We’re thrilled to announce that Via Harrow has successfully sustained its Hepatitis C micro-elimination status for over one year!

This marks an incredible milestone, as Harrow is the first Via service to achieve and sustain this status. 

A massive shoutout to everyone involved, especially to our clinical team and BBV champion, for their critical roles in this achievement. 

Also a special thank you to our incredible recovery practitioners, who tirelessly carry out dry blood spot tests for those beginning their treatment journey with us, working to ensure no one is left behind. 

Oasis Azeez-Harris, Senior Public Health Commissioner for Sexual Health and Substance Misuse from Harrow Council said: “Congratulations to the Via Harrow team for their achievement of maintaining one full year of Hep C micro-elimination! I am thrilled to celebrate their remarkable achievement of Hepatitis C micro-elimination for the second consecutive year. Their dedication and hard work in combatting this virus is truly commendable. This milestone is a testament to their unwavering commitment to improving public health and making a significant difference in the community. Via Harrow’s efforts do not only bring hope to many but have also set a shining example for others to follow. Keep up the fantastic work and know that your contributions are deeply appreciated. Warmest congratulations once again!” 

 Dr. Vivienne Gosnell, Clinical Lead at Via – Harrow said: “Congratulations to all at Via Harrow for sustaining Hep-C micro-elimination for over one year. It’s been a joint effort, and we are very grateful for the support centrally from our Hep C co-ordinator making sure we had reliable, up-to-date data. We met regularly and shared this with our team to ensure testing opportunities wouldn’t be missed. We also worked closely with our hospital infectious diseases unit and the Hepatitis C Trust mentors to reach those not attending the service. Successful Hepatitis C treatment not only prevents long-term health complications such as cirrhosis and liver cancer for those affected, but also stops transmission to others. We want to thank everyone involved for their hard work and dedication in achieving this goal.” 

If you live in Harrow and would like to talk to someone about your own or someone else’s drug or alcohol use, please contact us on 0300 303 2868 or harrow@viaorg.uk.

New appointments bring fresh expertise and energy in first wave of board recruitment

We are proud to announce the appointment of a new Chair and several new Trustees to our Board.  

This exciting first wave of board recruitment marks a significant step forward in further strengthening our leadership and helping us to support more people to make positive changes in their lives.  

Our newly appointed Chair, Charles Waddicor, brings a wealth of experience from the health and social care fields, alongside a proven track record of strategic leadership and community impact. He will play a pivotal role in guiding our vision and long-term strategy. 

Joining him on the Board are seven new Trustees: 

• Don MacIntyre, expert in economic and international development, and experience of working with membership and association industries. 

• James Copeland, specialist in fostering, policy and service innovation.  

• Jamie Giles, leader in the addiction and mental health sector 

• Kathryn Ellis, expert in change management across the NHS and charity sectors, with experience of commissioning and service delivery. 

• Lloyd Humphreys, specialist in healthcare innovation and clinical psychology fields. 

• Magda Howlett, expert in charity and membership organisation finance 

• Pedro Dalton, specialist in housing, short-term accommodation and support services in the public sector. 

Each new Trustee brings valuable skills, diverse perspectives, and a strong commitment to our mission. Their collective experience spans healthcare, governance, finance, digital solutions, community engagement, development, innovation, and lived experience, positioning us well to build on our success and towards a dynamic and sustainable future. 

Anna Whitton, CEO at Via said: “We’re delighted to welcome our new Chair and Trustees to the Board. This marks the beginning of an exciting chapter for Via. Their passion and expertise will be instrumental in helping us grow our impact and reach more people in the communities we serve and beyond.” 

Mike Walsh, Deputy Chair of the Board of Trustees at Via said: “Whilst it’s sad to say goodbye to some long serving Trustees, expanding and refreshing the board gives us the opportunity to build on our momentum.” 

To find out more about our new Chair and Trustees visit www.viaorg.uk/about-us/meet-the-team. 

This is the first phase in an ongoing board development initiative, with additional recruitment planned over the coming months to ensure we continue to benefit from a wide range of voices and talents. 

Those interested in future board opportunities with Via can register their interest by emailing people@viaorg.uk.  

Pictured: Vanessa Duke and Allen Quine (Via), and Councillor Anjana Patel (Mayor of Harrow).

We’re delighted to share that Via has been selected as one of the official charities of the new Mayor of Harrow, Councillor Anjana Patel, for her Mayoral year. 

The announcement was made at Harrow Council’s annual Mayor Making ceremony on 15 May, held at Elliott Hall in the Harrow Arts Centre. Via Area Director Vanessa Duke, and Service Manager, Allen Quine, were delighted to attend the event and witness Cllr Patel’s appointment as Harrow’s 73rd Mayor – and the first British Tanzanian/Indian-born Mayor in the UK. 

In her first address as Mayor, Cllr Patel shared that her theme for the year is kindness, caring and respect. Speaking about her chosen charities, she said: 

“I encourage everyone to support my charities, Via and Samaritans, who carry out vital work to help those most in need.” 

Via is honoured to be recognised alongside the national charity Samaritans, and we’re especially proud to represent the Harrow community in this role. The mayor’s support shines a spotlight on the importance of the work we do – supporting individuals and families affected by alcohol and drug use. 

Vanessa Duke, Area Director at Via said:  

“We are happy and proud to have been selected as one of Mayor Patel’s charities for the 2025/26 year. It was a great a privilege to welcome Cllr Anjana Patel to Via Harrow, and we were very honoured to attend the Mayor Making Ceremony to see her appointed as first citizen of Harrow.  Via has a long history of delivering high-quality treatment and care in the borough and we are excited to be able to raise the profile of our service to residents, enabling us to reach more people that might need our support.” 

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.”