Life-saving drug and alcohol service marks 10 years of transforming lives

A lifesaving drug and alcohol service that's transformed lives across Leeds is marking a decade of helping thousands of people.

- by James Connolly

Forward Leeds, which has helped more than 21,000 people access detox programmes and turn the tide on addiction, is holding a series of open evenings this month to mark the milestone showcasing vital work being carried out from its city centre hub and satellite bases in Armley and Seacroft.

From supporting young people under 21 to rolling out emergency Naloxone kits to reverse opioid overdoses, the service has delivered treatment to thousands - including more than 12,000 people who have successfully exited the programme after completing treatment.

More than 7,000 Naloxone kits have been distributed and nearly 2,000 under-21s have received specialist help.

But staff say their work is far from over - and are now using creative tools to reach those who may not otherwise come forward for help.

"We need to go out to them and be visible," Helen Cook, operations director at Forward Leeds, told the Yorkshire Evening Post.

She has worked in substance misuse for her entire career, arguing that the strengths of Forward Leeds are in its deeply rooted partnerships - including a strong relationship with Leeds City Council.