‘It has changed my life’: New drug and alcohol support services open

A charity has opened its first employment focussed drug and alcohol support service in three boroughs.

Humankind – a national substance use treatment provider – has launched the new services in Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark. 

The services work with people recovering from drug or alcohol dependence and local employers to help those in need of support back into work at the start of their recovery. 

Christine, a Humankind client who did not want to give her full name, said: “All of this has changed my life for the better. 

“I’m busy now working at a care home and I’m making my own money and learning new skills.

“I love interacting with the residents in the home and I feel good knowing that I’m helping others.

“The support I received once I started work was really useful as without it, I may have ended up quitting because of any small stress factor.”

Staff work alongside employers, helping them to meet their recruitment needs and offering ongoing support throughout the employment period.

Councillor Marcia Cameron, Lambeth’s cabinet member for healthier communities, said: “Substance abuse not only damages individuals lives, but also harms families and our wider communities. 

“We will be able to now support some of our most vulnerable residents into employment which will help sustain their recovery and make positive change in their lives.”

Humankind is a national charity with more than 2,100 staff supporting more than 106,000 people across England.

Humankind director of operations for London, Lyndsey Morris, said: “This is an exciting new opportunity for people that use our services in Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark. 

“Having employment can be a key part of the recovery process, providing a reason to get out of bed in the morning and boosting confidence, motivation and financial independence. 

“We have seen the transformative effect that IPS has had in other areas and our own fantastic team of trained employment specialists are looking forward to delivering this programme as part of an integrated approach to people’s recovery journey.”

Pictured top: New IPS staff members from left, Caroline Lall, Damilola Ayanda, Richard Malado, Sophie Harris (Picture: Humankind)