidate which Hydah clearly exhibited.” 

Nicole Martins, Apprenticeship Coordinator at Happy, emphasized the challenges apprentices face: “Apprentices must be adaptable, finding ways to meet the competing demands of their job, studies, and personal commitments. They must attend regular training, coaching, and progress review meetings. Apprentices must prioritise and set boundaries to effectively manage their time. Above all, apprentices must be brave and undergo a journey of self-discovery, to learn who they are as leaders, where they excel, and where they need further development. For those who complete Happy’s leadership apprenticeship programmes, they can expect huge rewards. The skills they learn from the programmes are valuable for life, including how to coach and empower their people. Distinctions are particularly hard to get, and they require something special from the candidate which Hydah clearly exhibited.” 

This achievement showcases the value of leadership apprenticeship programmes in developing future leaders.  

Apprenticeships offer an opportunity to build essential skills, face challenges head-on, and transform professionally and personally. 

Congratulations, Hydah! 

At Via, we offer a wide range of learning and development opportunities for different roles and areas of interest. We’ll also reimburse you for agreed professional registration fees.   

Find out more about our award-winning benefits and our current vacancies here: Careers at VIA | Join Our Recovery Support Team 

Pictured left to right: Matt Pearce, Sue Butterworth, and Steven Bow (West Berkshire Council); Cllr Billy Drummond (Chairman, West Berkshire Council); Dani Cawsey, Anna Whitton, Eleanor Lyden-Vieten, and Craig Middleton (Via).

On 30 January, drug and alcohol support charity Via welcomed local partners and community leaders to an open day at its Newbury hub. The event celebrated the service’s impact in West Berkshire and highlighted the vital drug and alcohol support available to local people. 

The event was opened by Matt Pearce, Director of Public Health for West Berkshire Council, who emphasised the power of partnership in supporting local communities. Anna Whitton, CEO of Via, followed with a speech on the importance and impact of accessible, high-quality services in supporting people on their recovery journey. 

Dani Cawsey, Service Manager for Via West Berkshire, provided an insightful overview of the service, explaining how it helps people through structured treatment, a wide range of support options, and dedicated programmes such as the family and friends group.  

A particularly moving presentation came from Andreas Kavalierou, Via’s Reintegration Coordinator, who introduced the GLOVES programme – a unique 6-week initiative that draws parallels between the 12 rounds of boxing and the 12 steps of recovery. He spoke powerfully about how the programme gives people determination, focus, and a sense of purpose beyond their usual treatment. By enhancing responsibility, resilience, and fitness, GLOVES helps develop a winning mentality for sustained recovery. Attendees were also treated to an impressive boxing demonstration by a GLOVES graduate, showcasing the programme’s impact in action. 

Jason Kew, Public Health Strategist, spoke passionately about the local Combatting Drugs Partnership, highlighting the importance of collaboration between organisations to tackle stigma, promote harm reduction, and enhance education and prevention efforts. 

The day concluded with a delicious lunch and networking session, where attendees connected and explored future collaboration opportunities. 

Eleanor Lyden-Vieten, Area Director at Via said: “I’m really proud of the whole Via team and the impact they have every day in the lives of the people we support. The success of this event is a testament to their hard work, enthusiasm and passion.  We were happy to see so many local partners in attendance and look forward to continuing to build even stronger working relationships with them.” 

Craig Middleton, Executive Director of Services at Via said: It was great to see so many partners from West Berkshire at the event. The strong interest in the service’s work was clear from all the people who attended.  The team shared some wonderful examples of the support and help they offer to people who use our service and positive impact it has had. 

Matt Pearce, Director of Public Health, West Berkshire Council said: “We’re proud to partner with Via. The work they do is a game changer. They become an integral part of people’s journeys with alcohol dependency and drug use and help them to take a better path.”

We’re incredibly proud to share the inspiring journey of Mandy Yasities, a peer mentor at our Ellesmere Port hub in Cheshire West and Chester. Mandy has recently become one of the faces of BRIO Leisure, which operates leisure centres across Cheshire and offers a wide range of health, fitness, and well-being services. Her story is a powerful example of hope, resilience, and determination. 

As part of Mandy Yasities’ recovery progress, she joined Via’s gym scheme in partnership with BRIO Leisure, starting with an induction that helped her ease into the program. Over time, she embraced the physical and mental health benefits of fitness, preferring group classes over the gym itself, and made regular attendance a key part of her recovery plan. 

Her consistent efforts and positive attitude have been truly transformative. Mandy is thriving in recovery and continues to encourage her peers to adopt similar routines. Her dedication caught the attention of BRIO Leisure, who invited her to participate in a photoshoot for their campaign. You may even spot her picture on bus shelter ads and billboards! Mandy’s role as one of BRIO’s ambassadors doesn’t stop there; she’s already scheduled for another photo shoot this spring. 

Her story is a testament to what can be achieved with determination, community support, and access to initiatives like the gym scheme. 

Here’s what Mandy Yasities had to say: “The BRIO Gym scheme has been an integral part of my recovery. It was suggested to me by my keyworker at the time – Amanda Casey at Unity House – around two years ago. I was apprehensive at first because of the stigma I thought I would face, but it was absolutely fine! It gave me a sense of purpose, something to achieve, and also something to fill my time. 

I have identified over the years that routine is very important to me in everyday life. Being able to book onto classes regularly gives me a routine that I can stick to and work around other things I have going on in my life, such as volunteering at Via! I absolutely love my volunteering and am learning lots – it’s really nice to be a part of a lovely, supportive, and encouraging team. 

Joining BRIO has definitely helped my recovery one hundred percent, and I am so happy to now be a part of their new campaign. It shows me how far I have come in the last two years, as there’s no way I would have done this then! I have had my struggles, as we all have, but the team at BRIO and the team at Via and Unity House have inspired me to carry on. I get loads of support and am able to use my own experiences to help others. It helps that people currently in service can see that there is hope and light at the end of the tunnel if you want it. Anything is possible!” 

Amanda Casey, manager at Via, said: “Mandy Yasities has shown what hard work and determination can do, and the positive impact it can have on your life in all areas.” 

Peter Davies, General Manager at BRIO Leisure said: “Unlike other clubs our centres are fully staffed with professional, qualified and passionate staff that genuinely want to help users improve their lifestyles, be it through exercise, wellbeing or socially.” 

Mel Cairns, Personal Trainer and Fitness Class Instructor said: “Mandy is an amazing example of the work we can do at Brio, and her positivity and determination has been an inspiration. A little extra support is so effective when someone really wants to change their life, but I have to say the real work came from her.” 

Diane Gavin, Receptionist at BRIO Leisure, said: “I first met Mandy Yasities through signing her up on the pilot scheme, and I am so proud and amazed with how dedicated she is. She is an absolute credit to the scheme due to her determination and dedication, come rain or shine. It has been an absolute pleasure to see Mandy grow and get to know her, which has become a lovely friendship.”