WOMEN ’ S SERVICES
THE POWER OF PERSISTENCE
B lackburn with Darwen , located in East Lancashire , is a diverse and vibrant borough known for its industrial heritage and strong community spirit . Nestled amidst scenic countryside , the town is home to historic landmarks and an impressive network of parks and green spaces .
However , similar to neighbour ing towns in the north west of England , the town faces issues around substance use and the challenge of encouraging women to access support . That ’ s why women ’ s support services from Spark are so important .
Spark is a trusted substance misuse service , providing confidential alcohol and drug
Working with hard-to-reach populations like vulnerable women means taking the time to properly build trust , says Emma Marsden
services on behalf of Blackburn with Darwen Council . Regulated by the Care Quality Commission ( CQC ), Spark provides effective treatments and teaches strategies for long-lasting change , with the aim of improving physical and mental health as well as increasing self-worth and the ability to start rebuilding supportive and positive relationships .
VULNERABLE WOMEN Understanding that anyone can be affected by addiction , Spark supports people of all ages , backgrounds and cultures , including children , young people , families and hard to reach groups . And as the town has seen an increase in assaults against vulnerable women , its women ’ s services have never been more vital .
Recovery practitioner Zoe Brindle has worked at Spark for three years . She works hard helping women who struggle to organise their own lives , providing a vital lifeline for those with chaotic lifestyles .
Acknowledging that not everyone chooses to go to rehab or detox , Zoe helps women reduce harm and live safer life styles . She does this through organising and attending medical appointments and health screenings , and working closely with the women to ensure they have the supplies they need to minimise risk . This can include BBV testing , pregnancy testing and signposting to other services . ‘ It ’ s quite like hand holding ,’ she says . ‘ I don ’ t focus on drugs and alcohol recovery , I focus on getting medication sorted , wounds sorted , attending appointments .’
BUILDING TRUST As many vulnerable women don ’ t actively engage with services , Zoe builds trust through her weekly outreach service . Every Wednesday , she heads into Blackburn to provide the town ’ s sex workers with supplies needed to reduce harm and stay safe . ‘ We start by giving them clean equipment and condoms , and from there we get chatting and that ’ s when I can help them with whatever they need ,’ she says .
Pictured : Spark ’ s dedicated women ’ s recovery group provides safe spaces for women to connect each week . This month , as part of International Women ’ s Day , Spark will be celebrating women and raising awareness of women ’ s rights .
18 • DRINK AND DRUGS NEWS • MARCH 2025 WWW . DRINKANDDRUGSNEWS . COM