Our impact

We support some of society’s most marginalised people to achieve transformational change, which includes clients with histories of profound disadvantage and hardship. Not only do we believe that anyone, regardless of their past, can move forward with their lives but we also empower our clients to act as role models to inspire hope and motivation among others that recovery and rehabilitation is possible. We facilitate this by enlisting them as peer mentors, employing them as paid staff, and by sharing their stories.

We carry out our own research and evaluation, combined with the voices of our clients, to demonstrate the impact of our services and show those who support our work the difference you help us make.

In 2022/23:

Forward supported 22,000 individuals in community and prison settings

14,886 clients received assessments, stabilised their condition, and were given advice and guidance

13,867 clients built motivation and learned new skills and behaviours

5,081 clients found recovery or started jobs or tenancies

For the first time in a long time, I feel that there are supporting hands around me

Service User, HMP Onley

Prison programmes

9,235 people in prisons accessed our substance misuse services

87% of clients said they had an excellent or good experience

Community drug and alcohol services

3,794 people accessed structured treatment for drug and alcohol problems through our community services

100% of clients said they had an excellent or good experience

For the first time in a long time, I feel that my life is going in the right direction and if it wasn’t for Forward’s help and support I don’t think I’d be where I am today.

Substance Misuse client, HMP Chelmsford

Families & Young People

Our Family & Young People team supported 105 families

140 clients attended Relationships Matter, our programme supporting people to understand their loving relationships and how these interact with their offending behaviour or substance misuse. 

42 young people participated in Change UP, our group intervention for 18–30-year-olds to reduce the harms associated with substance use and to improve wellbeing.  

83% of participants increased their resilience and self-esteem. 

I didn’t think my daughter was an alcoholic. I kept it hidden, I was on my own with it, I didn’t discuss it with my family. I blamed myself.

Engaging with Family Support is the best thing I’ve ever done. I grew up with a stiff upper lip. We did not discuss things with other people. The group made me face things, face the truth. When I talked about it, it was such a relief.

Employment

750 of our prison clients moved into jobs, education, training, or apprenticeships on their release 

594 community clients moved into jobs, training or apprenticeships 

200 clients were supported with idea for their enterprise and 41% of those were applying for growth funding or hiring staff within three months. 

Although Forward Enterprise Services had never supported a client within the performing arts sector, they found a way to help me shape my pitch and enabled me to see myself as a business – not just a broke artist trying to make my way.

Since working with Forward, the past 12 months have been incredible. My play Declan, that Forward supported, went on to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and was winner of the Keep it Fringe Award.

Alistair, Actor and Playwright

Housing

Housing 

90% of people we placed into independent accommodation maintained their tenancy for at least 6 months

72% maintained their tenancies for over 12 months 

You guys helped me so much, I couldn’t have done this on my own, it was a really good experience, any time I needed something I would call, and you would provide me with the correct advice, all the staff were great, supportive and knowledgeable. I would recommend the service to others.

Vision Housing Client

Mental health

844 clients undertook Improved Access to Psychological Therapy (IAPT) our in-prison mental health programme 

Counselling for me has been amazing. I looked forward to the session’s every week as I felt this is the only space I can be completely honest. Thank you to my Counsellor for understanding me and being amazing.

HMP Send client

I have been at HMP The Mount for about 18 months now. When I came back to this prison I was struggling massively with anxiety and depression. IAPT have been an invaluable service of support and help for me in helping me to process whatever has been going on for me.

Client – HMP The Mount