25 Mar 2026
The Forward Trust has today released a powerful new promotional film showcasing the welcoming, inclusive and vibrant culture that is at the heart of our peer-led recovery community, Forward Connect.
Featuring lived-experience stories and exclusive footage from recent fun‑days, reunions, and other social events, this compelling new video emphasises the importance of staying connected during recovery — helping members to maintain long‑term recovery from substance use.
Chantel Gell, a Recovery Navigator at The Forward Trust with lived-experience of addiction, opens the video saying:
“Forward Connect, we're like a big family, and that's what we need in recovery.
"We don't want to be left on our own.
"We need people that all understand us.
"It's nice to be connected — and that's what Forward Connect does."
Andrew, another Forward Connect member, said:
"I'm quite happy that I joined Forward Connect because not being drunk for 10 days is a good achievement, but, if you can carry on after that, then it's huge."
Julie Muir, Executive Director of Recovery Support at The Forward Trust, said:
“This film is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when organisations like The Forward Trust treat recovery not as an afterthought, but as a core part of every person’s treatment journey.
“Addiction often thrives in silence and isolation, and we know that staying connected can reduce loneliness, prevent relapse, and help people thrive long after formal support ends. Being entirely peer-led, Forward Connect is built by people in recovery, for people in recovery.
“Staying connected to others who have walked a similar path — specifically with people who have also used a Forward Trust service — offers both practical encouragement and emotional reassurance at moments when recovery feels anything but straightforward.
“We’ve already surpassed our three-year membership target, and we’re eager to welcome even more people into the Forward Connect community — whether that’s by coming along to an event, joining a reunion, or connecting through the Forward App.”
Forward Connect brings people together through meetups, social events, Zoom groups, peer support, and our dedicated digital App that helps members stay connected no matter where they live.
Forward Connect also hosts a range of other gatherings to engage with members, including sport and art activities, as well as contributing to local initiatives that seek to give back and help local communities, as seen in the video.
In terms of Forward’s mission and strategy, Forward Connect aligns with the fourth step of Forward's Theory of Change treatment model, ‘Prosper’, demonstrating how connection and community really help people move forward in their lives.
Get involved with Forward Connect
Become a Forward Connect member
To be eligible for membership, you must be a current or previous service user of a Forward Trust service.
Find out more about Forward Connect.
Download the Forward App
All new App sign-ups will be verified for access to our peer-led digital recovery community. This is to ensure privacy, safeguarding and align with our user policy as a Forward Connect member.
Details about the Forward App and how to download
Read the Forward App Terms and Conditions
Support Forward Connect through a donation or volunteering
Forward Connect is soley-funded through philanthropy and major donors. Your support helps us run life‑changing events, activities, and peer‑support programmes.
Fundraise for Forward
Volunteer for Forward
Get in touch with Forward Connect
Send any questions about becoming a Forward Connect member, or anything else, email our Recovery Support team
