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.” 

We’re pleased to announce that Via will continue delivering the adult community drug and alcohol service in the London Borough of Harrow, following the successful retention of our contract.

This achievement reflects the dedication and compassion of our Harrow team, who support local people affected by drugs and alcohol and help them improve their health, wellbeing and recovery.

The new contract began earlier this year and will run for an initial three years, with the option to extend for a further two years.

Allen Quine, Service Manager at Via Harrow, said:

“We’re delighted that our commissioner has extended our contract through the direct award scheme until the end of March 2028, with an option for a further two years at that time. We’re proud of the work we’ve done so far and look forward to continuing to support people in Harrow. With it being such a diverse borough, Harrow has its own unique challenges as well as its own character and flair, making it a real pleasure to be part of the community and contribute to keeping it a great place to live.”

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.

Pictured above: Via Harrow team

We’re pleased to announce that we’ve launched an important new service at Via called Naloxone Direct to Door.

In our service areas, anyone aged 18 or over can now order free naloxone kits online. Kits will arrive in plain, discreet packaging, direct to their chosen address.

Naloxone saves lives

Naloxone is a medication that quickly and safely reverses the effects of an overdose from opioids – like heroin, morphine and methadone – as well as synthetic opioids.

It’s also especially important in light of recent figures from the Office of National Statistics (ONS) which show that 5,565 people lost their lives to drug poisoning in England and Wales in 2024. Heroin and other opioids were involved in 2,621 of these deaths.

These figures highlight the continued and devastating impact of drug-related deaths across communities, and the urgent need for compassionate, evidence-based support for people affected by drug use.

Each number represents a person, a family, and a community affected by loss.

Via’s Naloxone Direct to Door service is currently available to local residents in the following areas:

• Cheshire West and Chester
• Gloucestershire
• London:
  • Brent
  • Greenwich
  • Harrow
  • Kingston
  • Merton
  • Redbridge
• West Berkshire

To order a naloxone kit, visit www.viaorg.uk/information/naloxone.

To find a Via service near you, visit www.viaorg.uk/get-help.

Find out more about naloxone at Naloxone – Naloxone Saves Lives.

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.

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 

• 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.