Vision, mission and values

Our beliefs

Our work is based on a common set of beliefs:

That addiction and offending behaviour are often rooted in adverse childhood experiences – neglect, abuse, and trauma – or mental health problems in adulthood.

That poverty, and lack of positive opportunity or networks, are also significant factors in the development of drug or alcohol addiction, or criminal lifestyles.

That anyone, irrespective of their past or current circumstances, is capable of confronting their problems and challenges in life and, with the right support, making lasting and positive changes.

That change and recovery depends on people taking responsibility for their own actions, poor choices and negative behaviours. Everyone has the option to make positive decisions about the future, and to take advantage of new opportunities.

That instilling self-confidence and self-belief in people who have become accustomed to alienation and disappointment, is core to enabling change.

That change and recovery is grounded in human connection and community, with family, friends and loved ones involved wherever possible, and opportunities provided for people to build self-respect through making positive contributions to the communities in which they live.

That people who have succeeded in turning their lives around are important role models and sources of support and inspiration for others, as peers, educators and as members of staff.

That the benefits to communities and society of enabling change and recovery are long-term and wide-reaching.

That wider understanding of the causes of addiction and offending will reduce the prejudice and shame that stops people asking for and getting help.

Our vision

Our vision is that anyone – whatever their history or circumstances – gets the opportunity and support to live a positive life that fulfils their potential, and to inspire others to follow the same path.

Our mission

We exist to help anyone impacted by addiction, crime, homelessness, or longterm unemployment to turn their lives around. Our services work to inspire the belief in a better life, and support people to achieve that goal. We campaign to build awareness so that more people feel able to ask for help in a society that believes in the power of second chances and long-term recovery.

Our values

We deliver all our services with compassion and without condemnation. We are a safe place to start a changed life and we will be there for people for however long it takes, because change and recovery happens one day at a time.

In order to deliver all our services in line with our values, we:

Do not judge or condemn people, recognising that many who come to us have been accustomed to stigmatisation and marginalisation.

Empower people to make their own positive choices

Stay with people throughout their journey, connecting for a lifetime, though we also respect people’s wishes when they want to move on

Treat everybody equally with dignity, compassion, and empathy

Believe that everyone should be welcome and free to act and be just as they perceive themselves to be.

Recognise the importance of family relationships, positive or negative, in people’s lives. We believe how a family is defined is up to the individuals involved, and that we all hold our own unique version of what family looks like.

Believe that the principles of honesty, self-care and self-improvement are universally relevant – to us as volunteers, staff, and Trustees, as well as our clients.