COFFEE MORNINGS Nina delivers monthly Orange Umbrella coffee mornings in Bramhall as well as confidence-building classes for the Women’ s Centre, and has been doing an incredible job at raising awareness of domestic abuse across Stockport.
HOMELESSNESS David has worked with The Wellspring and local council to address issues around homelessness and how to tackle the problem locally.
The groups have brought together Stockport residents and created a sense of community where previously there was none. Those attending have gained confidence, self-esteem and motivation with fantastic outcomes.
One gentleman hadn’ t left his house for 12 years; he is now attending further education and is volunteering. Another has become abstinent and is now in full-time paid employment, simply as a result of attending these groups.
Intuitive Thinking Skills take pride in delivering strong, credible outcomes through the partnerships we are involved in as part of our Ambition Portsmouth service.
WOMEN WARRIORS Tiffany created and hosts a group called Women Warriors, a safe space for women to receive support and explore their feelings through art and connection with peers.
HEALTH SUPPORT Lorraine is following her passion for supporting those in hospital facing health challenges relating to addiction. She now works closely with the alcohol specialist nurse service at Portsmouth QA hospital, providing peer support to patients and enhancing the vital work carried out by this
team by contributing her lived experience to teaching sessions.
B. MORE John regularly conducts needle exchange in local hostels and has recently become the chair of B. More, a community group focused on reducing stigma and raising awareness of recovery success in the wider community, with aspirations to become a charity soon.
Benji is a founding member and chair of B. More, dedicated to transforming lives and fostering an Inclusive Recovery City in Portsmouth. Benji’ s commitment and consistent dedication to Ambition Portsmouth will see him leading our Saturday Recovery Group.
Following B. More’ s Coffee in the Square event, the group received 28 evaluation feedback forms, with most saying that just by stopping and having a coffee and conversation they learnt more about recovery – it was evident that the discussions helped reduce stigma in the local area.
PROJECT W Makayla was a founding member of our women’ s service Project W and helped it grow into the success it is today, supporting vulnerable women with complex needs in Portsmouth and creating a community for them to be a part of. Currently, 21-24
Left: Greater Manchester ambassadors at the Ayres Road Festival in Hulme providing a refuge station and games alongside information, advice and guidance on local services.
Top left: B. More coffee event. Above: Creative workshops at Project W.
women access the service weekly. A Project W feedback survey found 100 per cent of attendees had felt safe accessing the service and 100 per cent reported having made positive changes in their lives.
‘ It’ s a place where all women can meet and feel safe to catch up and have discussions with likeminded people.’
‘ It’ s confidential and has really helped me. It’ s made me feel more confident. I would recommend to a friend because hopefully it would help them in the same way.’( Project W attendee feedback)
AMBASSADOR PROGRAMME After completing our Ambassador Programme, Kirsty and Dal gained employment with the local drug and alcohol service and share the lead on co-producing their LGBTQ + peer support programme.
The Ambassador Programme gives people the opportunity to use their lived experience and skills to improve their own life, as well as the lives of the local community.
PROMOTIONAL FEATURE JULY / AUGUST 2025 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS